Kendra Lewis
Brand Ambassador of HBCU Times Groups
Words alone cannot demonstrate the beauty and essence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs were envisioned to uplift and support black excellence at their core. HBCUs have and continue to provide students with unmatched experiences of celebrating our culture,
exposing our historical roots, and recognizing our utmost potential. Before college, the subject of HBCUs were not an encouraged conversation in my high school. In fact, the prominent HBCUs on my home front were talked down upon. The irony in this matter is that I received this most praise and recognition for my accomplishments from notable HBCUs. To quote my president, Dr. Artis, “HBCUs provide a safe space for black children to a world that does not always appreciate them.”
One of my most significant outlooks on life is “to be the change you want to see.” What keeps the spirit alive are the people who advocate for HBCUs. I embody HBCUs’ spirit by striving for
and producing excellence within my academic and community settings, devoting to break systematic barriers that may affect our people, and spreading the same spirit of love and kindness that was given to me generations to come. I plan to accomplish this by becoming a black educator and ultimately working for the State Board of Education. Not only will I instill principles of black excellence back into the youth and invest in their futures, but I will also confront the extreme deficits and inequities the black community continually faces as it relates to the educational system. My HBCU invested in me and has illuminated what it means to be “A Power for Good in Society.” The spirit of HBCUs needs to be highlighted in all its glory, but this happens through a reflection of us.