 The founders of Howard Law recognized "a great need to train lawyers who would have a strong commitment to helping black Americans secure and protect their newly established rights" during the country's tumultuous Reconstruction era.The first class consisted of six students who met three evenings a week in the homes and offices of the department's four teachers.Classes were held in various locations throughout the years before the law school settled into its current location at 2900 Van Ness Street N.W.