Let's Talk About It...Howard University Protest (Keeping Up Talks to Leader of the Movement)

(photo taken by @thisis_Ryan on twitter)

Over 300 Howard University students gather outside of their Administration building today protesting against HU administration and their policies. Last night students say a text message was sent out telling students to wear all black and join the protest. Facebook messages were also sent out informing students of the "changes" that need to be made.

Students claim to be protesting many different issues that they are facing as students at HU; a major issue being lack of financial aid and students still not being validated for classes. Students held up signs saying, "We need money," "We need housing," "Enough is Enough," "We need Change".

Junior, Advertising Major, Kristopher Owens, is said to be the leader of this movement. "Keeping Up" was able to talk to him briefly about what sparked this protest. He explains to us that it started with his own "Administration Building" experience. Early this year Owens attempts to go get his information processed in the Administration Building when he is told that he must make an appointment, and could not get one until September 9th, when classes started over a week ago. One day he was sitting in his class and decided "enough is enough". He decided to text everyone in his phone book to suggest that they stand up for their rights as students at Howard.

Owens received an overwhelming response, and before he knew it everyone wanted to be involved. He was contacted by some of the major student organizations on campus that said they wanted to play a large part in the movement also. They all felt that it wasn't fair that some students have been out of classes for two weeks now because they cannot get validated for various reasons.

Owens explains that a major issue they want addressed is making the validation process paperless. They would like for students to be able to do everything online, and not have to visit the Administration building unless it is something major.

Kristopher Owens let's "Keeping Up" know that he simply wanted to see real "change" made and show Howard they won't tolerate the slow process of getting students validated, or any other unfair treatment towards students.

Kristopher you really did something great here. You got the attention of ABC, CNN, Wall Street Journal, local blogs, twitter, student government, Divine Nine, Law School students, over 300 other students, and hopefully Howard University Administration is now paying attention.

-Keep Up!