Howard University student Lydia C. (Photo: AP Photo)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are no stranger to starting movements, however, this time, one of the nation’s largest predominately Black institutions is aligning itself with an existing force: the Occupy movement.
A group of Howard University alumni, students, faculty and supporters plan to lead a March for Jobs and Justice through Washington, D.C., in solidarity with the Occupy movement Friday afternoon.
The planned route will take the demonstrators from Howard’s campus to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where they will rally the agency with their message designed to bring awareness to the national employment and economic crises. The group will link up with members of Occupy D.C. in an attempt to align themselves with the Occupy movement and as some say, “brown” the Occupy crowds.
Howard University Alumni Association president Kimberly Singleton says that given the legacy of the university, Howard support of the Occupy movement is a natural fit.
“The Howard University community has always been at the forefront of social issues. It is our duty to support this coalition of alumni, students and faculty, marching in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street and D.C. This jobs issue affects all of us,” says Singleton
Following the march, organizers say that they plan to keep the momentum going with job fairs, business plan competitions, small business incubators and other initiatives to help stem the problem of high unemployment.
Tell us: Would you like to see your HBCU to join the Occupy movement?