Friday, October 17, 2008

There are thirty thousand students at Tech and about 3 percent of those are African American students who enter into a university system that makes them feel like their one of ten. So naturally we cling to the people whom we feel most comfortable and as a results that’s a big part of the reason as to why the student union at 12pm looks strikingly like an HBCU cafeteria. Now, I have always cherished my college experience and always said that I wouldn’t change it for the world. But I have realized that at a school like Tech I was perhaps one of the few black students who harvested an affection and affinity for the university itself outside of just affection for other students. This is probably due to my involvement with orientation recruitment and interacting with the school on a more personal level than most black students. But even with that, I can’t help but wonder what my experience would have been like if I went to an HBCU.

I’ve always had strong opinions on what HBCU's offer students and how significant the “Black Experience” is in the overall scheme of things. I never understood quite how attending an all black university was a good preparation for integrating into the actuality of a predominantly white corporate America. Sure, you might feel more comfortable in school surrounded by people who look and think like you, but what about when you graduate?

And secondly isn’t going to a fairly large white school statistically like attending an HBCU within a large university. Just looking at the numbers, most HBCU ‘s have a total enrollment range of around 2000 – 5000 students, which is statistically similar to the black population within a predominantly white school. Sure, they might be dispersed throughout a larger white population but if anything this experience is much more aligned with the professional culture presented in the real world after graduation.

I’ve recently had the opportunity to spend some time on some HBCU campuses here on the east coast and have gotten a small glimpse into the black experience. Now as a strategist I’m naturally curious in how people interact within different environments but I must admit that the allure of historically black universities garner their own sense of intrigue and appeal. As an outsider looking in I’ve always known there were cultural differences you forfeit when attending a traditional predominantly white university. Most notably in the marching bands, homecoming events, parties, the prolific Greek life, step-shows, and family traditions. True, most of these you can attain on a smaller scale at traditional universities but not nearly in comparison of the authenticity and intensity of an HBCU.

But after spending a couple a days on yard at Hampton University I realized that those things although important, were a lot less significant in the true nature of the black experience. Now I only had a couple of days to immerse myself into the HBCU collegiate life but I think the real equity of the university lies in the character of the students who attend HBCU’s. Students who flourish at an institution that allows young African American students to develop personality and character in an environment that’s tailored toward their needs.

I can’t speak for all universities but in terms of those that I have attended it seems as if the black population’s creativity and desire to express themselves is somewhat suppressed in larger predominantly white universities. Now, whether that’s due to a slight intimidation factor as a result of disproportionate representation in the classroom, I don’t know. But in any case, it just seems as if black students don’t receive the same level of expressive encouragement as they would receive in an all black classroom.

And I think it’s that very fabric of encouragement that allows students to interact so freely in the classroom and on campus. Fostering a spirit of enthusiasm in which gives HBCU's the reputation for harvesting students that are more naturally outgoing and outspoken about what’s happening on their campus as well as in the community.

I was fortunate enough to attend North Carolinas A&T homecoming last week and outside of the band, festivities and step show it was much like Tech’s homecoming just in a different fashion. But the one thing that really set it apart was the intrinsic adoration for the schools traditions and legacy held within the hearts of the students. Perhaps the best way I can I paint this picture would be in the actions of a grandmother I meet on campus. She was proudly proclaiming her allegiance to A&T in her ornately decorated vintage A&T sweater. She was escorting her daughter an A&T alumni and granddaughter a current student through a tour of the campus as it was when she attended. honestly, I don’t think that I’ve seen anything as beautiful as the pride of a family who has fulfilled the legacy of a third generation student.

I think that’s where the real turning point lies in the black experience discussion. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding which school you should attend but in terms of pride, what university can match this level of tradition and pride to an incoming black students like an HBCU can.

I can’t say that my overall perception of the black experience has changed because honestly it does come back to that same cliché’ answerer you always hear “ It depends on the individual”. But I will say this, I think the purpose of a college education has shifted among middle class Americans, black and white. Thirty years ago I would argue that college was about attaining a degree and getting a decent job. It was the gateway into living a comfortable life; it was all about the American dream. Now days, I think college is more about the experience. It’s about the people you meet, the experiences you have, and opening yourself up to more than what’s going on in your world. And at least in that respect I can see why HBCU Alumnus are so adamant about the black experience.


Hampton University : The graduates Crossing Ogden Circle. A graduation night tradition for graduating seniors.




This Maze and Frankie Beverly joint had everybody SANGIN!!!



North Carolina A&T Drum-line and Step show:



The Omega's put it down but didn't win.



Road Trip Fun!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your post was very interesting. I know families that have 4 and 5 people in the same house who attended the same HBCU. You are right they are proud that they have legacy who attened and graduated. But they also look at the history of the school and how that is ingrained to the students spirit. And I agree with you that you have to make most out of school to get the full experience where ever you go.

Anonymous said...

Your post was very interesting. I know families that have 4 and 5 people in the same house who attended the same HBCU. You are right they are proud that they have legacy who attened and graduated. But they also look at the history of the school and how that is ingrained to the students spirit. And I agree with you that you have to make most out of school to get the full experience where ever you go.