On Better | Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Selma University ’51

I excite things, that they might become better. Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth (1922-2011) Pastor and Civil Rights Activist Continue reading →

Lessons In Leadership | HBCUs + Black Fraternities and Sororities

Originally published in HBCU Digest magazine, June 2014. It is virtually impossible to think about the culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) without thinking about the place of Black Greek Lettered Organizations (BGLOs) on many, if not most, of their campuses. Dubbed the “Divine Nine,” after the nine-member National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC), … Continue reading →

HBCU Storyteller Spotlight | Alabama State University President Gwendolyn Boyd ’77

HBCU Storyteller Spotlight Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd is installed as the president of Alabama State University. On Friday, September 6th, Alabama State University’s board of trustees officially welcomed Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd to the office of the president. The nearly-four hour ceremony was topped off with a fiery speech from Boyd, the school’s first alumna president. Promising a “new day,” … Continue reading →

On Living

You have to be prepared to die before you can begin to live. Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth(1922-2011), Pastor, Civil Rights Activist, Selma University ’51, Alabama State University, ’52   Continue reading →

The HBCUSTORY in Black Music Month | Is It Bigger Than Hip-Hop?

Seemingly, HBCUs are hesitant concerning anything related to hip-hop—well anything outside of the homecoming concert. While the relationship can be difficult the relationship is undeniable. I mean really, how many times have you heard Howard University mentioned by your favorite rapper? Quite a few, I’m sure—Hi Drake. Lonnie “Common” Lynn, Jr., emerged on the hip-hop … Continue reading →

The HBCUSTORY in Black Music Month | Halftime Matters Most

The resounding blare of the brass and the beat of the drum signal an adrenaline rush and a rapid beating heart. Halftime is game time. There is nothing in the world like an HBCU marching band. All movement in the stadium stops and eyes and ears are focused on the field. Whether it be the … Continue reading →

“HBCU” | A Poem by Terry E. Carter, Fisk ’80

HBCU The Freedmen’s Bureau and other concerns, provided for that which a black man yearned. Degrees which only coloreds could earn… Classrooms where only Negros could learn… At times, in the places where crosses burned. Started in churches and normal schools— mindful of bigots, haters, and fools. Money raised in a thousand ways… from collection … Continue reading →

On Dreams

God is calling on you to dream big…if your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough. – Gwendolyn E. Boyd, Alabama State University ’77, Howard University M.Div, Alabama State University President, 22nd National President Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.  Continue reading →

On Celebrating Women

Women are everywhere and doing everything….We need to make sure that we celebrate those women who challenged the debate, those who have been part of making the change, those who know that education is the key, and that knowledge is powerful. – Gwendolyn E. Boyd, Alabama State University ’77, Howard University M.Div, 22nd National President Delta Sigma … Continue reading →

Five HBCU-Related March on Washington Secrets

Fifty years ago on this day, thousands of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) staff, faculty, alumni and students (as well as future ones) were participants in the 1963 March on Washington. Think you know everything there is to know about their involvement? We’re betting you don’t. Here are the five best kept secrets of HBCU-related involvement … Continue reading →