With homecoming season in motion, let’s reflect on our beautiful HBCUs and what they offer us.
What is an HBCU? An HBCU is a historically black college or university; these are institutions of higher education to primarily serve the African- American community.
Naturally, every school is not made for everyone, and at one point, systematically, it was segregated. I think of HBCUs as a home for the culture; it allows our community to be comforted and bring each other up.
Why did I choose an HBCU?
Growing up in predominately white areas and attending predominately white schools was always uneasy. I never felt comfortable; I always felt like I had to be perfect because I didn’t want to give any white individuals a reason to stereotype me. I constantly felt like I was being watched and that everything I did was being criticized. Living and attending schools in these areas made me feel slightly two-faced in that I would have to code-switch, presenting myself as one way to my white peers, while Black friends, friends, family, and others of my community received another version of me. I understand code-switching has been normalized and is something we all learn to do, but that’s part of the reason I sought out an HBCU. I got tired of being the minority and having to code-switch every day to fit in with the majority. The questions of “how’d you get your hair like that?” or “can I touch your hair?” had become exhausting to answer. I wanted to live my truth around people who understood and were a part of my truth. I chose an HBCU because I wanted to be surrounded by other Black men and women who constantly reminded me of all that Black people are; we are scholars, doctors, teachers, and engineers. I saw what attending an HBCU did for my sister, and I admired her and aspired to have that same experience. I chose an HBCU because I wanted to be reminded that what I wear and how I style my hair is not a trend, but it is my culture. Being in a space dedicated and created for my people and culture, where we are all thriving and pushing ourselves toward our greater goal, was a driving factor. I chose an HBCU to relax and not worry about hiding parts of my blackness that would be “too ghetto” elsewhere. I love my HBCU because it shows me that my skin color is a part of me and not against me. The academics at my HBCU has taught me to navigate the world how I desire, to go for what I want, and how to be professional. Now, I understand why they say “HBCU experience”; there is a culture of festivities and diversity specifically at HBCUs, and is eye-opening.
All our reason varies as to why we chose an HBCU or why we didn’t. I asked a few of my friends why they chose an HBCU, and here’s what they had to say.
Aly Mayers is a third-year Interdisciplinary Studies major from Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Mayers stated that growing up, attending mostly predominantly white schools made her feel like an outsider. She chose to go to an HBCU because she wanted to enjoy the experience of being around her culture more since she lacked that throughout the majority of her life. When she toured Hampton University, she felt that the community’s family dynamic and welcoming spirit made it very inviting.
Heaven Accimeus, a third-year Business Management major from Brooklyn, New York, decided to go to Hampton University because she wanted to be more in touch with her culture, as mainly white peers surrounded her throughout her education. Also, she wanted to show that to retain the title as a division 1 athlete, you do not have to attend a PWI. Hampton University is a D1 school for athletics along with the plus of being an HBCU. With that being said, she found Hampton to be a good opportunity for athletics in basketball.
When attending an HBCU, we want to be a part of something where we can fit in, live happily, and be comfortable. I know our reasons may not be the same, but, as a collective, we can all agree in some aspect that HBCUs bring us together as a community and builds us up. Take the time to think this homecoming season: “Why did I choose my HBCU?”
HAPPY HOMECOMING!!