Author: Kenita Pitts Howard
“Life is not about receiving at all times; it is a combination of being thankful for what you have as blessings and sharing those blessings with others who need a fraction of what you have.” Catherine Pulsifer

What blessings have you received from your beloved HBCU? Would you classify them as priceless? When you look at your conferred degree what emotions and memories over take that moment?

For every after thought, understand that for a first-time and/or first generation freshmen, their moment begins the day they step into the registration line of your beloved Alma Mater.

The pressures of higher education begin at the ripe age of 12 as a middle school student walks into the office of the Career Specialist and begins to map out his/her future and aspirations.

At a time when coming into who they are, their first crush, try-outs for their favorite sport or cheerleading squad, and the big P word, “puberty!” This is where the journey of assessments, testing, course alignments, time management, community involvement, and social development and awkwardness begins. Who has time to think about College? They are just trying to get through the anxieties of walking the halls of high school.

Now, that the picture has been painted and the stage is set, let’s talk about you, the beloved Alumni. I’m sure by now you have reminisced and gave a good ole’ church shout of thanks that you’ve made it over those hurdles. Now the work begins.

Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress officially defines an HBCU as a school of higher learning that was accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission was the education of African Americans.

The greatest misconception of “give back” is hog tied to “the almighty dollar”. Monetary donations are wonderful and greatly appreciated, however there is so much more that is needed to protect and enhance the HBCU Legacy and Experience.

TIME: When was the last time you spent “time” on the campus of your beloved Alma Mater? Stop! Homecoming, Galas, and guest speaker appearance are excluded.

Let’s venture on the side of volunteerism, mentoring, tutoring, offering internship opportunities, teaching a young man how to tie a tie, dress for success tips, time management tips, workshops, seminars, and/or forums about the importance of credit ratings, purchasing power, investing, soft skills and the like.

How much TIME have you invested in your university? What does your “give back” look like?

Your presence matters more than your presents. Trust me! Students look for you to be there. They look for advise, encouragement and guidance. This my fellow HBCU grads is priceless!

TALENTS: What are you holding on to that can help someone else throughout their matriculation? What is the one thing you wish someone shared with you during your matriculation?

Millennials and post-millennials are no different from you. I call it the “remix” generation. Just look around, bell bottoms, biker shorts, high top fades, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and more are resurfacing in ways I would’ve never imagined.

Your gifts, knowledge and yes your talents are beneficial to others. Your blessings are received so that you may share them with others.

Your business, dissertation, countless essays, resources, study habits, referrals, craftsmanship, innovations, inventions, entrepreneurial insight, and talents just may be the “it” factor to give light to a dark moment and/or circumstance. Your insight may be the first or last paragraph and/or page of that 15 page essay that’s due tomorrow. Share that, share your talents. If entertainers never shared their “talents” where would the claps come from?

TREASURES: Now this is a scary word for most. A word that exhibits the most hesitation and in most instances a lack of trust. Where is money going? Is it tax-deductible? Is it earmarked? I love my HBCU but I don’t like the President. I had a bad experience with a particular department and/or professor and I’m not giving back.

All valid statements but let’s flip it. You water your garden/plants, remove the brown dead leaves, you speak life to it if and when it wilts, you adjust its placement if the current location is stunting its growth, you repot it when it out grows its current residence and you sit back and marvel at it in awe that you literally had a hand in its growth beauty and healing abilities. It enhances the atmosphere and introduces all to the mystery of life!

Need I say more? But if you didn’t get it, Nurture, Groom, Protect, Research, Take Care of and feed what has provided nourishment for you.

Give back and invest in what you love!

Long Live The Historically Black Colleges and Universities!

Alumni, we need you to survive. Answer the calls of your beloved Alma Mater.

Kenita Pitts-Howard

Claflin University ‘13

Summa Cum Laude

Bachelors of Arts Sociology and Criminal Justice Administration