When asked why I would chose to attend a Historically Black College or University, my first thought is, “Because I’m black.” Some would argue this response is not good enough, but I mean, you wouldn’t ask a Christian why he/she attends church, or ask a person why they took their Acura to get serviced at the Acura service shop would do? The better question would be, “Why do you love your HBCU?”
Since this is a touchy subject to some, I would like to put out a disclaimer. This post is not at all an attack on institutions that do not categorize as HBCU. Unlike alot of you, I know how to support my opinion without demonizing another. HBCUs were founded in order to educate African Americans when they were denied the opportunity to get an education anywhere else. Still today, HBCUs serve as one of the most assured ways for African Americans to receive a quality education. Those are the facts.
HBCUs have a history of producing some of the best of everything. Celebrities such as Spike Lee, Erykah Badu, Debbie Allen, Walle, Lionel Richie, Lance Gross, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel Jackson and Oprah Winfrey all attended HBCUs. HBCUs helped produced famous politicians such as Thurgood Marshall, Norma Johnson, Rolland Burris and Tanya Pratt. And these institutions definitely had a huge impact on well known civil rights activist such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Ralph David, Abernathy, Booker T. Washington, and one of my personal favorites, Ms. Marian Wright Edelman, graduate of the US news ranked #1 HBCU, Spelman College. Although the impact of historically black colleges had on the nation in the past was phenomenal, I know the future impact will be even greater.
I recently founded an organization catered to high school students in my hometown. The goal is to encourage students to apply to and attend the institutions of their choice. I try to stress that, when we invest our time and money, we are not just paying for a degree. The reality is, when choosing a college or university; we are investing in an experience - an extremely impactful experience.
Thinking about my experiences so far at my HBCU, there are three things I think are worth considering when choosing a college.
1.Who I am surrounded by:
I found great comfort in knowing that the school I would attend was accepting me because they saw my potential, not because I would help them meet a quota. I am surrounded by people who hold a variety of leadership positions, and most of them look like me. My professors and colleagues are not afraid to put me in my place. I am not shielded from the ugly truth.The fact that we share a unique similarity allows us to not only be empathetic towards each other, but to also be each others best critics. They are assessable, providing me with multiple role models. I benefit by being continuously poured into by people, and in return, I am able to pour into others.
2.What I am proud of:
While doing some research, I found one thing very common amongst HBCUs. Within their core values, they each share the vision to to produce not just leaders, but leaders that serve. This is a direct reflection of the adage "love thy neighbor as thyself." At my particular HBCU, caring for one another is almost an unavoidable act. An act that is often neglected in ordinary academic settings. My mother will probably be a little upset at me for saying this, but my degree is not the thing I will be most proud of when I graduate. Honestly, I will be most proud of the women next to me. I have been conditioned to remember that above all, investing in, supporting, and loving others is most important. It is not possible to be successful by myself.
3.Lessons learned:
When speaking about my college to those who do not attend an HBCU, I usually hear this response: "HBCU's don't give you a taste of the real world." That statement would suggest that black people are not part of the "real world."
Attending a historically black college has taught me that I was not created to fit in. I was created to make my own space, a space where I am not confined or asked to conform.
I didn't choose to go to an HBCU to avoid the "real world." I chose to attend an HBCU because it affirms who I am - spiritually, culturally and intellectually - and encourages me in my belief that I can change the world.
Imagine this. You are given the opportunity to choose between a nice suit off of the clothing rack, or a suit made specifically for you. Which would you chose? I chose the tailored suit.
