Howard A. Myrick

Born in Dawson, Georgia, to Howard and Lenora Myrick, Howard grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended Stanton High School. He was surrounded by a close-knit family of cousins who became surrogate siblings and lifelong friends. Known affectionately as “Brother Myrick,” Howard was deeply connected to his extended family and friends. He inherited his mother’s creativity and warmth, alongside his father’s quiet strength and unwavering dedication to family and community. Influenced by his father’s work ethic and his mother’s love for the arts, Howard excelled as a clarinetist and aspired to become a high school band director and music teacher. From a young age, he displayed a passion for service, teaching, and mentoring others.

Howard’s life took him across the globe through his service in the United States Army, where he worked as a Signal Corps Officer during the Vietnam War, specializing in Psychological and Political Warfare. His military career included assignments in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean, as well as positions at the Pentagon in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and the Office of Information for the Armed Forces. He also served as the Commanding Officer of the American Forces Korea Network (AFKN) under the American Forces Radio and Television Service. These experiences instilled in Howard a steadfast belief in democracy, education, and personal responsibility.

Howard earned his B.S. in Music Education from Florida A&M University and later pursued advanced degrees at the University of Southern California, where he received an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Cinema and Educational Technology. He contributed to public broadcasting as Director of the Office of Communication Research at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and as a member of the Pennsylvania Public Television Commission. Howard’s teaching career spanned the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Howard University, Clark University, and Temple University, where he served as a respected professor of Broadcast, Telecommunications, and Mass Media for 27 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus.

As a longtime resident of Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, Howard became a vital part of his community, championing arts initiatives, social justice, and local improvement projects. His compassion and dedication extended beyond his immediate surroundings to national and international causes, crossing racial and social boundaries.

In his personal life, Howard was celebrated for his passion, sharp intellect, quick wit, and generosity. In 1955, he married Roberta Bowens, and together they had two children, Keris and Kyl. Known as a walking encyclopedia, Howard was admired for his vast knowledge of history, geography, politics, and economics. He was a mentor to countless students, an advocate for social justice, and a beloved family member.

Even in his later years, while battling cardiac disease, Howard remained deeply engaged in efforts to protect democracy. He authored several books, including Surviving Toxic ‘Isms’ and Polarizing Dissent: Protecting Our Democracy, published before the January 6 insurrection, and Protect and Defend: The U.S.’ Promise and Performance (In an Age of Uncertainty), released last year.

Howard is predeceased by his parents, several cousins, and his wife, Roberta Myrick. He is survived by his children, Kyl and Keris Myrick; niece and nephews Ellen Jordan-Evans (Oliver), Jason Bowens, and Randall Bowens; extended family Kristin Jordan and Lauren Jordan (Jeff and son Sammy); cousins Michelle Pearson, John Greg Lewis, and Gary Lewis; companion Raquel Ortiz; and a multitude of loving family members and friends.

Howard A. Myrick’s life was one of service, scholarship, and steadfast commitment to others. His legacy of kindness, wisdom, and dedication will live on in the lives of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers for remembrances Howard A. Myrick, the family requests that any charitable donations be made to, FAMU Howard A. Myrick Memorial Scholarship or USC School of Cinematic Arts to the Our Voices Fund for Diversity & Inclusion or the Veterans Administration,