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PWI vs HBCU: The Great Debate

“Why is my Blackness in question because of where I chose to continue my education?” Kenisha Springer, a former Nova Southeastern University student, has gone through her days questioning her original college decision for the last year. At the age of 18, Springer was faced with a tough decision. She was forced to decide between her first and her second choice, Clark Atlanta University and Nova Southeastern University.

As a high school senior, Springer was faced with the pressures of the real world. “I didn’t know how I was going to pay for college, but I knew I needed to get there.” she stated, commenting on her growing financial concern. When applying for colleges, she knew that scholarship grants would be her deciding factor. She decided to attend her second choice school after receiving a larger scholarship than her top choice offered. “That’s when the backlash started, suddenly I had turned my back on my blackness because I turned down an HBCU.”

Springer’s experience sheds light onto a growing debate. With just one word search on Twitter, you can watch the rise of controversy. After typing the letters, PWI, standing for predominantly white institution, you are thrown into a series of threads riddled with tension.

One Twitter user, Malique Robinson, posts “For all my black high school seniors out there, I know it’s expensive but that HBCU experience cannot be replaced. Sincerely, a PWI student.” When asked what he meant by this, his response left much more to be desired. “There’s just a difference. You don’t get the same feeling. It doesn’t feel like home.”

You may be wondering what exactly an HBCU is and why this topic has caused such a stir on social media. HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These are institutions of higher education that accepted and educated African American people when many other institutions wouldn’t. The U.S. Department of Education states “HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation.”

For many African American students, attending the HBCU of their choice is a life-long dream. Imaan Williams, a LaSalle University student, recalls wanting to go to Spelman College her entire life. “As a child attending an HBCU was drilled into my head. When I didn’t get in I was devastated, but I found a home with LaSalle University. The second I stepped foot onto my campus, I knew that things worked out for the best.”

Williams spoke about social media playing a big role in her feelings on the subject of PWI’s. After tweeting, “Being a black woman at a PWI is hard.”, Williams was met with disturbing comments. “One person messaged me saying that I needed to live my truth and deal with my choices. As if I should feel ashamed for my school choice.”

On the other hand, as a HBCU student, many are met with the issue of invalidation on the outside of their campus. Twitter User, Isis Chiles states “ It’s crazy how society will tell me that my HBCU degree is worth nothing.” Chiles is a Delaware State University student, currently majoring in social work. She recalls having to deal with people telling her that she should have gone to a better school.

The main issue in the debate seems to be which option is best; but is there a better option? According to USA Today, “HBCUs constitute just 3% of the nation’s institutions of higher learning. Yet they graduate nearly 20% of black students who earn undergraduate degrees. And more than 50% of African American professionals and public school teachers matriculate from HBCUs.” For the nation’s PWI’s, even the most diverse schools have a relatively small minority population. MIT, which is ranked one of the nation’s most diverse, the African American population only amounts to about 3% of it’s graduates. According to Forbes Magazine, this is due to the fact that 13% of the U.S. is African American.

So why the huge debate? Some believe that it’s due to years of oppression. There’s a notion that one must prove their blackness. “It’s as if anything that isn’t created, owned, and operated by black people, it equals self hatred.” Malique Robinson said. “It’s not right, really. Why does it matter? We should all be proud to get an education. Who cares where it’s from?”

It’s seems that while social media has inspired a wave of school pride, it has also caused quite a rift in the tide. It has brought on a wave of new controversy. Some may say that since HBCU’s accepted African Americans when no one else would, we owe it to these establishments to attend and continue the legacy. However for some people, it is simply not possible. What happens when you can’t afford to continue the legacy? Does that make you any less proud?

It is important that as a society we teach our kids that an education is something you should take pride in, regardless of the institution. Your value and culture does not stem where you decide to attend university. Imaan Williams took to her snapchat to share her thoughts. Williams states, “ Why can’t we just appreciate the fact that we are black people in college! This debate is just another way to divide our people.” This comment alone should open everyone’s eyes. In a world where African Americans were once denied the right to read and write, when are you allowed to be proud of your education without conditions?

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Shoot your shot: Young Entrepreneurs on the Rise

On April 8, 2018, a room full of young entrepreneurs gathered in the name of networking. Buffalo State’s Black Active Minds, held their annual “Shoot Your Shot” event. Over the course of the afternoon, young men and women presented their business ideas in front of a group of future businessmen.

B.A.M. president Joshua Murphy opened up the floor by telling us a little more information about what B.A.M. represents. “Black Active Minds has been fighting to gain recognition for years. We believe that as young, Black Americans it’s our duty to be activists and to do our best to preserve our culture. We need to stick together. With Many of the odds that against us we must do our best to fight for what is right.” Murphy went on to say, “As minorities we are often underrepresented, but that does not mean we aren’t here. It takes events like this to show that we are here to stay, even if on a small scale. With that being said this is why I have brought you all here today.” Murphy spent some more time telling all of the young entrepreneurs his reasons for hosting this event. “ You all have a story to tell. We want to support black business and that starts with networking. Tell us why you’re here. What drives you?” Soon, one by one, these students and future business owners told us their stories.

Uriah Hurst, a freelance fitness guru and certified trainer, started us off with his motto. “Train hard or get out. We all have trials and tribulations but there are no excuses, no off days.” Due to his hardcore, almost military-like manner, he stuck out immediately. When asked whether he pushes all of his clients the same way his entire demeanor changed. He softened his tone and said, “ No, not at all. I know that not everyone has been working at this for as long as I have. We’ll take it slow, but whatever pace you decide to go doesn’t change the outcome.”

One by one each young entrepreneur took the floor to explain their business. Businesses ranged from in-house bakeries to shoe customizations. Each entrepreneur took time to express how thankful they were that B.A.M. took the time to give them the opportunity to be apart of Shoot Your Shot; but it didn’t stop there.

Throughout the evening entrepreneurs and future consumers walked through each table and spoke to Which other individually. Does give a unique opportunity to learn more about the stories of each person. Some spoke about family issues that drove them to become successful, while others raved about B.A.M.’s role in their success. Fabio Clerjust, a representative of Venture Clothing closed off his presentation by stating, “Without B.A.M., I would’ve never taken my business seriously. This is my second time being a part of this event and it feels amazing. I leave with new clientele and new black businesses to support.”

Clerjust, a former University at Buffalo student, recalls starting his business fresh out of high school. After he and a few friends spent a summer customizing T-shirts and they thought “This needs to be our brand.” Over the years the a brand has grown tremendously. They now host parties, participate in fashion shows, and have even gotten their sweaters worn by celebrities. “Without opportunities like this my business would’ve never grown into this. I’m selling my merchandise internationally, what more could I ask for?” He finished off by saying that he is “forever grateful” for B.A.M. and their contributions.

As the evening came to an end each entrepreneur gave out samples, business cards, and exchanged information. Many of them spoke about collaborating with each other in the future, possibly creating new business ventures. Business woman Imani Barham says, “It’s as if the event itself produces the fuel for it to continue. Who knows if I’ll come back next year with an even bigger brand and more services to offer because of the people I’ve met today.” Attendees expressed a lot of for this event, telling B.A.M.’s executive board members how excited they were for next years event.

B.A.M.’s Vice President Jhakiri Brooks ended their event with a few closing remarks. “Without you all this wouldn’t be possible. We wouldn’t be able to put on these events without your talent. Before you all leave I want you to remember that you are important and that everyone in this room has the potential to be a success.” Soon after the room erupted in applause. There was so much support in this room as the participants gathered together to take pictures and say their goodbyes, ending the night with new friends and opportunities.

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Campus Funding: How Much Will Be Taken From Us?

Imagine a college campus with no campus activities. Imagine going to a school with no festivals, dance performances, or poetry slams. For many students that are part of the United Student's Government, this may be a reality very soon. There is a debate that cultural organizations are not being given a budget large enough to fund events requirements.

As it stands, in order to put on an event, organizations are required to have at least two University Police officers present, at $54 an hour. If an event is at least four hours long, which is typical for many on-campus shows, they're required to pay a minimum of $432. This is with a crowd size of about 250. However, due to the popularity of these events, organizations are shelling out upwards of $900 in order to meet the University Police requirement. At just under $1000, University Police take up a large chunk of the budget for many organizations. The African-American Student Organization has resorted to recycling decorations each year; shifting their show seems to match whatever decorations they happen to have left.

According to Jason Barrett, former AASO treasurer, this has been an issue for many years. "Last year we tried to stage a protest just to get the administration to listen to our problems. It feels like we're being targeted." Barrett continued by saying, "A lot of the cultural organizations are responsible for hosting the biggest events on campus. Our fashion shows and pageants are minority-run, our audience tends to be minorities as well." He describes feeling as though the administration requires more police officers for cultural events because the crowd makes them feel unsafe.

The issue becomes an even bigger problem when it comes to fundraising. USG recognized organizations are not allowed to raise their own money. You would think that with such a high priced requirement, organizations would be allowed to supplement their budget with off-campus fundraisers. Imani Barham, Secretary of Zen Model Boot Camp, recalls having to cancel a highly anticipated event due to lack of funds and the prohibition of fundraising. “We’ve resorted to having to pay dues out of our own pocket in order to make up for the money that we need,” she continued, “A lot of us are in school full-time, working, and supporting ourselves but if we want our organization to succeed we have to something's got to give.”

While it is understood that when hosting a large event security is necessary, at $54 an hour per officer hosting events is becoming more and more difficult; changing the campus dynamic. Organizations are being forced to cancel and reschedule events, even going as far as to take these events off-campus. Zen Model Boot Camp was forced to move their bi-annual fashion show because they could not afford to pay for an event space and between $500 and $900 worth of security. If these events are being taken off campus, what happens to students who are unable to attend due to inconvenience.

According to Kayla McLean, a USG senator and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., by next semester our lack of funding could become an even bigger issue. Student organizations may lose all of the funding dedicated to them, yet students will still be paying the same amount. There's a possibility that our mandatory student activity fee will no longer be available to us, yet the price we pay would stay the same. McLean states, "It feels like they're taking everything away from us. First, we are required to pay amounts that we don't have, and we're not even allowed to raise it on our own. Now we may not have a budget at all, how is that fair?"

In 2017 USG hosted a campus-wide activity blackout. For 24 hours there were no events, no dance practices, nothing that we would have access to if it weren't for the mandatory student activity fee. "I just remember being bored, so bored. There was nothing to do no one was on campus I haven't felt homesick until that day." McLean said. "This is what campus will be like year round if we, as students, do not take a stand."

Cultural organizations play a huge role in campus life, whether it be a cultural organization or apart of greek life. Over the years this role has been diminishing due to a lack of funding and sooner or later there may be no budget at all. When does it end? College is meant to provide education, yes, however without campus events, students lose their chance to decompress and enjoy a good time with their classmates.

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Adenlola

Imagine starting your first day of college feeling alone, nervous, and slightly out of touch with your heritage. This was the case for a young Rahaman Adenlola. Adenlola grew up in a Nigerian household, yet never really took an interest in his culture. After being accepted to the University of Buffalo, he found solace in an on campus organization, the African Students Association.

I was given the pleasure of sitting down with Adenlola, in one of the most comfortable settings that I could imagine. We discussed his love for his organization while I made dinner, in my pajamas, for my roommates and I.

“I remember feeling like I found the place that I belong” he said, recalling his experience after attending his first general interest meeting. He went on to speak about his goals in life, and the many lessons he has learned during his college career.

Mr. Adenlola always dreamed of being in the medical field. Once he found out about the six year program at the University of Buffalo, he knew physical therapy was the ideal career. “I would be apart of the undergrad program for three years, then go into the physical program for another three.” He continued to explain that he would come out, not with his bachelors, but with a doctorate for physical therapy. “The idea that I would graduate, immediately being known as Dr. Adenlola was all that was on my mind” he said, reminiscing on his young mind.

He began recalling certain trials and tribulations that lead to a change in his path. As a sophomore, he joined the executive board of the African Students Association as the Publicity chair.

A fellow member of his organization and friend, Ebenezer Adu, began to recall moments of his friend’s immense dedication shortly after joining us for dinner. As an unexpected guest to our interview, arriving to pick up his buddy, Adu jumped at the opportunity to talk about his good friend.

“I met him through some events on campus and we clicked. There aren’t many people that I know that are as dedicated to a campus organization than he is.” Adu continued on by speaking on Adenlola’s climb up the ladder of his executive board. “ I don’t think any of us thought he’d end up being the president of ASA one day”

Adenlola spoke about his college experience and it seemed that every other sentence somehow went back to his organization. He finally began to open up when talking about his family. He told tales about growing up in a household with five siblings. “ In an African family, there’s not room for failure.” he said while laughing. “My siblings grew up to become very successful, lots of doctors in the family.”

Shortly after the topic began, there was a slight shift in the tone of the conversation beginning once he spoke about the pressure of success present in his family. Adenlola spoke about the road bumps he experienced during college. It’s safe to say that the lessons he learned were hard for him to take, but necessary.

After struggling to balance his very full class schedule and an executive board position, Adenlola learned about time management. “It’s the greatest lesson that I’ve learned in my years in college“ he said. He went on to tell me about the times that he had chosen to go to an event over doing his work, which did nothing but harm him. “It’s amazing to take part in your culture and to bring those influence into your education, but I think it’s really important to know that you came to school to learn and that extracurriculars are just that, extra.”

After a long interview and a good dinner, it began to feel like a meeting with friends. Both Adenlola and Adu made jokes and laughed the entire time. They joked about their experiences together, many of which they’ve asked politely to be left out. “There were a lot of drunk nights we can’t particularly tell you about”

Throughout all of the jokes and laughter that night, Adenlola summed up the interview by telling me that the African Students Association was a huge part of his identity. “It’s like that for a lot of us, we look out for each other. We are family.“ Adenlola has built his college career around the African Students Association. “They have played a big part in who I am today and will be for the rest of me life.”