Big, bold and bright. That’s what I see when I picture Historically Black Colleges or that’s what’s being advertised for HBCUs. As an African American female in high school, I’ve always admired the beautiful culture of campus life that fill my mind. The marching bands, sororities, homecoming events, and the sense of pride all seem to scream Black Excellence. On the outside, HBCUs look like vibrant communities full of culture, connection, and opportunities to learn more about who we are as a people. For a young Black woman like me, the idea of walking across a campus where I’m surrounded by people who look like me, share my roots and uplift one another feels empowering. It’s more than just college it’s a cultural experience, a chance to embrace my heritage and grow within a space built for us, by us.
But, like anything in life, the picture isn’t always as perfect as it seems. Beneath the surface of the bright smiles and school pride, some students talk about a different reality one filled with drama, tension, and even danger. Stories about gun violence, drugs, poor decision-making, or not knowing if your lights are going to work in your dorm room circulate from campus to campus. It’s hard to think that just a few people’s reckless actions can overshadow the experience and greatness of what HBCUs represent or what they can teach you. These institutions were built to educate and empower generations of African Americans, yet sometimes those same halls are clouded by issues that mirror the struggles in our communities.
It makes me think twice not because I doubt the value of an HBCU, but because I want to see that same pride and purpose on the inside that shines so brightly on the outside not the bad on the inside or the rumors that you hear from others. We can’t let negativity define our spaces. As young Black students, it’s up to us to honor the legacy of our ancestors by choosing growth, unity and black excellence over chaos and dangers. HBCUs are more than just school. They are symbols of our resilience inside and out.
