#hbcu alumna

[musiqjukebox]

Tia Mills, International Teacher and Founder of Tia Takes the World

Tia Mills is an international PE teacher turned travel content creator and blogger. Tia has experience working with brands such as Skyroam, Emirates, Sofitel Hotels, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Travel Noire, and many other partners. Her dedicated work ethic makes partnerships easy and she has many companies that work with her repeatedly. As a lover of education, Tia is driven to give…

[leelahsrose]

HONEY| LIL MEECH.

chapter six.

"𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙."

-Sade, circa 1993

5:30PM

"Is he doing better?" Khaleesi paces the fancy restroom, she attempts to talk loudly over the classical music. The short train on the gown she wears comes to a halt as she turns and looks in the mirror. She pulls up at the sides of her black dress—fixing her breast into place, Kamari's voice on the other side of the phone rambles on as she does so.

"He doing way better, I got him at home resting: got some people circling his place to make sure he good." As Kamari promised, he got Khaleesi home on time: after fixing up his friend's wound she rushed to the shower to wash off his scent then got dressed. She holds her phone between her shoulder and ear, her eyes glancing toward the door every few seconds. "You ain't find no colleges did you?"

Khaleesi knows he doesn't want her to go, the anxiousness in his voice stuck out. She bites down on the corner of her bottom lip, her hand clutching the phone. "I did, I saw a couple good ones but, it's too early to decide. My dad was... he was thinking about Atlanta." Her voice was low, barely audible. Her father has been wanting Khaleesi to be an alumna at Spelman, she would be the first in the family to graduate from college and an HBCU.

She hears silence on the other end but, it said a lot. "I know you your own woman and shit but, Leesi, I don't want you to go."

"You know it's my dad, I don't want to go either. But, I have to—"

"No you don't, wait, hold on baby— what the fuck you want, nigga? Damn." He takes his mouth away from the receiver, his booming voice trailing off. Khaleesi shakes her head then rakes her fingers through the ends of her hair, she curled it earlier but now they were starting to fall. "All you gotta do is say the word, you know?" His low voice coming back into the phone, she squeezes the counter in front of her. "And I'd get you out of there, with the quickness: for real."

Khaleesi shifts back and forth on her feet, she didn't know what to say. She didn't understand how he would get her without anyone dying. "That's dangerous." She interjects, her voice sharp: his raspy laugh now in her ear. "Nigga, what's funny?"

"So that's a yes?"

"I don't want anything to happen to you, Kamari please." Khaleesi begs quietly, she rolls her eyes.

"Nothing is going to happen to me, I got this. In and out, 20 minutes." She stomps her foot then crosses her free arm over her chest, Khaleesi sighs and shakes her head—what would Kali think? "Baby, trust me, please."

"When the time comes."

"Okay, be ready for our date though."

"What you mean? We're doing that tonight?"

"Hell yea, I'mma be there around 10: I'll come help you pack a bag." That only meant that Khaleesi had to get Kali to cover for her again. She already told their mother she went to a sleepover with one of her girl friends for last night.

"Kali has to cover for me again, I don't think she's going to do it though. I'm sorry, baby. We can do it another time."

"Nah, she gonna cover for you again. I think she seeing my homeboy."

"What?!" Khaleesi's eyebrows crease as she looks towards the door, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach. "Boy, what the hell are you talking about? She hates y'all."

"He told me last night, said they met at the gas station that night but she didn't know at first." Khaleesi thinks back on the time she first seen Kamari, trying to see if there was any time throughout the night Kali wasn't accounted for.  She hears a dainty knock on the bathroom, her head switches over to the door. "I gotta go, I'll talk to you later."

"I love you, perpetually." Khaleesi smiles, her nails tapping against the counter: her head completely empty.

"I like that, I love you perpetually." She hangs up and presses the phone against her chest, Khaleesi rushes over to the door then pulls it open. Kali stands on the other side, her embellished blue gown sparkling under the lobby's lights. "We need to talk."

"Not right now, mom is waiting for us. Let's go." Khaleesi walks out of the restroom and into the crowd of people with her sister. Kali grabs her hand and begins to walk down the corridor, her eyes scanning the various individuals.

"Kali."

"What?"

"Are you seeing one of Mari's people?" Kali stops moving all of a sudden, she looks back at Khaleesi and squints her eyes. She leads them to one of the side walls, pushing her against the wallpaper.

"That is none of your business."

"It is my business because Mari is my business. What happened to not fucking the enemies?"

"Bitch, we're not fucking." Khaleesi purses her lips, not believing a single word coming from her mouth.

"Maybe once. It's still none of your business, I'm a grown woman whose about to move out. They won't care."

"You're a hypocrite and a lying ass bitch." Khaleesi rips her hand from her grip then crosses her arms over her chest. "You will continue to cover for me—"

"No the fuck I'm not-"

"Yes, you will. Or I swear I will tell mom about the club and how you influenced me to go and stirred me away from school. Don't, cross me again. Have you lost your mind?" Khaleesi scowls and continues to walk down the hall, Kali's eyebrows crease as she treads after her.

"Khaleesi." She ignores her, continuing her movement. "Come on, okay I know I should've told you. I'm sorry, we always forgive each-other. What's different about this time?"

"Because, Kali, you made me feel like being in love with Kamari is wrong, saying that he's an enemy and what not but you're doing the same shit. That's fucked up. Can you not see how that's messed up?!" She slightly yells at the end causing several eyes to move over to the sisters, Kali looks around and shuffles them over to the side once again.

"Yes that's fucked up, I get it. I'm sorry, Leesi. You know it's still dangerous though, right?"

"I don't want to hear that right now."

"It's the truth."

"No, the truth is that me and you are in danger. You're not excluded from this, you're still very much a Taylor like me. Bitch, get real." And with that, Khaleesi leaves Kali in a pool of her own thoughts and regrets.

10:00 PM

same day

Khaleesi looks down at Mari's text lighting up her screen, he was on the way. Her TV was already turned off, bed made-up to perfection: the silence that hugs the room was comforting to her. The rose-colored duffle bag on her bed was already packed and zipped up, she sits her phone on top of it and walks to the bathroom to the side of her. She fixes her multicolored headband then flicks a piece of lint off her cheek.

"Khaleesi!" She hears her name and her head cocks back toward the door, her heart beginning to race. Kali had already told their mother she was staying with her girl friend again, what was it now? Her phone begins to ring and she sighs, Kamari's name popping up.

"Here."

"My mom wants to talk to me, what do I do?" Kali opens her door and comes in, shutting it behind her. Khaleesi looks over at her, wondering what she wanted.

"She wants to meet your friend, the one you're staying with? He better come up with something quick cause I can't think of anything else and Nizhoni is busy."

"Did you-"

"I got it, I came prepared trust me." Khaleesi nods her head and hangs up, she tosses her phone on her bed and breathes out a frustrating breath.

"That's all he has to say is trust me? Leesi, mom thinks she's already here to pick you up. If he can't come up with a physical human being within five minutes, I don't know what to tell you."

"He got it, trust him Kali, shit." The doorbell startles both of them, they both gaze at one another: wide-eye and anxious. They move to the door at the same time, Khaleesi goes out first and races down the stairs.

"Whose that?" Alicia Taylor treads out of the kitchen with a towel in her hand, she wipes her palms and tilts her head. Khaleesi opens the door and a young brown-skinned woman stands there, a friendly smile on her face as she holds a pair of keys in her right hand.

"Mom, this is Tracy." Khaleesi thinks of a name quickly, she turns around and stands to the side letting her come into their residence. Alicia smiles and walks towards her, greeting her with a small hug.

"It's certainly nice to meet you Mrs. Taylor, it's nice helping Leesi with her paper. She's doing really good."

"Oh—that's great to hear, my baby she's so smart. It's good to finally meet you as well, wanted to make sure she wasn't running off with no boy now." Alicia laughs amusingly, the three girls all share nervous looks as they chuckle quietly. "Well, I won't keep y'all long. Enjoy studying, Khaleesi don't stay up to late, I'll see you?"

"I'll be back tomorrow night, wanna work on it some more later that day. I won't be too long, ma, I'm just ten minutes away."

"Alrighty then, I'll call to check up on you, try to make it back before dinner? Q is coming over, you know how hard it is to get all of us together."

"Yes mam." Alicia smiles gently and walks back into the kitchen, they all stare at her as she does so. Khaleesi looks over at Kali and walks over to her, she wraps her arms around her sister and hugs her tightly. "Thank you, I'm sorry about earlier. I'll be back, don't worry he has me. It's cool." Leesi pecks her cheek and pulls away, Kali nods her head agreeing silently.

"Let's go, girl, what's your real name?" Khaleesi's voice fades out as Kali shuts the door, the young lady laughs and places her hand on her shoulder: leading Leesi to Kamari's car down the block.

"Kecia, call me Key though." They had walked for several minutes before coming to his car, Khaleesi's heart begins to jump up and down in her chest. "I took my own ride here, he told me to come earlier just in case something like this popped up."

"Well, thank you so much. Hopefully, he rewarded you gracefully for this. It means a lot."

"I love black love, and yep gave me a band." Kecia laughs as she holds the stack up to her ear, she treads away: further down the street. Khaleesi smiles then bites her lip, she walks over to the car and hops in the passenger seat. A set of arms wrap around her, Kamari.

"Baby." His lips attack her cheeks viciously, her fits of laughter fill the car. Khaleesi kisses him, her hand holding onto his bicep. "Mmm." She pulls away, her plump lips smacking on his: he wanted more but she didn't allow it. Her finger resting against his soft lips, she tilts her head and reaches over to turn on the car.

"Let's go, Kamari come on I'm excited. We can do this later, I promise." She smiles and pushes his shoulder, he laughs and puts the car into gear.

"Okay, okay I got you. Let's go." His voice smooth and full of charisma, she takes her shoes off and pulls her legs in the seat. Her fingers reaching over to lock the two-door car. "Don't ask me where we going either, it's a surprise."

"You play too much."

"Nigga, I'm tryna be romantic."

"Sorry, you're doing a good job." She rubs his shoulder and he looks down at her: they laugh together and he smiles brightly. Kamari grabs her bag and puts it in the backseat, she puts her seatbelt over her body then feels a warmth take over her.

"Here. A/C be blowing, you finna get cold soon: and before I forget." A blue blanket sits in her lap, it was the one that's usually laid out on his bed. Kamari reaches to the back one last time before pulling out a black square box filled with clipped red roses. The red color vibrant as can be, she gasps and takes them in her hands. One thing Khaleesi loves is flowers—trees, plants, any type of nature.

"They're beautiful."  The tips of her nails touching the delicate petals, she takes a whiff of them and hums. "And fresh, thank you, love." Khaleesi leans in and pecks his cheek, he looks over at her—disappointed. His lip up in a scowl as he stares at Khaleesi, she laughs. "What?"

"Give me a real kiss."

"We have to go, come on." Khaleesi goes back into her seat and holds onto her seatbelt, she looks over at him while pulling her blanket over her body: setting the roses on her lap.

"You cute."

They had drove for about two hours, Kamari was wide awake but Khaleesi had found herself knocked out in the passenger seat. Her face snuggled into the soft baby blue blanket, Mari's hand resting on her thigh as his other hand grips the top of the wheel. He pulls the black SRT up to the valet that was placed in front of a vast glass building.

"Baby." Khaleesi stirs a little she opens her eyes seconds later and sits up yawning. "We here." He opens the door then she throws the blanket into the backseat, Khaleesi gets out and hugs her beige coat around her body. She walks over to Kamari and leans her head on his shoulder, he takes her hand and leads them over to the steps.

Kamari hands the keys to a young man in a black suit, two other men pull up in SUVs and get out of the vehicles—coming behind the two. "This is beautiful, why are they here?" She whispers the last part then her lips land on his seconds later.

"Rented out the whole place for us, private exhibit views—didn't want anybody in our way. They're here because I want to be able to be as vulnerable with you as possible. "

"Red wine?" A man comes up to her, a small tray sitting on his palm with a glass of bubbling wine on top.

"Yes please." Khaleesi takes it in her hands then takes a sip of the alcohol. The sweet liquid buzzing on her tongue and swirling down her throat, she hums in agreement. They go into the museum, the soft studio lights surround the spacious room.

"An itinerary of the exhibits." Another gentleman coming up as he hands her a thick beige paper with black lettering, she takes it in her hands and thanks him quietly. Her eyes scanning the paper as her fingers squeeze Kamari's hand. The last exhibit on the paper named after her, with the word The before it.

"Baby, what's this?" She holds it out to him and he smiles, bending down to kiss Khaleesi on the cheek.

"You'll see." She lays her chin on his shoulder as they walk, gazing at the pieces in front of them one-by-one—every once in a while stopping to discuss. There were little white stands by every exhibit to the side, three lit ivory candles on each one. Khaleesi's heart fluttering every minute, she felt so peaceful in this moment. Nothing to worry about, not even Q. She felt safe.

"This is so nice." She says gently, her eyes staring up at the chandeliers: Kamari guiding her steps as she did so. They come to the last exhibit, before they could step foot into the room, he covers her eyes and she gasps. "Come on, Mari."

"Hold on, walk with me." He moves behind her causing her to do the same, they tread closer to the piece—the two men with them staying behind. "You ready?" He says in her ear, chills dance down her spine.

"Yes." He takes his hands off her eyes then wraps his arms around her waist, Khaleesi looks up and is met with a colorful and realistic portrait of her: various flowers from different species suspended in the air around the large canvas. Her hands instantly clasping over her mouth, tears already pricking at her eyes. "W-what?" She turns around, her face filled with bewilderment. "How did you—?"

"I know you surprised but, there's more." He takes her hand, leading her to the open space behind the portrait, a small place that's lit up only by candles.

A sea of red rose petals decorating the wood floor, a set of words spelled out in white. Khaleesi couldn't take it anymore, tears dropping from her eyes. "Will you be my girlfriend? Khaleesi Taylor?" She turns around, his eyes already pinned on her. "I know it's soon but, our bond—it's tight like honey. We've been through, everything together: you know that. I love you so much. It's okay, baby." He walks up to her, she looks down at his chest: her hands laying there.

Kamari wipes her cheeks with his thumbs, she gathers the courage to look up at him. She had finally had someone that had her, no more one-sided connections, or toxic individuals entering her life. This was it. She has someone who makes her feel safe, who appreciates her—and something like that was a thing she wants to fight for. She wraps her arms around his neck, her puffy face angling up towards his, Kamari pushes a couple pieces of hair to the side. "This means so much to me."

"Mhm, I know baby, I didn't get to show you actions back then but I'm showing them now. I need you to be with me." Khaleesi sighs, her heart thumping against her chest.

"This is going to be dangerous, Mari."

"Let me show you how far I go for you."

"Yes." They shift back and forth on their feet as they look at one another, Khaleesi had took his hands into hers—pecking him several times on the lips. "I'm yours."

[inexable]

HBCUs: The Silent Game-Changers?

As the election approaches, the leaders of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been unusually quiet about their candidate preferences. With Kamala Harris, a Howard University alumna, and Donald Trump, who has touted his support for HBCUs, both vying for their endorsement, what's holding them back? Their influence in Black communities is undeniable, yet concerns about policy over personality seem to dominate. What are your thoughts on this silence? Do you think HBCU leaders should voice their support, and if so, for whom? Let's discuss!

[lboogie1906]

Saint Augustine’s University was chartered as Saint Augustine Normal School and Collegiate Institute on July 19, 1867, by Reverend J. Brinton Smith, D.D., secretary of the Freedman’s Commission of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and Reverend Thomas Atkinson, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. Bishop Atkinson became the first president of the Board of Trustees and Dr. Smith was the first principal. The school opened its doors for instruction on January 13, 1868.

In 1893, the School’s name changed from Saint Augustine Normal School to Saint Augustine’s School. In 1919, the name changed to Saint Augustine’s Junior College. The School became a four-year institution in 1927. In 1928, the institution was renamed Saint Augustine’s College. Baccalaureate degrees were first awarded in 1931.

The College established St. Agnes Hospital and Training School for Nurses to provide medical care for and by African Americans. It was the first nursing school in the state of North Carolina for African American students and served as the only hospital to serve African Americans until 1960.

The University was the nation’s first HBCU to own an on-campus commercial radio station (WAUG-AM Power 750) and television station (WAUG-TV 168).

Saint Augustine’s University has blazed the trail in academics. Alumna Anna Julia Cooper, who was a prominent writer, educator, and scholar, became the fourth African American woman in the US to earn a doctoral degree.

Falcons soar in academics and athletics. The men’s track and field team has experienced the victory of being #1 on numerous occasions. Saint Augustine’s University alumnus, legendary head track and field coach, and athletic director, George “Pup” Williams, has built a dynasty in track and field and cross country at the University. His track and field programs have won an astounding 39 national championships. Williams has coached 39 Olympians including three gold medalists.

On August 1, 2012, Saint Augustine’s College transitioned in name and status to Saint Augustine’s University. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #hbcu

[eug3n362]

Did we mention she’s an HBCU graduate? Amber Batchelor is a veteran CEO, strategic alignment expert, and a Saint Augustine University alumna. She’s had the pleasure of working in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Florida. During the pandemic she was on the economic first line working with the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), managing and administering grants to help business owners stay afloat during the troubling time.  Now Batchelor sits as the first Black CEO of Sumter County’s Chamber of Commerce. She stated, “I have a deep family history in southwest Georgia, and I consider it my sincere honor to be selected to serve as President and CEO of the Sumter County Chamber and reconnect with this hardworking historic community.  Over the last 20 years I have had the privilege of working in corporate and nonprofit spaces across the country supporting small business owners, manufacturers, community partners and more.  In every position, I have been dedicated to put community and collaboration at the forefront of keeping people and hometown needs first.”  When she’s not at the desk she’s working hard with Batchelor & Bradley Insights Group to ensure small businesses, nonprofits, and government level organizations are moving at maximum efficiency. The company is currently planning a Women's Wellness Retreat for this summer in Miraval Arizona. This retreat was designed to bring har...

[urbanchristiannews]

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY (HBCU) ALUMNA TAMIA POTTER HAS BECOME VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY'S FIRST BLACK FEMALE NEUROSURGERY RESIDENT

Tamia Potter receives her match with Vanderbilt University Medical Center. – Courtesy Tamia Potter HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY (HBCU) ALUMNA TAMIA POTTER HAS BECOME VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY’S FIRST BLACK FEMALE NEUROSURGERY RESIDENT (more…) “”

[eagletek]

HBCU Grad Makes History As First Black Female Neurosurgeon Resident At Vanderbilt

Florida A&M University alumna Tamia Potter is now the first Black woman to become a neurosurgeon resident at Vanderbilt University — and Twitter users can’t hold back their excitement for the history-making pioneer. The FAMU graduate shared the monumental news Friday on Twitter. “My first job was a certified nursing assistant at 17 years old in 2014. Today, on March 17, 2023, I was blessed to…

[zaidib]

When I (back center) was at Howard in 1970; before today’s generation was even thought of!!

[nbcahalloffame]

Happy Friyay! DON’T FORGET the deadline for our Legacy of Leaders Alumni Awards is Monday, June 17th. ONLY HBCU Presidents/Chancellors, Alumni Association Presidents and Alumni Directors may nominate someone from their institution, feel free to share! The link to apply is in our bio. • • • #HBCU #HBCUs #HallofFame #LegacyofLeaders #Legacy #Leaders #Leader #LegacyofLeadersAlumniAwards #Alumni #AlumniAwards #Awards #Award #Alumnae #Alumna #Alumnus #Friyay #Friday #TGIF #Apply #nbcahof #nbcahalloffame #HappyFriday #HappyFriyay #HBCUPresidents #HBCUPresident #HBCUAlumni #HBCUAlumniAssociation #HBCUAlumniDirector #HBCUChancellor #HBCUPride (at Hyatt Regency Atlanta) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2m-ypBUPt/?igshid=1c5qd1h526unx

[humansofhds]

Amos Jackson III, MDiv ′23

“Healing matters to the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the poor, and the hungry. People can get justice, they can get policies and even resources, but it's the healing that actually helps them to move forward. If an individual gets justice but still carries trauma, are they really obtaining true justice?”

Amos is a first-year master of divinity degree candidate at Harvard Divinity School.

Politics and the Church

I was named after one of the minor prophets in the Bible as well as my father and my grandfather, who was named after his uncle. I'm the fourth generation of my name, but the third in my immediate family. I'm originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, but currently based in the Washington D.C. area. I’ve been here since I started college at Howard University, where I graduated from in 2019 as a double major in political science and African American studies.

I grew up in a non-denominational church and even went to pre-K there, but when I was about 13 we moved to a Baptist church not too far from our house, and that's where I really begun my personal faith journey. Growing up, no matter what happened on a Saturday night, we were going to church on Sunday at 7:45 am in the morning. 

Interestingly, the church was my introduction to politics. I remember that the first time I met a politician was while he was at church campaigning, and I can recall asking myself why politicians frequented the Black church during election season. Because of the influence of my upbringing, and watching how religion played a big role in social movements, I've always had an interest in the intersection of religion and politics. I wanted to know why this intersection was so important to politicians. “Why now? Why here? What purpose does it serve?” 

Seeking the answers to these questions is a big part of the reason I’m now at HDS. I still attend church every Sunday (now virtually) and lead a prayer call for my church every Sunday at 6 pm while also being devoted to the various social justice causes of my church, because I believe that faith requires me to go out of the four walls of the church building and be involved in the community.

Articulating the Value of HBCUs

I initially did not have the desire to attend an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) before I committed to Howard University. It wasn't until I got there that I understood the intellectual and cultural richness of the HBCU experience. The biggest benefit of all was getting my education from an African diasporic lens of learning. In comparison to other schools that might have been providing a Eurocentric or westernized form of education, I was learning about psychology, political science, and other spheres in a way that addressed them not just generally, but also their specific interactions with and effects on Black people.

Having the opportunity to be in a space where I felt comfortable and could unapologetically be myself was such a blessing. I also had the honor of being student body president and becoming an ambassador for my HBCU. HBCUs make up only 3 percent of higher education but produce 50 percent of Black lawyers and doctors. Some of the most exceptional Black leaders in this country—such as Martin Luther King, Thurgood Marshall, Ella Baker, John Lewis, Kamala Harris and so many others—were shaped and highly influenced by their HBCU education, and being able to stand on their shoulders as an HBCU alum is a high honor.

Working on a Historic National Campaign

2018 was a very important year for me. I met the then Senator Kamala Harris at an event in D.C., and I shared with her about the disappointment I had felt the night when the 2016 election results were released. I told her how I had believed my opportunities were crushed in D.C., but the silver lining in it all had been that fact that she was elected that very same night to the United States Senate. And there I was, a year-and-a-half later, asking if I could work for her. She offered me the opportunity, and that summer I started interning in her office. Just days after graduation, I was working as a national political coordinator for her presidential campaign in New Hampshire and Nevada. Fast forward to this past September, when I joined the Biden-Harris campaign as Senator Harris’s deputy political director. These opportunities have been endless, and I attribute this to my HBCU education providing me a pathway to work for an alumna of my institution. I do, in a way, see politics as a ministry, and I am grateful that I can now answer the questions I had as a child about why religion was significant for politics. I am seeing firsthand the extent to which society is driven by their social, religious, and moral views, and I'm just saying, that really matters. 

The Road That Led to HDS

While in college I had also done an internship with the Center for Responsible Lending, which had a program called the Faith & Credit Roundtable. Part of the work we did there was train clergy to go to Capitol Hill and advocate for their parishioners and congregations regarding economic issues like payday lending, predatory lending, fair housing, and student loan debt, particularly in the Black community which, compared to other communities, has a very high debt-to-wealth ratio. Seeing the impact of that work awakened my aspirations, and I said to myself, “I can do this. I want to do this.” Incidentally, one of the directors of that program had received her master of divinity degree at Duke Divinity. She was the one that advised me to think about the possibility of attending divinity school. I, however, was under the impression that divinity school was only for those who wanted to preach or become a pastor, so I was really blind to all the opportunities that divinity school could bring. I did however end up applying to a few divinity schools, and ultimately Harvard. What solidified the decision for me was knowing that HDS provided the opportunity to take classes in all the different schools. So, if I wanted to see how religion affected public policy, I would have the Kennedy School. If I wanted to see how it affected business, I would have the Business School. If I wanted to see how it affected law and social justice, I would have the Law School. Therefore, making the choice to be in an institution that would enrich me in all of these capacities was a no-brainer.

Smelling the Roses

Something I’ve been reflecting on lately is that one of the biggest things we can do as students of ministry is to understand how healing works, and that it takes a communal effort to heal. Healing matters to the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the poor and the hungry. People can get justice, they can get policies and even resources, but it's the healing that actually helps them to move forward. If an individual gets justice, but still carries trauma, are they really obtaining true justice? People always ask me if I have plans to run for office, but I don't know about all that. I just love doing the work. If it provides an opportunity, sure; but that's not a goal of mine. I just want to pursue God's will for my life, and whatever that brings, I will take. I’m at the school I’ve always wanted to go to, doing the work that I always dreamed of doing, meeting the people I’ve always wanted to meet. So, I'm just trying to enjoy the moment right now, and be grateful and settled in the blessings that God has put in my life.

Interview by Suzannah Omonuk; photos courtesy of Amos Jackson III

[musiqjukebox]

Tiffany Heard, Founder of Hues of Africa: Journey Between the Lines & Hues of HBCUs

Tiffany Heard is from Los Angeles, California and is a proud graduate of Howard University, where she obtained a Masters of Social Work. She has currently traveled the world to over 20 countries and gives back selflessly by volunteering abroad. Ms. Heard is a content creator who discusses and documents her solo vacations on the travel blog. Tiffany is the author of Hues of Africa: Journey Between…

[reeltoreal-cl]

Black TV Shows & BGLOs

In 2020, the United States is finally confronting its issues with racism in society as well as the entertainment industry. With that, there has been a surge in black content on various streaming platforms.

Television shows with predominantly African-American casts often feature a glimpse at special pockets of black culture. One pocket often featured is the cultural experience of pledging historically black fraternities and sororities, otherwise known as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). The five fraternities and four sororities that comprise BGLOs, affectionately called “The Divine Nine,” are officially known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Feature films tend to focus either on stepping, as with Stomp The Yard and Step Sisters, or the issue of pledging vs. hazing, as with School Daze and Burning Sands. Black sitcoms and other small screen productions, however, tend to explore BGLO issues with more nuance and humor.

A Different World - Ep. #216 - “It’s Greek to Me” - 1989 - NBC

Hillman College best friends Dwayne and Ron are in the midst of pledging fictional fraternity Kappa Lambda Nu. As time goes on, Dwayne becomes disillusioned with the process and argues with Ron over whether what they’re enduring is worth the benefits of the frat. Dwayne eventually drops line while Ron crosses into the brotherhood, and they see that their friendship can survive different paths. The matter is handled amicably and respectfully, and Ron is seen in future episodes as an active member.

Season 2 is when A Different World found its identity within the HBCU experience, as Debbie Allen took over the direction of the series after Denise’s character departed. Debbie and sister Phylicia Rashad are both Howard University alumnae, and Phylicia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

A Different World - Ep. #421 - “Sister to Sister, Sister” - 1991 - NBC

Though no episodes depicted Whitley pledging, in this one Whitley oversees Kim’s pledge process for fictional sorority Alpha Delta Rho. Like its predecessor, the episode questions the pledge process itself, and further, the ethics of whether someone should pledge a friend. While Whitley defends her actions, Kim ultimately gets revenge when she over-seasons Whitley’s eggs with pepper. Whitley realizes she was being harder on Kim because they were friends, and learns how to be a better sister overall.

You can watch A Different World with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Ep. #408 - “Blood is Thicker Than Mud” - 1993 - NBC

Once Will and Carlton matriculate to University of Los Angeles, they decide to pledge fictional fraternity Phi Beta Gamma. However, things take a turn for the worst when Will finds out he made the cut, but Carlton didn’t because he doesn’t “fit their image.” When Carlton finds out the truth, he reads them for filth in an iconic speech that defends his authenticity. There is no mention of the fraternity in the rest of their college experience.

You can watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with a subscription to HBO Max.

Moesha - Ep. #224 - “Prom Fright” - 1997 - UPN

The episode begins with Frank reminiscing about Kappa Alpha Psi with his frat brother, complete with cane twirling and chanting, “I'm pretty on my left, I'm pretty on my right, I'm so damn pretty I can't sleep at night!” Frank believes his frat brother’s Harvard-bound son would be a good fit to date Moesha as an alternative to Q, but later finds out the boy isn’t interested in Kappa or anything Frank had hoped for. The boy even says he isn’t interested in organizations that perpetuate a “herd mentality,” a rarity in depictions of children with parents in BGLOs.

Moesha - Ep. #401 - “Moesha Meets Brandy” - 1998 - UPN

There is no discussion about Greek life in this episode, however, Moesha’s new college boyfriend Aaron and his frat brother show up wearing Kappa Alpha Psi shirts for their weekend trip to Big Bear.

Moesha - Ep. #407 - “A Terrible Thing Happened on My Tour of College” - 1998 - UPN

Moesha and her friends take a campus tour for prospective student weekend of Maynard University. Part of their introduction to campus is a step show featuring Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi (and Moesha’s ex Aaron from #401), and Delta Sigma Theta. This episode centers on Moesha grappling with the betrayal of a college student named Melvin drugging her drink at a college party, but thankfully Aaron comes to her rescue.

One of the writers on Moesha was Mara Brock Akil, who pledged Delta Sigma Theta at Northwestern University.

You can watch Moesha with a subscription to Netflix.

Sister, Sister - Ep. #608 - “Greek to Me” - 1998 - The WB

Like the transition from ABC to The WB, the show saw Tia and Tamera transition from high school to University of Michigan. As the twins are exposed to Greek life, Tamera finds her anniversary dinner plans interrupted when Jordan goes undercover for student newspaper to investigate hazing. Meanwhile, Ray tries to convince Tia to pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha, while Lisa tries to sway her towards Delta Sigma Theta.

Lead actor Tim Reid wore an Alpha Phi Alpha sweatshirt in this episode, as he pledged the fraternity at Norfolk Stage College.

You can watch Sister, Sister with a subscription to Netflix.

The Parkers - Ep. #101 - “Grape Nuts” - 1999 - UPN

As Nikki and Kim start Santa Monica Community College, they also decide to pledge the fictional Alpha Alpha Alpha, or “Triple A’s.” As they continue in the pledge process, however, Nikki becomes increasingly fed up, which leads her to tell off the sorority sisters. She drops the line while Kim goes on to cross.

This is a rare depiction of a mother and daughter on the same line, as well as an extreme age gap in pledges for a collegiate one.

The Parkers - Ep. #404 - “Meter Maids Need Love, Too” - 2002 - UPM

Kim and Stevie are troubled by three ex-cons pledging their same sorority. Meanwhile, a fictional fraternity pledge bothers Professor Oglevee and T. While some sororities have clauses against criminal records, this is a rare depiction of one in which women who’ve traded prison for college are able to participate.

You can watch The Parkers with subscriptions to Netflix and YouTube TV.

Girlfriends - Ep. #616 - “Game Over” - 2006 - UPN / The CW

The show’s transition from UPN to The CW coincided with Joan’s transition to “It Girl” with the success of her restaurant The J-Spot. In this episode she mentions that she will be honored at a gala for business women thrown by Delta Sigma Theta, and needs to ask one of her potential suitors to be her date.

With this show being set post-college, this reference is a reminder that sororities and fraternities continue to be involved in their communities well beyond the collegiate pledge process and for good causes.

Girlfriends creator Mara Brock Akil pledged Delta Sigma Theta at Northwestern University, and previously wrote on Moesha.

You can watch Girlfriends with a subscription to Netflix.

Luke Cage - Ep. #108 - “Blowin’ Up The Spot” - 2016 - Netflix

When the police bring in Mariah for questioning, Misty jokes with Priscilla, “Look, I was just about to compel her to make a statement before you let your little soror Skee-Wee on out of here.” This is a reference to Alpha Kappa Alpha, but Priscilla corrects Misty with, “Oo-Oop,” indicating that she and Mariah are members of Delta Sigma Theta instead.

Similar to Girlfriends, the show exists outside of the collegiate realm. Mariah is a politician and Prisicilla is an inspector, showing that women in these organizations go on to have prolific careers, in which they are often expected to have each other’s backs in various situations.

You can watch Luke Cage with a subscription to Netflix.

Dear White People - Ep. #104 - “Chapter IV” - 2017 - Netflix

With a blast from the past, this episode sheds light on Coco and Sam’s friendship as freshmen and how their different experiences affected it. Coco is eager to join fictional sorority Alpha Delta Rho, while Sam wants to join the Black Student Union. Alpha Delta Rho is more interested in Sam than Coco due to colorism, and when Coco finds out, she drops. When the sorority sisters later attempt to enter the Pegasus Party that Coco is in, she denies them access.

Colorism is a topic that many in the African-American community are finally beginning to have open conversations about. This is another rare depiction among portrayals of BGLOs, as it is a controversial part of the culture that speaks to issues of elitism.

Alpha Delta Rho may be a callback to A Different World, as it bears the same name and similar colors to Whitley’s fictional sorority. Early on in the episode, Sam even describes their historically black dorm “like a mini Hillman College.”

You can watch Dear White People with a subscription to Netflix.

Marlon - Ep. #208 - “Homecoming” - 2018 - Netflix

When Marlon and Stevie return to Howell University, Marlon is reunited with his frat brothers, with whom he founded a fictional fraternity for those rejected by the more popular ones on campus. Marlon looks forward to overseeing the latest line of pledges, until he realizes that Stevie is on line as an alumnus. It is later revealed that Marlon was the one who blocked Stevie from joining while they were in college, and Stevie becomes determined to prove his worth. Stevie ultimately completes the process, and the episode is punctuated by a step show.

You can watch Marlon with a subscription to Netflix.

While popular 90s sitcoms and TV shows in the late 2010s feature similar references to BGLO experiences, they often were able to host more complex conversations about them in the span of an episode, especially in regards to character values and relationship dynamics. Here’s hoping that as the new renaissance of black television takes place, we see even more diverse perspectives on these fraternities and sororities in relation to issues at large.

[unspokenspeaks]

Hampton Alum

[greekpara]

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