Howard University students discuss viral trend on the “Howard Effect”

A viral trend called “The Howard Effect” gained popularity on TikTok during the spring semester of 2024. The trend sparked a debate on social media about whether the “effect” was due to Howard University's culture or a product of self-actualization.

Howard students coined the “Howard Effect” in April, a trend in which students showcased their development from freshman year to their current status at the university to the song “Gimme Da Lite” by Lil Yachty and Southside.

Madeline Hale, a third-year journalism student from Georgia, was one of 22,800 people who posted her video with audio.

“It was super fun to participate in this trend, but it was interesting to see it evolve into something political,” Hale said.

Hale's comment section was one of many that sparked debate among users and led to response videos in which some users claimed the “Howard Effect” falsely attributed these changes to the university's culture.

“It just looks like you guys learned how to do your hair and makeup,” said user TheRealMelaninMaya. “I know we call it the Howard effect, but you guys learned, you found a really good shade, a color that matches your foundation, a really good concealer, you know how to put blush in the right places, you have all your brushes and palettes and sponges, and now you're a bad bitch.”

Hale disputed some of the comments, explaining that her transformation was due to the acceptance of the different beauty standards she discovered after arriving at Howard.

“When I came to Howard, I learned that there are different types of beauty. Being black and beautiful isn't all bad like being an IG model,” Hale said. “There are just so many different aesthetics. The trend shows how diverse the standard of beauty is at Howard.”

Jaheim Holmes, a senior political science major and sociology minor from Brooklyn, New York, is the eighth-class president of Models of the Mecca, a fashion organization that promotes inclusivity and excellence through print and runway modeling events.

Holmes, who grew up in a strict Christian upbringing, said Howard was the first place he felt he could express himself freely.

“I remember celebrating when I bought my first necklace. That's how strict my household was,” Holmes said. “I saw these other black gay guys and thought, he's wearing a crop top. My parents aren't here. I can wear that crop top too.”

Holmes said he was glad he had the opportunity to explore his style.

“Some of us know who we are, but we're just afraid to express ourselves. And I think Howard gives people the platform to do just that. That's definitely the origin of the Howard effect,” Holmes said.

Howard graduate Nadia Wong of Tampa, Florida, was creative director for Models of the Mecca's fifth and sixth classes. She said being part of the modeling organization at Howard helped her learn more about her personal aesthetic and beauty.

“I left knowing who I am and what I like to wear, what makes me feel beautiful and that I not only feel beautiful in my skin, but also feel confident in it,” said Wong. “I feel like Models of the Mecca especially helped me experiment a lot with different looks and styles.”

Sydnee Assan, a freshman broadcast journalism major from Prince George's County, Maryland, was urged to attend Howard by her classmates after noticing the trend, and it helped make the university one of their top three choices.

“Everyone knew I was interested in Howard. I got a text saying, 'Girl, you better choose Howard because the way you're going to shine in four years is going to be insane,'” Assan said.

Assan went on to say that Howard's community cannot be replicated.

“We have a community and a sense of culture that no one else can replicate,” Assan said. “I think that was a big reason why my class of 2028 chose Howard as the right choice.”

Edited by Anijah Franklin