In high school, as I was preparing for college, I only had one HBCU on my list and I honestly can’t remember if I ever finished that application (don’t tell my dad lol). After my freshman year of college, at a school that just wasn’t for me, I put two HBCUs on my transfer list. This time, I know I finished the applications (lol). I got accepted to both, but I didn’t go. Instead, I ended up at a PWI … again. At the time, I didn’t know I would feel this way, but after 4 years at PWIs, a part of me constantly wishes I went to an HBCU. Here are 5 reasons why:
1. Black History would have more than 28 days (or 29 on a leap year).
Don’t get me wrong. My school observes Black History Month and I wasn’t active enough at the previous institution I attended to know what they did, but I do recall a Black History Month highlight. I appreciate the “observation” of the month, but that’s all it is: a month. Compared to my friends and family that went to HBCUs, I feel like I don’t know nearly as much, when it comes to Black History “facts”. Yes, I study and look things up independently, but it’d be nice to have Black History incorporated into my “every day”, instead of my “every year”.
2. Identity: I’d see me all the time.
The first time I wore a head wrap on campus, I was so self-conscious *Kanye voice*. Seriously though, at home, I don’t think twice about putting a scarf on my head or rocking my fro, but when you’re around people that look the same all the time, it’s a little intimidating. Of course I still rock my fro and wear my head wrap whenever I feel like it, but, if I was at an HBCU, I wouldn’t think twice about because I’d see similar things more often.
3. Questions. Stop asking me questions.
It never fails. When I go from curls, to straight, to braids, to a head wrap, I always get asked questions! Sometimes, I just want to say “leave me alone”, but I don’t. I answer politely and walk away. At one point, I had a roommate that constantly asked me questions about my hair, my products, my routine and so on and so on. In the beginning, it wasn’t that annoying. People are curious and that’s fine, but, when I’m “home”, I just want to be me and not be bothered. Don’t ask me questions. Google it (lol). One day, she asked to “pet” my wig and, then, proceeded to “pet” my head… we’re no longer roommates.
4. Activities tailored to me.
HBCU fashion shows, probates, homecomings… all things I don’t experience (lol). As for the bands (yes, bands) that perform at my school, I have no idea who they are, what they’re saying, or where they came from. And homecoming at my school … what is that?
5. I didn’t appreciate HBCUs until now
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are important and provide black students with a sense of empowerment and importance. For one, when other institutions wouldn’t let us in, HBCUs were there to provide us with an education and these schools have molded some of the most influential African Americans in our society. Many of these schools are some of the most prestigious and, meanwhile, I’m at a PWI.
In no way am I suggesting that my school isn’t “inclusive”. Being enrolled at my current school has taught me many things and I believe these lessons have been instrumental in developing who I am today. However, I know there are many things I missed out on by not attending an HBCU.
What was your college experience like? Did you learn anything about yourself? Comment and let me know!
Stay beautiful.
XO,
Sydney
TayloredbySydney 
I didn’t attend a HBCU either. In the seventies, I chose a career that Black rarely chose, Engineering. There were no HBCU’s that even offered Engineering. Morgan State started it’s Engineering program 25 years ago, too late for me. My first job out of school I worked on a project where I was the ONLY African American in a group of 100 Mechanical Engineers. Sometimes I wish that I had attended one. Maybe I would have a better feel for the Black Experience.
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This was one your top 5 personal blogs! Good stuff!
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Neither did I. I felt like i was missing out on all the fun but im grateful for my education. Just the name Hopkins has opened some doors. Towson was unique in that they had a black athletic presence but everything was pretty much a melting pot.
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