Historically Black Colleges and Universities

When I was younger, I think I was nine years old, I told my parents I wanted to be a lawyer. Ever since then, I knew that’s what my career was going to be. I always told myself that I would go to Duke, then at some point I changed it to Harvard without really knowing anything about those schools. Now that I’m thinking about it, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up! I remember one night I was watching 106 & Park on BET, all while on the phone with a friend who was probably watching the same thing as me. After 106 & Park went off, a football game came on and I thought it was strange because it wasn’t the sports channel.

I was intrigued because everyone was African American, so I’m pretty sure that was the day I started watching football. I couldn’t wait for the games to come on. I think this is also when I decided I wanted to be in the marching band in high school. The band was a major seller for me, and that’s when I changed my mind about going to a Predominately White Institution (PWI). I went to Fayetteville State University (FSU), and it completely changed my life so thanks BET. At that point I had my mind set on North Carolina Central University (NCCU), but when the time came, I was down to two choices FSU and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). My parents told me that ECSU was too far, so I ended up going to FSU. I don’t even think I applied to NCCU (shrugs shoulders).

I was offered a full ride to ECSU, and a small scholarship through a program with FSU called CHEER. Now that I have student loans, a full ride would’ve been nice right about now! I was excited and nervous to start college, but I was on the right track to adulting. I knew that FSU was a HBCU, so I knew there would be people there that looked like me but DAMN! We pulled up and the only people I saw were people who looked like me, I turned to look at my Mom and I said, “You’re not leaving me here”.  

There was orientation and testing that had to be done, so we proceeded to this computer lab and I noticed this girl that had a nice purse. At that time, I was really big into purses and I was nudging my Mom telling her how much I liked it. She’s then encouraging me to speak to this girl, and compliment her but you know I was too scared. We went in, took the test, and right before we were leaving as we got up I looked at her and said ” I really like your bag”.

We’ve been friends ever since! Ellen I love you girl. Everyone has a little click that they hang out with, and mine included seven girls. I would mention their names, but that’s a lot of people. Shout out to Leslie, I don’t think she’ll mind ( I hope not). Attending an HBCU was the best decision I’ve ever made. I found amazing forever friends, and even though I don’t talk to them everyday I’m forever grateful. On December 5, 2019 the Senate passed the bill to fund Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI). MSI’s are to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI), and Predominately Black Institutions (PBI). The bill is known as the FUTURE Act ( Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education). The bill is providing all MSI with $255 Million annually, but HBCU’s will be provided with $85 million annually.

While I was in college, the dorms that we stayed in were decent but there was work that needed to be done. I remember when Bennett College, which is an all girls HBCU was on the verge of losing their accreditation due to financial issues. Had that school lost their accreditation, that would’ve left a lot of students in a bind. Considering they choose an all girls school, that doesn’t leave them with too many options as a replacement school. Everyone chooses their college for a reason.. The education that is provided at HBCU’s is a vital part of the AA community. I learned things about myself and culture, that I know I wouldn’t have learned going to PWI.

As an African American woman, I feel as though I have to present a false sense of myself just to make it through the day. That’s not fair to me! Going to an HBCU is the only place that we can completely be ourselves. FSU was almost a judgement free zone, minus the usual drama. When you go to class, the professors teach you your basic curriculum. Yet, you also get a taste of how life will be in a professional environment as an AA. Potentially, the only African American in your office.

There was always events and clubs that we could join, and the representation of the group always looked like me. It’s important to be able to see a representation of yourself. Our HBCU’s are a legacy that our ancestors left for us, we have to keep this legacy alive for the future of the black community. This bill that was passed by the Senate, will ensure that our HBCU’s will be funded. I strongly encourage everyone to come through with the donations for your local HBCU’s. Yes, the annual money from the government will help, but some schools have so much work that needs to be done the donations will continue to be needed.

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this bill possible. Thank you for securing funding for all current, future, and alumni of all HBCU’s. This year for homecoming, make sure y’all show up, show out, and donate.