I've been thinking recently on the importance of my Spelman education. More specifically, what it means to (and for) those around me, to those who have preceded me, and to those who will come after me. These thoughts primarily stem from the recent discussions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) versus Predominately White Institution's (PWI's). In these conversations, many have debated the importance of HBCU's, the level of education students receive at HBCU's vs. at that of PWI's, as well as the experience each type of institution provides.
A ride with an Lyft driver recently confirmed something that I have been pondering for a while. She said to me something to the effect of, " We ask how you like Spelman because we're proud of you. We're so happy for you!" That statement re-affirmed to me, that I am not doing this for myself. I am not even doing it solely for my family; I am doing it for every young Black girl who will come after me and for everyone who has paved the way for me.
By that, I mean this, we know that HBCU's were founded because at the time, people of color were not allowed to attend regular universities, which we now also call PWI's. HBCU's were not founded to segregate us from others, they were founded because we were segregated from others. HBCU's are also historically Black, that does not mean that people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds are not welcome.
Beginning in 1881 when Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles founded Spelman College, they had a dream for young Black women to get an education. 135 years later, here we are, continuing to live out their dream. At the time, I'm sure they couldn't imagine that the small school for women they founded in the basement of a church would go on to be the #1 institution of it's kind in the 21st century.
As you can see, in the Black community at least, attending Spelman is a big deal. And it is one that we do not take lightly. My main purpose for attending Spelman was and is the hope that once I graduate, I will move on to get a high paying job and be able to support myself but also, to give back to all those who have poured into and sacrificed for me, especially my parents.
I cannot tell you how many times I've heard, "You're going to Spelman for us." from various members of my family at functions. While I'm here, I carry my family with me on this journey, Spelman is a dream for many and it is one that I have the honor of living out.
I go to Spelman so that I can take this world renowned education and share it with those around me. I go to Spelman because my ancestors were enslaved and forced to be uneducated. I go to Spelman because I want to make a difference in this world. Spelman produces a plethora of young women. Leaders. In their respective fields, my Spelman sisters are leading the charge to better the communities they inhabit.
I go to Spelman so that those who come after me will have a better world to live in.
