Final answer:
Howard University, historically important as an educational institution, remains an active and vibrant contributor to both African American education and wider societal change. Its international cultural influence and ongoing intellectual leadership in dialogues on race affirm that it is more than its past legacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing whether Howard University is still living off its past legacy, it's crucial to understand the institution's historical significance and contemporary contributions. Howard was founded to educate African American clergymen and named after General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War hero and advocate for African American education. It has since become known as the national African American university due to its dedication to graduate and professional education focused on the Black experience.
Howard's role extended beyond education. It contributed significantly to societal change, with many veterans who attended HBCUs like Howard forming the backbone of the civil rights movement. This demonstrates that the university has been an active participant in shaping African American history and progress.
More recently, Howard's Gospel Choir has garnered an international reputation, symbolizing the university's ongoing cultural influence. Also, the university's active role in dialogues on race, demonstrated by scholars such as Du Bois and others, shows a continued commitment to intellectual leadership. Taken together, these elements suggest that Howard University not only has a rich legacy but remains a vibrant, active institution shaping the present and future.