Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser walked into Howard University commencement with an honorary degree waiting for her. She left with boos, chants and a moment that quickly became bigger than the speech itself.
Bowser delivered the keynote address at Howard University’s 158th Commencement Convocation on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The university also awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Howard conferred more than 3,100 degrees during the ceremony on The Yard. But the moment took a sharp turn.Many students booed the DC Mayor during her address. Some also broke into “Free DC” chants as the outgoing mayor spoke. The reaction came months after Bowser announced she would not seek a fourth term as mayor of Washington, DC.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser centers her own transition
Bowser’s speech leaned heavily into her own political exit.“People have struggled to describe what it means for mayor to forgo another election,” Bowser said. “Another term. Another four years in power.”She then addressed questions about her future.“People have asked me if I’m retiring, resting, or quitting or running for some other office. And the answer is no, no and…..