S2, Episode 7 | In the Blackseat, HBCU Ladies

There are currently 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country, with nearly 230,000 students. HBCUs have been a force and a lifeline in the Black community, educating students since the mid-1800s. When other schools would not admit Black students (something that happened well into the 20th century), these schools were established to give Black folks the education they needed to become leaders in their communities. However, HBCUs are still not as well known as they should be, and their impact isn't fully understood.

In the Blackseat, we talk about life from a Black perspective, and so it goes without saying that the important conversation about HBCUs had to come from proud alumni. Our journey to HBCUs is a two parter - first with the ladies, and next week with the fellas. Get ready to be transported to the yard - Joy (representing Florida A&M University), Maisha (representing Morris Brown College) and JoLai (representing Tuskegee University).

We talked at length about the history of their alma maters, notable alumni, the history of their own educational journeys, why they selected their schools and what HBCUs have meant to them in their lives. Without prompting, ALL of them said - at separate points in our conversation - that attending their HBCU was the BEST decision they made in their life. I felt the spirit myself: the love, the pride and the joy is evident. If you went to an HBCU, this will be like homecoming. If you didn't, it's all good - there's room for you in the Blackseat!