Should Howard University’s campus be open to everyone? / Getty Images By Bridgette Bartlett Royall ·Updated March 10, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

H-U! You know!Howard University, often referred to as The Real H-U (We don’t want any smoke, Hampton.), has become the topic of a heated debate across social media. A White content creator who goes by Your Buddy Gus on Instagram, recently posted a reel of content shot on the popular HBCU campus in the NorthWest section of Washington, D.C.

“Gus”, a young blonde male who regularly posts fitness videos, has caused an online stir and both Howard University students and alumni are torn on whether his HU content is offensive or insensitive. Gus is especially known for his outdoor fitness vlogs, specifically running and jogging content, throughout the nation’s capital. On February 26, he posted a video compilation of content shot throughout Howard University. The comprehensive campus reel was executed tastefully, showcasing popular destinations on the yard including Divine 9 plots and the buildings where the school’s legendary Hilltop and WHUT headquarters live. He ended the video with a lovely signoff of, Gorgeous Campus! The kicker? The accompanying music was a classic Go-Go tune by Chuck Brown, Hey Go Go Mickey (Live). Gus, at least appeared to be, thoughtful and intentional from conception to completion.

Some social viewers were not too fond of the reel, however. It seemingly gave colonizer vibes to many of those who criticized it. There are arguments that Howard, and any HBCU campus, should remain safe spaces. Clashes such as these might be a direct result of the city’s growing gentrification in a destination once known as Chocolate City. Previous incidents in Washington, D.C., like those related to White newcomers to the city leisurely walking their dogs on a sacred Howard University lawn, offer additional context as to why there might have been to apprehension the reel Gus recorded and posted.

As we dig further, much deeply rooted historical context surfaces. For example, on the campus of another HBCU, Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, the Ku Klux Klan repeatedly terrorized the school community with threats to burn down dormitories and other violent, racially motivated attacks. This is merely one of countless such horrific stories. In fact, HBCUs have faced a long history of intimidation and violence from the Ku Klux Klan and other White supremacist groups, ranging from Reconstruction-era opposition to modern-day bomb threats.

On the other side of the coin, many proud Howard alumni and current students have no issue with the reel Gus posted and some are even in support of it. One commenter offered this enlightening point of view on Instagram, “He didn’t hurt anybody or anything but merely highlighted some of the great things that make HU a historic treasure not only for DC but for the United States and the world.” Another commenter and Howard graduate shared similar sentiments. “Bison pride through and through but let’s save these reads for the yts who disrespect our campus. Not only are our streets not ‘private’ but he is showing love and appreciation.”

In response to the backlash, Gus posted an apology roughly a week or so after the one in question with this caption: “To the Howard community, I apologize for my insensitivity. It won’t happen again, and I hope you can forgive me.” His apology has more than six thousand likes (and counting). Is this enough? Was his apology even necessary in the first place? And how does the reel Gus posted that has stirred up so much robust debate differ from the content of the self-proclaimed HBCU advocate and White ally, GW Sedberry, Jr. who has more than half a million followers on Instagram and regularly films content at HBCUs across the country?

The bottom line: There is nuance here. This incident has ignited passionate dialogue surrounding HBCU culture, Black legacy, gentrification and more. Both sides raise valid points. Let’s continue to have these types of respectful and healthy exchanges about our rich and layered culture. We can agree to disagree. In the meantime, turn up the Rare Essence, pass the Mumbo Sauce and let’s make a date to all meet up and have fun at HBCU Howard University

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Author: Bridgette Bartlett

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