About the Author

Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson is a highly sought after speaker, multi best-selling author, award winning exec. producer and filmmaker, business leader, visionary, philanthropist, purpose connection coach, editor-in-chief of Cheryl Magazine, and most importantly a servant leader.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Sis, thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment! I love that you also were blessed to experience college life at an HBCU! God bless!

  1. As an HBCU graduate of Bowie State University and college coach some of my most memorable experiences and relationships started on the campus of Delaware State University. My journey through college was a glimpse for me to understand that delayed does not mean denied and it doesn’t matter how you start the blessing is in the finish.

    • Amen & amen sis! I could not agree more. Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment! God bless!!

  2. Because I lacked self-discipline I didn’t do well freshman and sophomore years. I was on academic probation at a previous college when I applied as a transfer student to Hampton University. Hampton gave me a conditional acceptance that required me to take two summer classes and achieve a 2.5 GPA. Writing a thesis was a mandatory requirement for a bachelor’s degree. Back then a thesis was required for a master’s degree but not for a bachelor’s degree. I was so proud of myself for getting an A on my thesis and making the Dean’s list. Hampton made sure we were well educated and could compete with others. Going to an HBCU was one of the best decisions and experiences in my life.

    • Donna – thank you for reading and sharing your experience on this post. I know you can relate to some of my academic struggles. It’s not about how we started though, right? I’m so glad to know that we have both deeply benefited from our time at HBCU’s. God bless you, sis!

  3. Great article!!
    I attended a predominantly white high school and college. Although I received an excellent education, I often times feel as if I missed out on all the cultural experiences that I have witnessed while attending functions at HBCUs
    This really is thought provoking and is definitely a topic worth discussing.

    • Hi Adrian – thank you for your kind words & for taking the time to read & comment. I know you can relate to many of the things I felt and experienced while attending college. Those cultural experiences are just as crucial as the academic aspect of college. I’m so glad to know that we have this in common. God bless!

    • Hi Jo’Hanna – You are absolutely right, sis! Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment. God bless!

    • Your screen name is an amazing inspiration! I am receiving love, light & peace just reading those words. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read & comment. God bless you!

  4. It feels so good to feel seen and heard!!! My grandparents meet at the HBCU i attended Prairie View A&M University!!! Thank God for HBCU’s and feeling included 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

    • Hey Ranelle! It most certainly does, doesn’t it? We all need to feel seen & heard. I am so glad that you experienced that at an HBCU as well, queen. What a beautiful story and legacy regarding grandma & grandpa. I absolute love to hear it. Thank you so much for reading & commenting. God bless you!

  5. Absolutely love the transparency and beauty of you academic journey. As a Spelman College Alumna, I can agree that there is nothing like the HBCU experience and being on both a self growth and academic journey with those that look like you.

    Love love love this article.

    • Hi Latriecia!

      I’m so glad that you can relate, sis. I know you know firsthand the lifelong impact an education from an HBCU has on us. Thank you for taking the time to read & comment. God bless!

    • Hey Ericka,

      Thank you so much sis. Wishing you success and much prosperity on your journey as you continue your education. Keep at it, you got this! I’m proud of you! Thank you for taking time to read & comment. God bless!

  6. Amazing story! I had a very similar college experience as well and in this very moment, I’m in a transition that is shaping my focus and changing my life!
    I have always love Mahogany and always love you Cheryl. Keep the stories coming!

    • Hey Tiffany!

      Thank you so much for your kind words, sis! I’m so glad to hear that we share some common experiences. I am sending you love, light and much success during your time of transition. This is just the beginning for you. The sky is the limit! God bless you!

    • Hi Deborrah!

      You are more than welcome sis. I am so elated to hear that my experiences have helped you find light and believe in yourself. You are worthy. You are capable. You are enough! Keep your head held high! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. God bless you!

  7. Awesome article Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson! Thank you for sharing a part of your journey! It is a testament that you can get back on track after falling off. I was accepted to a HBCU but made the decision to stay home and attend a community college after my Mother returned from prison after 12 years. I didn’t finish but after 25 years, I am 2 classes away from having a college degree! You are such an inspiration and mentor to the NATIONS! Love you!

    • Hey Angie!

      Wow, thank YOU for sharing your story, sis! You are such an inspiration and it’s so amazing that you are just 2 classes away from getting your degree. You have persevered. Be proud of yourself and the example you are setting. I’m proud of you! Thank you for reading & commenting. God bless!

    • Hi Connie!

      Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad to hear that you are blessed by receiving my affirmations. God bless you, sis!

  8. I enjoyed reading about your college journey. Finding your authentic self, what makes you unique, and being confident in that, has truly helped you soar by leaps and bounds. What an incredible achievement you have done. As always, I’m encouraged. Thank you for sharing. All the best in your NOW and your NEXT!

    • Hello Angela!

      I truly appreciate your kind words and support. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read and comment, sis. God bless you!

    • Hello Aretha,

      I wish you all the best in your endeavors, sis! Enrolling in an HBCU is one of the best decisions I have made. I am so glad that you are deciding to do the same! Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless you!!

  9. This was a very inspiring journey and one that reminded me of my college mistakes I made when I attended Universtiy of New Orleans. And when you become focus you get a clear vision of becoming unstoppable on your future journey. I love your articles and all the positive and inspiring women who write for Mahogany.

    • Hey Danette!

      That is so true, I could not agree with more! Thank you so much for reading and commenting, sis! God bless!

  10. This is an awesome testament of the value of the HBCU experience ,the importance of melanated sisterhood and the community it brings.

    • Hey Marquette!

      The time is now, queen! You got this. I’m so moved by your comments. Thank you for taking the time to read and share. May God bless and prosper you in all of your endeavors!

  11. What a beautiful journey! I attended and graduated from PWIs (predominantly white institutions) and enjoyed enriched experiences on the campuses of HBCUs through my pledge experience of my beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

    Amazingly, I now have the privilege to engage with faculty, staff and students at HBCU’s through my professional work. I’m always enamored by prevailing standards of service and student development inherent within the campus frameworks to prepare leaders to contribute greatness to this world! And, I’m eternally grateful that our ancestors persevered to ensure that education be available to all! Thank you, Dr. Cheryl, for sharing your very inspirational story!

    • Hello Pauline,

      Amen & amen sis! You are absolutely right. I couldn’t agree more and I am also grateful to our ancestors for the rich history that they laid out for us. We are their wildest dreams! I thank you deeply for taking the time to read and share your experiences. God bless you!

  12. This story truly warmed my heart! HBCU’s are indeed special places. Being a woman that was once ashamed of all the “ pit stops” I had to take to get to where I am now, appreciate your story.

    • Hey Tcm,

      I am so glad to hear that my story warmed your heart! HBCU’s are special indeed. You know I can relate to those pit stops, sis. I’m grateful for each one of them. And I am grateful for you! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. God bless you!

  13. I attended predominantly white schools from kindergarten until junior high. When my family relocated from Utah to TN, I was terrified to attend an all black school my senior year. I was voted Homecoming Queen by the football team; but awarded first runner due to only being a student short-term. I was told, “it wasn’t fair to others who matriculated and attended from freshman year.” I also didn’t blend very well with other female students; so my introduction to self-sabotage and low self-esteem began. In fact, they were my best friends for most of my life, until I met the amazing Cheryl Polote-Williamson at a book club conference. Her book, “Affirmed: 365 Positive Thoughts and Actions To Start Your Day” changed and saved my life! Ms. Cheryl is a blessing. She has set a precedence for others to emulate. I’m humbled to walk in her footsteps.

    • Hello Janet!

      I love you! I’m so glad we met and that Affirmed blessed you. You are a blessing and I thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to read and share your powerful story. The world needs your gifts and needs to hear your testimony. One day, someone will say these same things about you and how your life and story inspired them. God bless you, sis!

  14. As my life has been phenomenally impacted and Empowered through, meeting, serving, and learning from your life examples of giving back I too am challenged to go to a SBCU to further my college creditials and move in the phenomenal experience and presence of our people. Your life is vital as a continual example of overcoming and overarching each gaol on your vision board. Dr. Cheryl I applaud you your success and the ALMIGHTY creator whose wisdom has manifest grace and glory on, in, and through your life. Forever will I give thanks for meeting you on my journey to greatness.

    Humbly your servant
    for CHRIST sake
    apostle Michael Allen

    • Hi Michael,

      My brother, I thank God for you! I am so glad that we met and I am proud of you. The sky is the limit for you, king. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. God bless you!!

  15. I attended Xavier University of New Orleans for a semester!! (Fell in love while on summer break 🫣) That one semester had a tremendous impact on my life. To see all of those students who looked like me, excelling and enjoying life was phenomenal!! The teachers cared about us & showed it. Though brief, it was amazing!!! I will always remember and appreciate my time at XU!!

    • Hey Nyenye!

      It is amazing to hear about your experiences at XU. I’m glad that you gained something that has benefitted you, no matter how brief! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share! May God bless you in all of your endeavors, sis!

  16. My sister, my soror, my mentor and motivator, you are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing so authentically and transparently. Although I did not attend a HBCU your truth is relatable. The Spring of 1986 was indeed a special time 🩷💚🩷

  17. Thank you, Dr. Cheryl, for sharing your inspiring story of determination and strength. Your experience highlights the significance of representation, which holds tremendous importance. As a retired educator and principal certification coach, I witnessed the impact of representation when my melanated candidates easily connected with me. Currently, as an adjunct professor, I was recently reminded of this significance when I walked into my college classroom on the first day and was mistaken for a student by an early arriving young male. The joy that lit up his face upon realizing that I was the professor was truly heartwarming. Your story serves as a powerful reminder of how our mere presence can have a positive impact on many. Representation truly matters, and we have the ability to inspire and empower others simply by walking into a room. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and for being a beacon of representation!

    • Hi Cynthia,

      Wow! Black don’t crack, sis! Representation absolutely matters, you are so right! I love hearing this and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read and share. May God bless you!

  18. As a Catholic, I attended Catholic schools K-College. When I graduated from a predominantly white high school, I knew I wanted to attend an HBCU, but I also wanted to continue my Catholic education. That pretty much narrowed my choices to one. I attended Xavier University of Louisiana, the only Catholic HBCU in America. (It also helped that my father had attended XU). Now I’m proud to say three generations in my family have attended XU as my daughter is also a graduate of XU. HBCUs are literal lifelines for black students. They nurture them in academic and self-affirming cultural excellence and prepare students well to compete in a global world!

    • Hello Stephanie,

      What a beautiful family legacy! It is amazing that your family has 3 generations of XU alumni. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your story. God bless you!

  19. Thank you for sharing the path of your college journey. Although you had a few detours, you continued moving forward in the right direction avoiding all roads leading to a dead end.

    • Hello Debbie,

      Thank you for your kind words & for taking the time to read and comment. May God bless you in all of your endeavors!

  20. Absolutely well said and right on point! I, too, attended predominantly white schools growing up and had to choose between a full-ride athletic scholarship or having my mom (divorced) pay for tuition at the HBCU of my choice. Hearing and knowing about this wonderful experience, I so wanted and needed to connect, and I finally found a way to contribute to the future melanated students. I currently am a professor at Hampton University teaching PhD candidates. It is a wonderful experience to be able to be “present” in the lives of our people and assist them in attaining greatness that would have been inaccessible or come with the lack of sincere teaching and mentoring that is so often the case at PWIs. Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing your experience with us!

    • Hello Dr. Michelle,

      I am so proud to hear that you are a professor at Hampton. It is amazing that you are giving back in such a special way. I applaud you, sis! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. God bless you!

  21. This was such an inspirational story. The best part of my HBCU (Morgan State Univ experience was the sense of community. My professors had a vested interest in me and pushed me to excel. 💕💚

    • Hi Michele,

      Nothing like the community support and love at an HBCU. I am so glad that you attended Morgan State and excelled in your studies. I am proud of you sis. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and comment. God bless you!

    • Hi Michele,

      I’m so glad to hear that you got the support and motivation you needed at Morgan State! Thank you for reading my storing and taking the time to comment. God bless you, sis!

  22. Encouraging read regarding the need to walk daily in gratitude and give back intentionally. As a proud HBCU graduate, I reflected on my own personal experience when I landed on campus at Benedict College in a sea of beautiful blackness.

    • Hi Kaldejia,

      I’m so glad to hear that my resonated with you. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. God bless you, sis!

  23. I love the article. I could feel the warmth and appreciation of being seen and representation. I moved to the Washington DC area after college to get a similar experience having growing up in all white communities and attending a predominantly white university in Texas. I needed a broader experience where I felt seen and represented. I flourished. I now help others to to feel seen and heard. Representation matters.

    • Hey Jena,

      I love hearing that you, too, flourished once you felt seen and represented. It’s a beautiful thing that you now help others do the same, sis. That’s what life is all about. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and comment.

    • Hi Stefanie,

      I’m so touched and grateful that you are inspired by my story. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! God bless you, sis!

  24. Beautiful article! I enjoyed reading about your journey during your college years. So awesome to read about your experiences!!

  25. Dear Dr. Cheryl,

    Your words of pride & reflection on your experience at Shaw University & how the HBCU community lead and developed your vision of a life given in service to other has inspired me, yet again! I learned and been blessed by the wealth of Affirmations and the daily positive power of words spoken over my life and others – & it has been life changing. While the HBCU experience was not one I was fortunate to a part of, your words lend & give confidence and safety to our young people seeking to advance their academic careers in an environment which reflects and values
    Them – as young black people! Please
    Keep encouraging, blessing and exhorting us all through this medium. Hallmark Mahogany coupled with the Vision and life changing words of Dr. Cheryl breathe life and hope into many of us who grow weary & are need to be AFFIRMED! Please continue this great work!

    • Hello Robin,

      You have touched my heart with your words. I am so glad that you have been blessed by reading my story, sis. Thank you so much for your support & for taking the time to read & comment. May God bless you in all of your endeavors!

  26. Thank you for sharing your HBCU experience I to shared similar experience after finishing at The Wilberforce University I felt every child needs that HBCU exposure and started a HBCU college tour program for over 24 years visiting HBCUs

    • Hi Janelle,

      I love hearing that we share something in common with our experiences at HBCU’s. It’s absolutely amazing that you have started a college tour program for HBCU’s! That is most certainly an accomplishment to be proud of, sis! You are doing great things; keep impacting lives! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! God bless you!

    • Hello Dr. Pamala,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed reading about my experiences. I pray that God continues to bless you in all of your endeavors!

    • Hello Selena,

      Yes! That is one of the most important life lessons I have learned! We have the tendency to view setbacks or disappointments as signs of failure. However, they are actually the opposite! We just need to course correct and ask ourselves, “what is this situation teaching me?” In doing this, we can achieve greatness! I am so glad that my story resonated with you, sis. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! May God continue to bless you in all of your endeavors!

  27. Your story is an incredible representation of how so many people evolve into the men and women that God has called them to be. I attended a majority caucasian university and never attended an HBCU but would have loved to be part of the experience. My mom attended Fisk University and often speaks of her time there.
    My children have grown in schools that lack representation of their culture, I want to ensure that they have the opportunity to gain exposure to our heritage and ability to attend an HBCU. Thank you for sharing your experience, affirmations and celebrating us with consistent encouragement, it is always appreciated. I am so grateful that you are on this platform. God bless you

    • Hey Nicole!

      I appreciate your kind words. Your children will have the opportunity to attend an HBCU, I believe and stand in agreement with you for that, sis! I am so glad that you were blessed by reading my story. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. May God continue to bless you and your family!

  28. Great story! Like many of us, you’ve gone full circle. I appreciate my experience at Spelman College more now, than while I attended. Spelman gave me the foundation to prepare for the rest of the world. It planted my feet in good soil and kept me grounded. The bond of kindred spirits was everything. I’m so grateful for my high school principal, Dr. Wilson Smith, who saw something in me and introduced me to Spelman!

    • Hi there Deidra!

      I love hearing that you bloomed at Spelman; what a beautiful experience! I’m so glad that you enjoyed reading my story. Thank you for taking the time to share some of your story as well. I pray that God continues to bless you in all of your endeavors!

  29. Dr./Sis Cheryl, your words of empowerment, resiliency, and Black joy/pride always fill my cup – with inspiration and encouragement! While I did not attend an HBCU, I share the strength that came from being in community with other Black students. We were truly the minority at our higher ed institution and provided each other comfort and power to keep moving forward – out of necessity. I do not have the same love of my institution as you and many others have for their HBCU. Thank you for sharing and pouring into others through your experience and commitment to giving back – and paying it forward.

    • Hello Janiece!

      It is truly remarkable when we can come together as a people to uplift and support one another. I love hearing about your experiences. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! May God continue to bless you in all your endeavors!

  30. Shaw”U” Beautiful Beautiful! I am one of the many people from Shaw U whose life you have impacted and continue to impact to this day. I am also one of the Upward Bound students whose life has been and continues to highly impacted, through your coaching and mentoring. Thank you! Ain’t No U Like Shaw U!! ❤️❤️❤️

  31. Love this article! I attended Black schools through secondary and high school. My mother suggested I choose a PWI for college. I was hearing none of that. I applied to 1 PWI and 2 HBCU’s. I was joyfully accepted to Spelman (C’ 80)! Best decision I ever made. I now carry with me long lasting experiences and friendships I will never lose. No regrets at all.

    • Hey Karla!

      I am so glad to hear that you were encouraged by reading my story, sis! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I pray that God continues to bless you in all of your endeavors!

  32. I love the raw honesty and self assessment done as you highlighted your journey. You are and remain an inspiration for others to emulate.
    Thank you so much for sharing and giving back!

  33. “Sometimes, it takes time to get to the version of yourself that can accomplish what you need to do” is wisdom and truth. We will have responsibilities in life but our response-ability has to be comparable in order to meet and fulfill the tasks at hand. Had you not grown through the myriad of experiences you noted, the version of you today would not likely be giving, powerful and unapologetic in your pursuits. Your response-abilities are a gift; thank you.

  34. I never had the luxury of going to any college/university. Never were motivated, by parents, teachers, counselors, and mainly myself. This story could go on. But what I did take away from this is to broaden your horizon to the next level. Don’t be afraid of change and most importantly surround yourself with people who encourage/motivate YOU.

  35. I didn’t attend an HBCU but I can relate to your experience because I know so many that started the same journey, but had a different outcome. Your journey is so inspiring because it shows us that we don’t have to do things in the traditional way that society has outlined for us. It all happens when it’s time. Life happens and when it does, we need to be honest with ourselves, make adjustments rather than excuses, and stay the course, and we will eventually accomplish our goals.

  36. I also attended an HBCU, Grambling State University! While I did not graduate from GSU, I met some of my best friends there and also met my husband at Grambling! What I truly treasured as a student was the hearts of my professors. I was never made to feel like a number, I knew that they were invested in making sure that as a student, I received the education that I would need to be successful. It was like having an aunt or an uncle as professors for most of my classes. I’m very thankful for my HBCU experience!

  37. What a powerful story you shared! I did not have the pleasure of attending an HBCU, but I wished I had. Being from Houston, I grew up attending events at Texas Southern University.The atmosphere on the campus was awesome. There was nothing like the battle of the bands. However, I left the city after high school and shortly joined the military. I attended different colleges in places where I was stationed. There is definitely merit to your story. I have two kids in college. My son has told me on many occasions there is not to many people that look like him at his school or even in his field of study. When he is in a culture group, it’s usually small and off campus. I’m glad you did not leave out the part about attending everything except class. We as a people need to know that one mistake or failure does not cancel our dreams. Mistakes will be made. It’s how you finish rather than how you start that’s makes a difference.

  38. I love reading these articles as you take a journey with every one. For someone like myself who didn’t take your path, it motivates me to make sure my Grandchildren get to have some of these experiences. Dr. Cheryl has a light that radiates such love and warmth.

    Thank you for allowing us to have a deeper glimpse of the woman that thousands of other women love.

    You are AWESOME! ♥️

  39. Thanks for your story, amazing! I was graduated from Benedict College and know that it gave me an opportunity that I otherwise would not have had. I had an older ‘cheerleader’ who saw something in me I failed to see. With his encouragement and the United Negro College Fund I left debt free 💃🏽💃🏽 As a mature student with three small children a traditional college experience escaped me; however, I served as Mistress of Ceremony for our Miss Benedict pageant one year and served on the year book staff. Over the moon experiences that helped build my confidence. I could only have had these experiences at Benedict.
    My gratitude for the wonderful, growing experience I had at this HBCU was shown by setting up an endowed scholarship fund.
    Grateful, grateful, grateful.

  40. So inspiring.. You are truly walking in your purpose. I always wanted to attend a HBCU. I truly believe representation is key to helping young women of color see that they can achieve their goals and dreams. Thank you for being a light⭐️💕

  41. What. Wonderful testimony of how change worked in your favor. So many people would have been discouraged and left one school only to feel defeated. You stayed the course and you did not let the trials change the course of your destiny. Even today you continue to walk in your purpose and look what you have accomplished. It makes me so proud to know that closed doors are simply redirection to a greater door you will walk through. Keep going and keep shining your light because it does not have to be dark to see how bright you shine.

  42. Wow, what determination to keep going through doors until finding the right one or ones. I attended an HBCU and the experience was family and community on an elevated level. One of the ways I sow seeds was my taking my daughters to GHOE to give them a positive reflection of who they are and not what someone or something else defines them to be.

  43. Beautiful life experience. I have only attended a graduation at a HBCU, which my daughter graduated from and it was so amazing. Your story captured my heart. Thank you

  44. I didn’t attend an HBCU and truly wish I had! My way to give back is partnering with our local HBCU to bring entrepreneurship programs to students at no cost to them and help them build their legacy companies.

  45. I did not attend a HBCU college. However, I come from a long family history of proud and exceptional HBCU graduates. Sounds like wonderful experiences.

  46. What an amazing story! Unfortunately, I didn’t attend an HBCU. I didn’t have the right mindset at the time. If I could go back, I’d attend an HBCU. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

  47. This article was very inspiring. I graduated from Elizabeth City State University. And return to work there after several years and I am proud to say I’m still there. I have been able to mentor many of students including taking one in as a family member. Even once i move on to the next chapter my experience is something that will last a life time.

  48. I attended and graduated Southern University Baton Rouge. My time there prepared me for the challenges I would face in Corporate America. All my instructors prepared me with the knowledge and leadership skills that helped me compete, lead and attain recognition for the career that I selected. My degree was a B.S. in mathematics which allowed me to take on every role (software engineer, test engineer, systems engineer, process engineer and marketing representative) assigned over the years. I continually performed in excellence while working successfully in a diverse organization. Because of what was my instructors at my HBCU poured into me, today I try to give back to my community of all ages by hosting monthly seminars that focus on building their financial legacy; supporting yearly outreaches to seniors and the homeless and hosting programs to encourage our youth to get involved with Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Technology (S.T.E.M.) to prepare them for the jobs of the future.

  49. A nice article and so transparent and authentic! Thank you for sharing because we can sure kick ourselves about the pitfalls of life and poor choices. Thank you again for sharing your experiences! All the best to you Sis!

  50. Thank you for sharing your experience Soror Cheryl. I am also an HBCU graduate from Huston-Tillotson University. I transferred there from St. Philips College in San Antonio. I received a full scholarship, room & board, to attend HT. It was a blessing. This was the first year that they offered a scholarship via a talent show. I entered at the last minute and won per a monolouge. It was an amazingly, exciting time!!!

  51. This is a great article. I attended a PWI but do feel as if I missed out on things in life without having attended an HBCU, especially being able to network

  52. Wonderful and powerful article!! Definitely can relate to the “finding” of our individual selves, learning from failures and our attempts at adulting, being a way from home “on the yard”, for the first time and barely out of my teens. I am proud graduate of Southern University and A&M College. I would not change that decision. I am also a proud 34-years member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I am proud to continue to HBCU and Divine 9 legacies of my family.

  53. I did attend an HBCU (Central State University). Not only did I gain lifelong friends but I felt I was part of a family. I started in the Upward Bound Program; got my BA from CSU then went to Ivy League William and Mary for my Masters degree. Because of having spent my first 4 years at a school that cared about me personally, I was ready for William and Mary. At the same time Liberal William and Mary prepared me for the large, mainly white, Texas University where I received my Doctorate. I received no babying or softness there but it was OK I was comfortable within myself by then and I could handle whatever was thrown at me. I made sure my daughter and Grandchildren went to HBCU’s as their first college experiences.

  54. Attending Jackson State University was a no brainer for me. My decision was based on legacy of family members that attended JSU and now they are part of the JSU’s history book. The professors were invested in our success and made sure we understood the shoulders of the greats that made JSU the premier university it is today. I met some amazing students from different backgrounds that contributed to my learning experience. There were challenging times attending JSU but in hindsight, that was preparation for the challenges I would face in the world…and the workplace. I will forever support my HBCU..Jackson State University, THEEILOVE.

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