Antwon Walkin Inaugurated as Chairman of the 15th Administration of the Howard University Student Association Senate

Historic inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter of service, responsibility, and student-centered leadership at Howard University

Antwon Walkin (right) being sworn in along with other elected members

Antwon H.F. Walkin was officially inaugurated as Chairman of the Senate of the 15th Administration of the Howard University Student Association (HUSA), assuming the responsibility of leading the legislative branch of Howard University’s student government.

The inauguration brought together students, student leaders, alumni, family, friends, and members of the Howard community to witness the formal transition of Senate leadership and the beginning of the Fifteenth Administration.

The occasion also marked a historic milestone, with Walkin becoming the first son of the Turks and Caicos Islands and first of the Caribbean Region’s citizens to serve as Chairman of the HUSA Senate.

Following his inauguration, Chairman Walkin delivered a powerful address that spoke to the hearts of students and alumni alike, offering a candid reflection on the realities of leadership, the sacrifices demanded by service, and the responsibility leaders carry to ensure that no member of their community is forgotten.

“Leadership demands that, from time to time, we surrender the privilege of placing ourselves first. It asks us to give away our time, our comfort, our convenience, and often our recognition. But leadership should never require us to surrender our character.”

Walkin placed his inauguration within the broader history of the HUSA Senate, noting that the institution traces its current legislative structure to the March 1, 2011 student referendum that amended the HUSA Constitution. Fourteen administrations later, he challenged the Fifteenth Administration to understand that inheriting leadership also means inheriting an obligation to leave Howard stronger than they found it.

“This inauguration is more than the passing of a gavel,” Walkin declared. “It is the passing of a responsibility entrusted to every generation of Howard students: to leave this institution stronger than we found it.”

At the center of the Chairman’s address was a simple but consequential question: “What about us?”

Walkin reflected on the experiences of students who may feel unseen within the University—from first-generation and international students to those facing financial hardship or circumstances that threaten their ability to complete their Howard education. He argued that the true measure of institutional excellence cannot simply be the achievements Howard celebrates, but must also include those whom the University refuses to leave behind.

“Excellence is not measured solely by the achievements we celebrate. Excellence is measured by the people we refuse to leave behind.”

He further challenged traditional understandings of representation, declaring that holding office alone is insufficient if students do not feel recognized, accepted, and served.

“Representation without recognition is symbolism. Representation without acceptance is performative.”

Antwon Walkin delivering his address

Looking toward the work of the Fifteenth Administration, Walkin called upon senators to measure their success not simply by legislative output, but by tangible impact on the lives of Howard students.

“What if this Administration was measured not by the resolutions we passed, but by the students we reached—not by our applause, but by our impact?” he asked.

While acknowledging the historic significance of his own election, Walkin emphasized that being first must never become the final objective.

“Representation opened the door. Responsibility called us through it. Legacy will be determined by what we build together once we have entered.”

His address ultimately issued a broader call to service—not only to those taking the oath of office, but to every member of the Howard community. Drawing upon the biblical principle of looking beyond one’s own interests toward the interests of others, Walkin argued that leadership is ultimately defined by what individuals are prepared to give for the benefit of their community.

Addressing the newly inaugurated senators directly, he reminded them that the true test of their commitment would come not during moments of recognition, but when service becomes difficult.

“There will come a day when serving becomes inconvenient. There will come a day when criticism outweighs applause. There will come a day when nobody thanks you. On that day… remember why you ran. For Every Bison.”

Chairman Walkin concluded his inaugural address by looking beyond titles, legislation, and individual recognition toward the legacy the Fifteenth Administration hopes to leave behind.

“History may remember who held this office. Howard will remember what we did with it,” Walkin said. “So let us move… FOR EVERY BISON. Into responsibility. Into service. Into legacy.”

With the inauguration complete, Chairman Walkin and the Senate of the Fifteenth Administration now begin their term with a charge centered on service, accountability, inclusion, and ensuring that the voices and experiences of Howard students remain at the heart of the legislative process.