By John W Davis II, JD
Washington, D.C. – For over a century, Howard University has been a beacon of intellectual excellence and social impact, thanks in large part to its storied debate team. From its humble beginnings in 1906 to Kamala Harris, the team has carved out a remarkable legacy, influencing not only national debates but also shaping the careers of some of the most significant figures in American history.
When Kamala Harris entered Howard University in 1982, she embarked on a transformative journey that would significantly shape her future. As someone who witnessed this pivotal time, I’ve delved deeply into the history of Howard’s debate team and campus life, uncovering how these formative years may have influenced Harris’s development. My journey of research began over 20 years ago when I returned as the debate coach. Through extensive study in the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, interviews with luminaries, and collaboration with top debate coaches, I’ve gathered insights into the profound impact of Howard’s debate legacy, and how that legacy likely impacted Harris’s early growth.
Kamala Harris’s Freshman Year: A Journey of Growth
Kamala Harris’s arrival at Howard was marked by a vibrant campus atmosphere. As I reflected on my time as debate team captain, the presence of Harris was serendipitous. The campus buzzed with energy and purpose, and the debate team, under Coach Albert Wynn, was gearing up for another competitive season. Wynn, who had brought a touch of “Big College” experience from the University of Pittsburgh, played a crucial role in shaping our team’s contemporary legacy.
Our debate philosophy, characterized by a “ground and pound” approach, emphasized delivering evidence-based arguments with speed and precision. This rigorous training was not just about winning debates but about overcoming the systemic challenges faced by Black debaters in predominantly white arenas.
In 1978, during a tournament trip to Morgantown, West Virginia, our team encountered a revealing moment of racial history. Passing a sign that read “Negro Mountain,” we were reminded of the barriers we faced in our pursuit of respect on the debate circuit. This experience underscored the challenges we faced and the resilience required to excel. Howard was the only HBCU in the Eastern division and our competition included Harvard, Columbia, Navy, Georgetown, George Mason, UVA and Emory, to name a few.
Harris’s entry into this competitive environment was both exciting and challenging. I was on the varsity team when Harris joined the novice team. She faced tough competition from within our own ranks, and I recall moments of intense debate where her skills were honed and her resilience tested. Lita Rosario, a key mentor on the varsity team, played a significant role in guiding Harris through these challenges. Lita’s mentorship was vital in helping Harris refine her skills and build confidence, smoothing over initial struggles with the intense debates.
The varsity debate team was a close-knit group of passionate individuals, including notable figures such as Sterling Henry, Jr., Walter Woods, Lita Rosario, Bob Walters, Aziz Ahmed, and myself. Each member brought unique strengths to the team, contributing to an environment of intense intellectual exchange and personal growth.
A Legacy Shaping a Leader
Reflecting on her time at Howard, Kamala Harris has said, “I became an adult at Howard University. It very directly influenced and reinforced—equally important—my sense of being and meaning and reasons for being.” Her freshman year was not just about academic achievement but about deep personal and intellectual growth. The experiences she gained during this time were integral in shaping her sense of purpose and identity.
Harris’s journey from a freshman debater to a prominent leader illustrates the profound impact of Howard’s debate legacy on shaping influential figures. Her time at Howard was marked by a commitment to excellence and resilience, qualities that have continued to define her career. The debates, challenges, and mentorship she encountered laid the foundation for her future achievements and ongoing influence in American politics.
The Historical Impact of Debate on Leadership and Society
Debate has long been a vital tool in shaping American thought and leadership, with its roots tracing back over 4,000 years to ancient Africa, where eloquence and discourse were integral to governance and social structure. From Egyptian princes discussing agricultural policy to African chiefs using speech to maintain order, the importance of debate as a means of leadership and societal influence is deeply embedded in African traditions.
In the United States, debate has played a pivotal role in molding leaders and influencing public discourse. Colonial colleges required disputations as part of their curriculum, and early American leaders often honed their rhetorical skills through these debates. The legacy continued through secret debating societies among enslaved and free Africans, who used debate as a means of intellectual empowerment and resistance. During the Reconstruction era, prominent figures like Reverend Cornelius Saunders Lucas and Paul Lawrence Dunbar further exemplified how debate and oratory contributed to their prominence and societal impact.
Howard University’s debate team, deeply rooted in this tradition, has produced influential leaders such as Kamala Harris, Andrew Young, and Donald McHenry. The team’s success in national competitions and its commitment to engaging with pressing policy issues reflect a broader historical narrative where debate serves as a crucible for developing leadership and effecting change. Historical debate topics, such as increasing foreign military commitments or curtailing labor union power, highlight the role of debate in addressing and shaping national policy.
The enduring influence of debate is illustrated by the powerful words and speeches that have defined American history. As Sen. Barack Obama aptly pointed out, words matter profoundly. From Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s reassurance during the Great Depression, debate and rhetoric have driven critical societal shifts. This historical continuum underscores the impact of debate on both individual leaders and the broader trajectory of American history.
A Tradition of Debate at Howard University: From 1906 to Kamala Harris
The African American debate tradition at Howard University began in earnest in the early 20th century, as a burgeoning network of HBCUs started formalizing competitive debating. At the turn of the century, African American institutions were largely isolated from traditionally white universities, but Howard University led the way in creating a vibrant debating culture.
By 1906, Howard had established itself as a leading institution in debate. Mary Church Terrell, a trailblazing activist and educator, highlighted the significance of debates, noting a 1906 contest where debates on racial issues influenced legislation. Howard’s early debating teams competed against Shaw University in 1908, marking the start of a tradition of rigorous competition that continued for decades.
Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Howard’s debate teams regularly competed with other HBCUs, tackling contemporary issues such as women’s suffrage and government policies. The establishment of the Kappa Sigma Debating Society in 1922 and the Forum Debating Society for women in 1919 further solidified Howard’s commitment to debate, fostering future leaders and skilled orators.
The 1930s saw notable figures like Bayard Rustin and James Farmer, Jr., who would become prominent civil rights leaders, honing their debating skills at HBCUs. Wiley College’s 1935 victory over USC was a significant milestone, and Howard’s own team, featuring Carlton Bl Goodlett and Leroy Weeks, competed against Wiley during this period.
Debate formats evolved through the 1920s to the 1940s, with the introduction of tournament debating and the rise of national debate competitions. Malcolm X, a formidable debater, engaged in numerous public debates, including a notable one at Howard in 1960.
Howard University’s debating legacy continued to grow, with alumni like Andrew Young and Barbara Jordan making significant impacts in public service and politics. By the 1950s, the debate culture had become an integral part of Howard’s identity, influencing future generations and setting a high standard for excellence.
1950s and 1960s: Civil Rights and National Impact
Howard University’s debate team emerged as a formidable force in the 1950s. Under the leadership of Coach Thomas Dorsey, the team began to gain national recognition. The 1950s were marked by spirited debates on critical issues such as civil rights and American foreign policy. Howard’s team excelled in these discussions, often facing off against Ivy League institutions and other prestigious universities. Notable debates from this era included arguments on segregation and the United States’ role in global conflicts, which reflected the turbulent socio-political climate of the time.
The 1960s were a pivotal decade for Howard University’s debate team, coinciding with the height of the civil rights movement and major social upheaval. Under Coach Charles Drew, the team engaged in debates that addressed the core issues of the era, including racial integration, social justice, and the role of the United States in global affairs. These debates were not just academic exercises but were deeply intertwined with the social movements of the time.
Influential figures such as Thurgood Marshall, who would later become a Supreme Court Justice, were involved with Howard University and provided crucial mentorship. Marshall’s involvement at Howard’s Law School helped shape the team’s approach to debating civil rights and justice issues, reinforcing Howard’s role as a center for progressive thought. The team’s debates became a platform for discussing and advocating for societal change, aligning with the broader struggle for civil rights and equality.
By the 1970s, Howard University’s debate team had cemented its reputation as a national powerhouse. During the years that I was team Captain, the team achieved remarkable success in national tournaments and debate championships. The focus during this period included complex issues such as U.S. economic policies, Cold War diplomacy, and emerging global conflicts. The team’s success was attributed to its strategic approach, thorough research, and innovative arguments. The combination of fearless coaching, strong team performances and rigorous preparation resulted in a series of big wins that enhanced Howard’s national reputation.
A Debater’s Epilogue
Formal debates offered Black students a platform to demonstrate their intellectual prowess and prepared them for leadership roles in various facets of American life. These debates were instrumental in training generations of Black leaders who have contributed significantly to movements like the civil rights era and beyond. The educational benefits of debating extend far beyond the immediate context of argumentation. Studies comparing debate knowledge to master’s research and dissertations have affirmed that the depth of understanding gained in debate is comparable to advanced academic research. The educational value is so substantial that the debate program’s existence is justified on this basis alone, aside from the myriad other skills it fosters, such as critical thinking, public speaking, and career development.
Debaters often dedicate 20 to 30 hours a week to preparation, and this was certainly true for Howard’s team. Preparation for debates begins in June with the announcement of the national topic and concludes with the tournament in April. Before the advent of laptops, a two-person team would manage 4-7 large filing tubs filled with research briefs by season’s end.
Being at Howard University in the nation’s capital provided a distinct advantage. The city’s libraries and federal agencies offered invaluable resources not available elsewhere. In the pre-internet era, research involved sifting through vast amounts of information to find critical data, and Washington, D.C. was a treasure trove of expertise. Public servants and policy experts were often eager to share their insights, which we eagerly integrated into our arguments, giving us a unique edge in competitions.
Research depth in debate is unparalleled, with teams aiming to review every piece of published material on a topic. Students typically read 250-300 books each season, approaching the subject from various disciplinary perspectives. Debates often incorporate arguments and evidence from political science, sociology, philosophy, history, sciences, and law.
Notable former debaters in American political life, including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Thurgood Marshall, underscore the significance of debate in shaping influential leaders. Kamala Harris’s involvement in debate continues this tradition, reflecting the profound impact of debate on shaping public figures.
“Be Careful, This Lady Can Debate!”
Kamala’s story highlights the impact of education, community, and shared experiences. Her time at Howard University, enriched by her background and the dynamic environment, has paved the way for her to become a leading national voice. Her reflection on Howard as “one of the most important aspects of [her] life” resonates deeply with me.
Kamala’s journey from Howard to the national stage is a testament to the formative power of her experiences. The debates, student government successes, and intellectual engagements were crucial in honing her leadership skills. As we look ahead, it is clear that her foundation was built on the rich and transformative experiences of her time at Howard University.
Through my extensive research into Howard University’s debate program, I believe this environment profoundly shaped Kamala Harris’s growth and development. Her time at Howard was more than just an academic experience; it was a transformative journey that played a critical role in her evolution as a leader and advocate.
At Howard, Harris was immersed in an atmosphere of intellectual rigor and critical thinking. The demanding nature of the debate training challenged her to sharpen her analytical skills and deepen her understanding of complex issues. This rigorous environment was not merely academic; it was a forge that refined her ability to argue persuasively and think critically, skills that would become foundational in her career in law and politics.
The dynamic and competitive debates at Howard also fostered in Harris essential qualities of leadership and resilience. Engaging in high-stakes debates, often against formidable opponents, allowed her to develop confidence and a strategic mindset. Working alongside mentors like myself and Lita Rosario, Harris navigated the pressures of debate, honing her leadership abilities and learning to persevere through challenges.
Moreover, Howard’s commitment to community engagement and advocacy significantly influenced Harris’s dedication to public service. The opportunity to participate in public debates and discussions on current events demonstrated Howard’s broader mission of impacting societal issues. This exposure reinforced Harris’s own commitment to addressing social justice and advocating for change.
Finally, being part of Howard’s rich legacy of debate and intellectual engagement embedded Harris in a tradition of excellence and resilience. This cultural and historical context was crucial in shaping her sense of purpose and identity, grounding her in a tradition that would influence her approach to leadership throughout her career.
Debate at Howard University has been a powerful crucible, shaping leaders like Kamala Harris and guiding their journey toward impactful change. As we reflect on its legacy, we recognize how the rigorous discourse that once nurtured her development now continues to inspire a more just and thoughtful future for all.