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The Story of Tuskegee University and the Normalcy of Black Black Blackity Black Sisterhood
I learned to trust black women at Tuskegee University, not to be confused with the Institute, as the old heads would point out upon hearing that. The paradigm shift that we now lovingly acknowledge as Black Girl Magic is nothing new to me because of the acts of support and sisterhood I experienced as a…
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The Sloping Hills and Verdant Greens of North Carolina Central University
Just the thought of “the sloping hills and verdant greens” of North Carolina Central University makes my soul smile. Even though walking those sloping hills was no joke. So many people talk about their college experience like the best and worst years of their lives. NCCU only holds good memories for me; even the bad…
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Black, Hamptonian and Ain’t With the Shits
When I was in high school, the laws in my small, white Virginian hometown were simple: Jesus is the reason for every season: Christmas, football, deer and killa. Platinum FUBU is the Gucci of country-Negro couture. Black politics are just like good white folks like ’em: respectable, self-deprecating and don’t hold white people accountable for…
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Carrying On Mary’s Legacy at Bethune-Cookman University
I was lucky to find my Bethune-Cookman hoodie just before my Uber arrived to carry me to the airport. Well-worn and worn with pride, it always creates conversations on planes with folks who’ve never heard of it. “Bethune-Cookman College,” my row mate read slowly. “It’s University now,” I said, wishing I wasn’t desperately looking forward…
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The Mighty, Mighty Panthers of Clark Atlanta University
I was 8 years old when A Different World premiered, and after watching the first episode, I knew without a doubt that I would be attending an HBCU. I didn’t know much about life, or even where or what exactly an HBCU was, but I was absolutely certain that I was going to a school…
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Norfolk State University: Sugar Shack Supreme
They looked like a masterpiece. Their black bodies, winding and grinding, arms stretched out for freedom, their eyes closed as they were caught in a dance of pleasure and pain, the dance floor a form of meditation. The Norfolk State University Sweatbox looked like the Sugar Shack. You know—the 1971 Ernie Barnes painting we saw…
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I Never Knew So Much About Myself Until I Attended Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, formerly the Ashmun Institute, is a school rich in history and culture. While I was excited to attend the first HBCU—catch this fade if you disagree—upon first look 10 years ago, there was nothing remotely spectacular about the campus. Lincoln was extremely small and old, and it rested in the MIDDLE…
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The Best Argument for Why Morehouse and HBCUs Matter You’ll Ever Read
(This piece originally appeared on VSB on Oct. 8, 2015.) Editor’s note: One of my good friends from college is a teacher in Chicago. One particular student of hers has begun the college search, and in her attempts to convince him to attend Morehouse College or at least an HBCU, she reached out to me…
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Welcome to HBCU Week at VSB!
Homecoming season is upon us. It’s been in full swing for weeks now as several schools across this land of ours have gathered for celebration, shenanigans, revelry and family fun! This week at VSB, from Oct. 16 to Oct. 22 (or Oct. 20 for me—I’ll be in Atlanta for SpelHouse homecoming next weekend revelratin’ with…
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What My Frayed Relationship With My Mother Has Taught Me About Grace and Mercy
On Wednesday morning I had the pleasure of being a returning guest on the WDET radio show Detroit Today With Stephen Henderson, who was here in Washington, D.C., recording from NPR headquarters. I was there to talk about the article I wrote a few months ago about my frayed relationship with my mother because of…
