Howard University Bison: A Legacy Etched in Indigo, Red, and White
Howard University, a private, historically Black, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., boasts a rich history and a vibrant athletic program. Its athletic teams, known as the Howard Bison, are a source of pride and a symbol of strength for the university community. The evolution of the Howard Bison logo reflects the university's journey, its traditions, and its commitment to excellence.
The Significance of Colors and Mascot
Why does Howard "bleed blue?" The university's colors - indigo blue, red, and white - are not arbitrary. They directly correspond to the colors of the American flag, subtly reflecting the university's founding in the wake of the American Civil War and its commitment to the nation's ideals. While blue and white were used as athletic colors from at least 1882, red was later added as an accent color. There was a time when the shade of blue used by the University was initially lighter than the current indigo, leading to a need for uniformity in the use of color.
Just as its legacy suggests, Howard University, living up to its reputation of uniqueness, has a Bison as its mascot. Legend has it that in 1892, when Howard started its first athletic program, the students wanted to form a football team for competition but did not have uniforms. Someone at Howard became aware of the situation and reached out to a colleague who she knew at Harvard.
The name "Bison" itself carries historical weight. After the Civil War, a troop of colored soldiers were admired by the Native Americans for their fighting spirit and resolve, and tabbed them “Buffalo” after this revered symbol. In addition, Morrison, who had served as a sergeant in the Army, aspired to the symbol. Legend has it that he decided to call the Howard team after the American version: the bison.
A Visual History: Evolution of the Howard Bison Logo
The Howard Bison logo has undergone several transformations throughout the university's history, each reflecting the spirit of its time.
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The Early Years (1948-1974): A Creepy Beginning
The initial logo, designed in 1948, featured a somewhat unsettling image of a bison standing vertically, leaning against a massive serif "H" in solid blue. The animal's indifferent expression contributed to the logo's peculiar aesthetic. Despite its unusual design, this logo remained in use for over two decades, a testament to its initial acceptance and enduring appeal.
The Charging Bison (1974-2015): A Symbol of Power
In 1974, a new logo was adopted, showcasing a large, dark blue bison in motion. The creature was depicted moving to the right, with an elongated red shape overlaying its body. This design conveyed a sense of power and dynamism, reflecting the university's growing athletic prowess.
The Modern Era (2015-Present): A Focus on Emotion
In 2014, the university began the development of a new logo, using a process that engaged all stakeholders in the Howard community. In January 2015, the University solicited input from students, faculty, staff and alumni via social media, asking, “What makes you a Bison?” using the #OurNewBison campaign. Chief Brand Strategy, the firm chosen to direct the process, incorporated those ideas in developing a set of draft designs. Then, focus groups were convened to narrow down the options. The new logo, unveiled in 2015, represents a significant departure from its predecessors. Focusing solely on the bison's muzzle, the updated design aims to evoke a stronger emotional connection. The word “Howard” is written in small red letters. “Bison,” on the contrary, is immediately noticeable due to the original font with horn-like serifs and diagonal strokes in the middle of “B,” “S,” and “N.”
A Matter of Ownership: The Bison vs. The Bills
The Howard Bison logo once bore a striking resemblance to the logo of the Buffalo Bills, a professional football team in the NFL. A scroll at the top of each page in The Bison yearbook. Over the years, the logo itself evolved, went through some changes in terms of its design, but the name Bison stuck. “I was a member of the Howard football team and it was my sophomore year,” recalls John Dupree, a retired graphic artist. “I designed the charging Bison as a logo. It caught on and everyone liked it. A couple of years later, the Buffalo Bills of the NFL came up with a similar logo. Eventually, somehow the Bills notified the then-athletics director, (the late) Leo Miles that Howard would have give up the logo or face a lawsuit. Today, only the Bills use the logo, as they claimed ownership and prompted the Bison to change theirs in 2014.
According to Dupree, he designed the charging Bison logo during his time as a student. However, the NFL recognized the future value of logos and trademarks, while universities did not prioritize trademarking their symbols. The university knew that they had an agreement with the owner of the Bills. “When the university proved that it was designed by Dupree, the Bills and that owner said, ‘Go ahead and use it,’” he said.
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“The legendary Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp, also known as Congressman Jack Kemp, was a member of Howard University’s Board of Trustees. “It was originally my idea to have a charging Bison. Ultimately, Howard University chose to redesign its logo to avoid any potential legal disputes.
The Howard Bison in Action: A Legacy of Athletic Achievement
The Howard Bison athletic program has a long and storied history, marked by numerous accomplishments across various sports. The teams participate in various conferences depending on the sport: CCSA, SWAC, Sun Belt, ASUN, and MEAC. All teams compete in NCAA Division I and face opponents from Hampton University.
Football: A Tradition of Excellence
The Howard Bison football team has consistently demonstrated excellence, winning multiple conference championships and establishing a strong presence in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). In 1920, the football program moved up to the varsity level. Under the direction of head coach and dentist Edward Morrison (DDS ’20), Howard went on to become undefeated, untied and unscored upon setting the stage for the future. They’re Part of a Big HBCU: Howard is one of the top historically black colleges in the US. Their sports teams show how good athletes from these schools can be.
Basketball: Moments of Triumph
Both the men's and women's basketball teams have experienced moments of triumph, participating in NCAA tournaments and earning recognition for their skills and competitiveness. The men’s basketball team of Howard University has participated in the NCAA Tournament on two occasions. They have appeared in the Division I College Basketball Invitational one time. The women’s basketball team has won ten MEAC tournaments and participated in the WNIT twice. The men’s team has won the regular-season conference championship four times, the conference tournament championship three times participated in the NCAA tournament twice, and once in the CBI.
Track and Field: Champions on the National Stage
The track and field team has produced numerous world-class athletes, contributing significantly to the Bison's legacy through exceptional performances in national and international competitions. Howard has produced many champions and Olympic athletes in track and field, both men’s and women’s.
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Soccer: A Historic Victory
Howard University acquired a football program in 1965. The current coach is Phillip Gyau. Howard’s men’s soccer team won big championships in 1971 and 1974. They were the first team from an HBCU to win a big national championship. Even though there was an issue with the 1971 win, it’s still a huge deal.
More Than Just Sports: The Howard Bison Legacy
The Howard Bison athletic program is more than just a collection of sports teams; it is an integral part of the university's identity. The teams are known for their competitive spirit and are respected in collegiate athletics. Howard is one of the top historically black colleges in the US. Their sports teams show how good athletes from these schools can be. The Howard Bison represents an assembly of 21 student teams from Howard University in Washington, D.C. This athletic department is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, representing it within the NCAA Division I. Among the most renowned teams are the football and basketball teams.
Howard also ensures their athletes do well in school. Many have won academic awards and gone on to have great careers. The athletes also spend time helping in the community, which is important to Howard.
Howard’s teams are about more than just winning games. They’re important to the African American community and add to the history of HBCUs in sports. The Howard Bison are all about being great in sports, doing well in school, and helping out.
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