Howard Renames Street to Lucy Diggs Slowe Way

In honor of alumna and former Dean of Women Lucy Diggs Slowe, Howard renamed the 2400 block of 4th Street NW to Lucy Diggs Slowe Way as part of the Homecoming festivities.

Slowe made an impact on education, women’s studies, organizational development, race politics, philosophy, and sports. She graduated from Howard as class valedictorian in 1908, where she was also president and a member of the Howard University Women’s Tennis Club. She helped to transform teaching and learning wherever she worked. She created and led the district’s first junior high school while advocating for equity in higher education. Eventually, she joined the faculty at Howard University as the first dean of women in 1922.

Slowe was the first Black woman to win a national title in any major sport and became a 17-time American Tennis Association champion. Additionally, she was a founder and first president of three national organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also held leadership positions in several other national organizations.

Dean Sandra Crewe, PhD, spoke at the unveiling ceremony about Slowe’s legacy. “At the School of Social Work, we have always stood on her shoulders,” she said. “Today, we get to stand on her street.”