Instagram/@jussiesmollett
Jussie gave a State of the Moment whirlwind of events about his recent trip to DC. It ranged from screenings to late-night Slurpee runs. With legal troubles out in the open recently, the actor/singer has certainly kept a low profile. He indeed gave a glib wink to future studies while basking in the love of the community at Howard.
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The Smollett account had a few posts chronologically detailing his DC excursions: first Howard—where he teased that it might be his “future Alma Mater”—followed this up by screening his film B-Boy Blues at the DC LGBTQ+ Queer Film Festival alongside his co-director James Hardy, and then awesomely screamed out to the school in the old-school chant: “H-U! U KNOW!”; the post itself practically erupted with Smollett’s energy, calling forth the energy of the crowd and the pride of being able to call themselves Bison.
However, he had a lot more in store. The rounded-about excursion was a nonstop celebration of Black and queer joy. The actor took in the play We Are Gathered at Arena Stage while meeting with friends, also co-hosted a radio show-like segment, and surely sneaked in a 3-mile run to the White House, joking, “ain’t let me in.” Classic Smollett.
Comments? All love. One recalled giving him a tour of Blackburn Center and said, “I was so proud you chose me. I still owe you a Howard sweatshirt.” Smollett answered: “The best times.” Others, who were Howard alumni, were all over his shirt (a pride-themed Howard tee) and were immediately begging for a lead on where to find one.
Then there were those who just missed him—like, “Omggg u were in dc😭💔,” another demanding a brunch meeting. The vibes, all around, were love with no drama; there was a lot of “Come back soon” energy. His visit to Thurst Lounge, DC’s only Black-owned gay club, also got mentioned as a highlight—alongside his 7-11 Slurpee run.
Smollett’s trip was a little more than an ego trip; it felt like re-connecting. With multiple film screenings, Howard love, late-night escapades, there’s no question in my mind that he stays very rooted to Black and queer creative circles. And if that “future Alma Mater” tip is solid, that means Howard may have snatched up one of its most globally recognized students recently.
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Still, he is on the move- literally. I mean, three miles to the White House and still having the energy to grab a Slurpee? That’s some major unstoppable energy right there.