Besides the utter fulfillment I have creating the content, blog posts, articles, and information for YBR Enterprise, I'd have to say the only other time I've ever felt as much, if not more pride was when I spent four years on the Campus of the illustrious Spelman College. It is for this reason why it really does something to me when I hear people (especially black people), speak negatively about Spelman or any one of the other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. Recently I was involved in a conversation with a young, black woman who attends a majority institution. It went a little something like this:
Her: I mean, I get it. HBCU's were created to give black people a place to get an education, but what really is the point now? Most of them are ghetto now. Are thy even accredited?
Me: What?
Her: Dont' get me wrong, I know you went to one, but Spelman is different. I'm talking about all the other ones, like the ones on College Hill. They all seem so ghetto.
Me: Are you being serious?
Her: Yes. I just don't see the point. I think all HBCUs should be torn down. If black people can't get in the regular schools, then maybe they just shouldn't go to college.
It was at this point that I must admit I lost my cool and proceeded to give her the lecture engrained in my head about the journey of two (white) women in the south, Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, who cared enough about education and saw the value it could have for young, black girls and thus embarked on the journey of creating the great institution that is Spelman College. If you are not that familiar with this conversation, then you may not understand my anger, however, ever since I began the college application process to only HBCUs in the 2000-2001 academic year, I've had to answer questions about the relevance of Black colleges. And what's worse, most of the people asking the question are black!!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are there honor societies at HBCUs
- So does everyone act the same?
- How were the guys at Spelman? (FYI- Spelman is an all women's college ;)
- Are HBCUs accredited?
- What's an HBCU?
- Spelman who?
Now don't get me wrong, I know that I have a biased opinion, having spent 4 years at *the top rated* Liberal Arts College for women, one of the *top rated* HBCUs in the US, and a *top-tiered* College over all as noted by the US News and World Report, but I do feel that Black Colleges should be celebrated- especially by BLACK people. I know that in 1881, Spelman was one of the few places letting little black girls get an education.
Some call it reverse racism, some call it unnecessary. I call it an opportunity to surround myself with the best and the brightest that the African American community has to offer while learning so much about myself and my culture.
I have to admit that I can honestly say that if it wasn't for Spelman College, I don't think I would be half the YBR woman I am today.
What are your thoughts on HBCUs??
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2 comments:
You know what I think the way that College Hill portrays HBCUs is ghetto but, that's BET. Any person that's not ignorants knows that what's shown on College Hill is only a portion of what goes on at HBCUs or any college for the matter. Whoever the young lady is that you were talking to needs to get out more. She's obviously ignorant.
I definitely agree with you Glennisha. I mean, how can someone really base their opinions on something based on what BET says? BET does not speak for all black people, and they definitely don't speak for me. Sigh- I need to start my own network.. in any event, I'm glad you agree with me Glennisha!
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