In celebration of HBCU Week and to shine a spotlight on the profound influence Historically Black Colleges and Universities have had on our community, we sat down and had an engaging series of conversations with Lydgia, Nyemah, Leshawn, Carman, and Leticia, all proud alumni of HBCUs and dedicated City of Cincinnati employees. Our discussion centered around the impact of their HBCU experiences, how they best equipped them for the challenges of the world, and why they are proud to be HBCU alumni.

Q: Why an HBCU for you and what impact has going to an HBCU had on your personally?

“Why not an HBCU?  My maternal family has 4 generations of HBCU graduates from 16 HBCUs.  It wasn’t a question of should I go to one, it was a question of which one do I want to attend.  The impact of attending an HBCU has been a key part of who I am.  I came to Kentucky State University with low self-esteem, an introvert and unsure of what path I wanted to take in life.  By the time I graduated, my self-esteem was greatly heightened, I found my voice with an understanding of who I was as a young black woman with confidence.    One of Kentucky State’s mottos is to ‘Do everything in excellence’, this is how I function and operate on a daily basis.”- Nyemah

“I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to be surrounded by people who shared my experiences and  values. I also wanted to be in an environment where I could thrive academically and socially.”- Lydgia

“My grades were mediocre when I graduated from high school. I wasn't able to get into the few colleges that I applied to. If it wasn't for Central State University accepting and welcoming me with open arms, my entire career path would have been much different. Central State opened my eyes and nurtured me to become the man that I am today. Little did I know at the time, the beautiful campus in the middle of the corn fields in Wilberforce, Ohio helped me establish a foundation built with love, motivation, determination, respect and faith that carried me all the way through college and twenty-seven years later.”- LeShawn

“ Upon graduating in 2009 from Taft High School I knew 3 things I wanted to play softball, I wanted to go to Tennessee State University and if not there it had to be an HBCU. I got the softball and HBCU wish but not to TSU (lol my mom said no way too far). I didn’t apply but to a few HBCU’s Tennessee State University, Fisk University and Kentucky State University. I received a softball scholarship to both Fisk and Kentucky. Ultimately it was Kentucky as it was closer, and I also received an academic scholarship to add to it. After going for a visit, I knew that was the place for me. I ended up switching and becoming a cheerleader my junior year and made even more lifetime friends.  Being there impacted me by being able to connect and make lifetime friendships that I would be forever grateful for. To come together in times of hard times and lean on each other as a campus with prayers and love.  It made me feel like home away from home. I was surrounded by people just like me with the same opportunities that I would be receiving.  If I knew now what great of a choice this was, I would do it all over again.”- Leticia

 “ I was first introduced to the notion of attending an HBCU from watching “A Different World” back in the early 90’s. I was amazed by the sense of community, acceptance, strength, and school pride. Going to North Carolina A & T State University showed me my voice mattered and that I could evoke change. I participated in boycotts and demonstrations. I learned that black history is more than just slavery. They taught us about the history and influence of black people on music, culture, and America. When I began college, I was reserved, indecisive, and indifferent. When I left, I was educated, well-rounded, self-assured, and empowered. Overall, the experience was invaluable and gave me a sense of belonging and pride. “- Carman

Q: What was your favorite part of going to an HBCU?

“EVERYTHING!!!  From the great moments, to the not so great moments, it was all part of my maturing process.  If I had to select one favorite part of going to an HBCU it would be the classmates who became friends that developed into family for life.  We run back to campus each year for Homecoming or as much as possible to reconnect with those we literally ‘grew up’ with.   Being around each other is reviving, a family reunion, networking, recalibrating and hard to leave each other’s presence every time.  There’s nothing like it.”- Nyemah

“My favorite part was serving as Miss Knoxville College representing the students & college across the State of Tennessee and county. Additionally, I enjoyed participating in the marching band;  getting to perform and travel on the flag core.”- Lydgia

“I can't limit my answer to just one favorite part about attending an HBCU. There are too many facets I remember while attending Central State University that embodies the entire HBCU experience.  

As a kid growing up in the military, I've been in so many school systems. I had the opportunity to interact with and befriend individuals of all diverse cultures. On my first day of classes at Central State University, I was culture shocked walking across campus. It was a positive and overwhelming feeling to be enrolled at an institution of higher learning where young men and women that looked like me, shared the same goal that I had which was to obtain a bachelor's degree. 

HBCU homecomings are like family reunions. They are the highlight every year. The love that is witnessed among alumni and the Centralian Pride is second to none. 

Finally, how can you say HBCU and not think about THE BAND! The Central State University Invincible Marching Marauders performs with pride! When they take the field that Centralian Pride makes the hairs on your arm stand up because we know that it's about to go DOWN! The beautiful thing about what I said regarding my reflection, is that alumni from other HBCUs can relate because it's all about the HBCU experience.”- LeShawn

“The best part of attending an HBCU was the attention and care I received from the faculty and my professors. It truly felt like home away from home. They genuinely cared about us and went above and beyond to ensure we were successful. During the first semester of my sophomore year, I didn’t have enough money for the following semester. The financial aid advisor assured me that all would be well and used university funds to cover the remaining expenses on my behalf. The atmosphere at North Carolina A & T was welcoming and familiar.  I felt supported and accepted for who I was and not how I talked or what I looked like. I was judged on my merits alone and that felt good. I could be authentically me; there was no need to explain something that was already understood by everyone around me.

I’ve had the experience of going to an HBCU and a PWI and they are complete opposites. At an HBCU, I did not need to assimilate. I didn’t need to explain why my hair was curly yesterday and straight today. I didn’t have to worry about being picked last in a group project or worry about feeling lonely because no one else looked like me in my classes.”- Carman

“There were so many memories but the icing on the cake had to be homecoming. To have all the generations before me come back and pour knowledge into us as young adults was not only rewarding but fulfilling. The yard filled and smelling so good with all the food from the vendors, Greek out stepping, the band playing, having my family come each year to share in these memories and have them see me perform during the football games and parades are all still so priceless. Can’t forget “Fried Chicken Wednesday” lol definitely in the top 3 of my favorite parts of going to a HBCU.”- Leticia
 

Q: In your career what do you hope the skills you gained from going to an HBCU will be able to offer to the world at a large.

The skills I learned at my HBCU was acquired in and out of the classroom.  Academically I gained the knowledge and skills of how to apply lessons learned to the assignments with excellence and confidence.  I was challenged by my professors to be smart about my approach to things and to think outside the box, nothing comes easily.  It wasn’t always about working hard but it was to work smart, find resources and use them.  Outside the classroom I became an advocate for myself, how to speak up with confidence on what’s important to me and those I represent, learned about the power of networking and relationship building on many levels and how to produce great results with little to no resources.  All of this has matriculated into how I approach everything I do in life.  I in turn pay it forward to those around me in various arenas through the valuable lessons learned from my HBCU, Kentucky State University.  “We go it to learn and come out to serve.” - Nyemah

“I know by attending an HBCU I’m more of an effective communicator, a strong leader with a sense of community and commitment to inclusion. Also, I believe I’m a creative thinker through creative problem solving skills I gained at an HBCU.”- Lydgia

“As a Centralian, we are prideful alumni who pay reverence to our past. While receiving my training at Central State, I never wanted to forget the reason why I was there. More importantly, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and represent my name and CSU the best that I could.  

Translating that into my career, I pride myself in my work ethic. Whatever the task, I do my very best and make an effort to stay as professional as possible while interacting with others. It is said that Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. My plan is to provide the best customer service one person at a time, hoping their positive experience with me will spread positive feedback amongst others.” - LeShawn

“ The skills I gained from going to an HBCU helped me to be resilient and able to walk in a room exuding confidence. As a project manager and business analyst, I attribute my leadership skills, effective communication, team building, and conflict resolution to my time spent at North Carolina A&T. The HBCU experience taught me to be an advocate and speak up for my community. Now, as a program manager, I advocate for project stakeholders and ensure their needs are met and addressed. During my time at North Carolina A&T, I experienced financial constraints and hardships. Those obstacles still exist as a project manager. I must overcome budgetary constraints, develop strategies, and lead by example. My HBCU gave me the foundation I needed and still use today as a project manager, to lead diverse teams, navigate challenges, and thrive in the face of adversity”- Carman

“I hope to be able to show other young girls growing up that are just like me that they too can work in the science filled. That it is ok to as they call it “be a nerd” but still the cool kid. I want them to see that women of color can dominate in the science world and make a difference for your community behind the scenes. We need more women and also young African American males inside of a lab making a difference in all the sectors”- Leticia