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

Author: Janelle L. Williams & Robert T. Palmer

On Dec 11, 2018, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) announced they would not renew accreditation for Bennett College, one of two historically Black colleges for women in the United States. In response, Bennett College leaders put out a call to donors, foundations, corporations, and alumni in an attempt to raise $5 million over a 45-day window. The late hour call was an attempt to shore up funds and appeal the revoked accreditation, as losing the accreditation means certain closure for the 146-year-old school.  On February 4, 2019, Bennett College announced $3.2 million, for a grand total of $8.2 million raised, exceeded the financial goal.  Sadly, Bennett College is not the only HBCU under growing pressure to strengthen their financial stability. Bennett’s call was not just for Bennett’s alumnae, but also for all HBCU alumni to give back to these great schools. If one institution closes, it affects the entire HBCU community. According to the Department of Education, all HBCUs must have been established prior to 1964, making it impossible for new HBCUs to be established; therefore, the number of operating HBCUs can only shrink, not grow. Can you imagine higher education with HBCUs? In 1991, there were 107 HBCUs, currently the number teeters between 99/100. As HBCU alumni, we must take action to stop this shrinkage.

According to Marybeth Gasman, Judy and Howard Berkowitz Professor of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and the Director of the Center for Minority Serving Institutions, African Americans have access to wealth with the ability and potential to give considerably, but do not give simply because they are not asked. In her 2013 book, Engaging Diverse College Alumni, she states “too often are Blacks seen as recipients of philanthropy rather than givers ─ even college-educated African Americans are ignored (p.15).” The 2018 Nielsen Homescan  reported that Black buying power is $1.2 trillion in purchases annually, which could be shifted, at some level to feed into HBCU endowments, scholarship funds for HBCU students, and additional financial support for institutional goals. While in agreement with Dr. Gasman, Charlie E. Hardy, an HBCU alum, added a level of ownership in an online post stating, “as alumni of HBCUs we must become responsible and accountable for the financial health of our institutions. This involves our giving as well as networking with those whose businesses profit greatly from our institutions. We must learn to use the economic impact studies of our institutions as a barometer in communicating the value proposition to vendors who benefit greatly from our universities”.  Alumni, make it a resolution this year, and going forward, to support your alma mater, and HBCUs in general. We must invest in the future our institutions with our time, talent, knowledge or money, whether asked to or not.

When you consider the historical and present impact that HBCUs have on advancing access and success for African Americans in the larger society, this, alone, should serve as a perfect reason to give back. Countless studies have shown that HBCUs are disproportionately responsible for producing the nation’s Black lawyers, doctors, and engineers. These schools, like Bennett College, are known for providing a safe, supportive environment, which allows Black students, Black women in Bennett’s case, to be their authentic selves. Despite being amidst anti-Black rhetoric that defines the current social context of America, HBCUs empower Black students and focus on racial uplift; these institutions instill, nurture, and affirm a sense of self-love for African Americans.  Despite the significant ramifications of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which overturned Plessy v. Ferguson’s separate but equal, this landmark case brought a semblance of equality to the American educational system for African Americans. The lawyers who argued this preeminent case, which radically changed educational access and opportunity for African Americans, were trained at HBCUs. HBCUs also helped to develop and mold civil rights leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and Barbara Jordan and contributed significantly to the number of African Americans who have training in STEM—skills that are vital to America’s economic health and competitiveness in the global economy.

Indeed, we could go on; nevertheless, it is clear to see that HBCUs like Bennett College have played a critical role, in one way or another, in many of the opportunities that African Americans now enjoy ─ including the creation of the Black middle class. In many ways, they are the rock and shoulders upon which we stand presently, and hope that our dreams rest upon. Spelman College recently gained media attention for receiving the largest financial donation from a single living donor, however supporting an HBCU financially does not have to involve an exorbitant amount of money. Alumni and other HBCU stakeholders can give whatever amount aligns with their budget—be it 2 or 5 dollars. The amount you give does not matter- what matters is your ability to recognize and celebrate all of the advancements we have as African Americans by giving back to institutions like Bennett College that made those opportunities reality. Without a doubt, while we have made tremendous advancements in society, our present reality from police brutality to the continued systemic oppression we face from various social institutions of society, serves as a salient reminder that we still have a long road to travel. And much like they have in the past, HBCUs, if we continue to support them, will be one variable that will provide a beacon of hope as we continue to march upward and upward toward the light.

Author: Ashley Elliott
The night of May 14, 2017 was no ordinary night for SC State University alumna, Kára McCullough, ’13. In fact, it would be one that she would never forget. In just a matter of minutes, her life would change in the most profound way. A dream that she held in her mind’s eye since a little girl would soon be realized. Standing center stage donning a beautiful beige and white gown that swept the floor behind her, she waited in anticipation for the official announcement. After a few tense seconds, Kára heard the words – “Miss USA 2017 is…District of Columbia!” With tears streaming down her face, she received her colorful bouquet of flowers and bowed to receive her crown.  It was breathtakingly beautiful- aligned with sparkling jewels and stars, representing the country that she would now serve as Miss USA. After proudly taking her first walk down the long runway and receiving hugs from her peers, she looked into the camera and shared an inspiring message. “Follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t happen.”

Looking back, Kára admits that she was initially shocked that she’d won, despite having prepared for this moment all her life. Rather than focus on the journey that led to that victorious night or what the future may hold however, she decided to fully embrace the moment. “I was just thankful for the entire experience,” she recalled. “Throughout the competition I just kept reminding myself that I need to enjoy the process rather than focus on the outcome. I like to believe my prayers were answered because I didn’t set too many unrealistic expectations but allowed myself to enjoy every bit of the process.”

Growing up in Virginia Beach, Va., Kára acquired the characteristics of a queen early on, quickly developing such qualities as confidence and maturity.  Additionally, she embraced three traits for success that would ultimately help mold her into becoming Miss USA. Not complaining and taking responsibility for individual actions, is the first key lesson she learned at a very young age. “When I was six years old I remember my mom telling me that I complained a lot, but I never really listened until one day one when I was at the Boys and Girls Club playing foosball with one of my peers, he was like wow you complain a lot. I think from that moment on, I stopped complaining,” noted Kára. Her second success strategy is an age-old adage taken from the best-selling book of all time. “You have to honor your mother and father like the Bible says to be successful. You can’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Lastly, she says it’s important to always have a growth mindset. “You have to constantly want to be working, constantly want to be enlightened, and constantly want to be fertilized so you can learn new things.”

Kára’s precocious thirst for knowledge, coupled with her passion for success, and strong work ethic, which she undoubtedly acquired from her mom who she deems her greatest mentor, automatically prepared her to experience all of the amazing opportunities coming her way. She could confidently say her vision for the future was pretty clear, particularly when it came to obtaining the Miss USA title, but there came one point in her life that wasn’t particularly mapped out. “Most people would be surprised to know that me attending South Carolina State University was actually happenstance,” she explained. “I had a Colonel that attended my church who gave me an application and I applied. Me attending turned out to be the most beautiful story because I didn’t have expectations but I set goals for myself regardless while I was there.”

One achieved goal was becoming Miss South Carolina State University a year prior to her graduation. During the University’s 75th coronation ceremony, appropriated themed, “A Celebration of Cultural Elegance,” Kára’s platform, “Keep Your Coins, Inspire for Change,” focused on empowering young black women in science, technology, engineering and math related (STEM) subjects. As a chemistry major, with a concentration in radiochemistry, her passion for all things STEM spilled over into other collegiate experiences which led her to become a member of the American Chemical Society, the Health Physics Society, the American Association of Blacks in Engineering, the American Nuclear Society, the Alpha Nu Sigma Honor Society, the Golden Key International Honor Society and the National Society of Black Engineers.

Undoubtingly, SC State University helped pave the way for the next chapter in her life, making her academically prepared and socially adept. She quickly began a career at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C. She also went on to compete in pageants, remembering her reign as Miss SC State University. Kára understood, after having to compete with many diverse individuals, that matriculating through an HBCU gave her a heightened level of confidence and solidified her rightful place in royalty. “The biggest advantage is being disadvantaged and since we attend HBCU’s we’re typically placed with placards on our heads saying that we’re not as depth as other students but when you use that to your advantage you can prove that you can perform just as well as ivy league students.”

Since its inception in 1952, the Miss USA organization has crowned close to 70 queens from various states across the U.S. Many have unique stories and backgrounds but only three have matriculated through an HBCU. This demonstrates the tenacity and defying of perceived disadvantages while solidifying the fact that there are endless opportunities for empowerment, self-awareness and unparalleled success for graduates of HBCU institutions. “We have to be very mindful and aware that there’s a lot of racial pressures and a lot of identity issues when it comes to the black community so we have to continue to especially uplift our young black men and our young women to always see themselves as young kings and queens and to remind them that you can’t be inferior to anyone,” stressed Kára. “We have to continually tell them that they are capable of accomplishing anything regardless of where you come from, what neighborhood you grew up in or what social economic status you felt like you were placed with a disadvantage in. HBCU’s should continue to provide that sense of achievement and accomplishment of being comfortable in your skin and knowing that you are powerful.”

Now that her reign is complete, there are a lot of things on the horizon for Kára, to include implementing various initiatives for her non-profit agency, developing youth travel camps, and motivational speaking. Her message for her peers and future generations is that the sky is truly the limit for anything they want to achieve, but it takes self-reflection and hard work. “When it comes to accomplishing goals and aspirations, we have to be mindful of the process.  To those little girls that aspire to be Miss USA or an Olympian or a Mathematician, I always tell them that you have to take your education seriously because that comes before anything,” explained Kára. “Take the time to find out what is it that just makes your heart burst into fireworks whether it be in a classroom or on the basketball court.  You have to find where your passion is first. Then you have to know yourself before you can enter into a competition or do anything for that matter.”

 

References

Miss USA, (2018). “Meet Miss USA 2017, Kára McCullough,

Retrieved from https://www.missuniverse.com/missusa/post/2174 

South Carolina State University, (2012). “Kára Deidra McCullough Named Miss SC State University 2012-2013.”

Retrieved from http://www.scsu.edu/event_details.aspx?event_id=930 

Wikipedia, (2018). “Miss USA and List of Miss USA titleholders.”

Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_USA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Miss_USA_titleholders

The Hundred-Seven. (2017). “HBCU Pageant Participants.”

Retrieved from http://www.thehundred-seven.org/pageant.html

YouTube (2018). “Miss USA 2017 – Crowning Moment.”

Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g87OVd0Rbl4