RollingOut.com Misses Mark on ‘Five Reasons Students Should Attend an HBCU’
RollingOut.com has released a post on ‘Five Reasons Students Should Attend an HBCU.’ I commend the site for using their space to intelligently offer perspectives on the benefits of an HBCU education, and having graduated from an HBCU, I agree with these five listed reasons.
But, the listed reasons are also some of the roadblocks that prevent students from building interest in HBCUs. The terms ‘family tradition,’ ‘heritage,’ ‘civil rights’ and ‘culture’ are buzz words that give some students a sense that an HBCU experience is a choice to be drenched in BET and splattered by Black History Month rhetoric 24/7, all while navigating their way through a maze of Lil’ Wayne and Negro spirituals. And that’s simply not the case.
Young people should be exposed to the social, culture and academic benefits of an HBCU in the same way that these benefits are presented by any other institution of higher education. Tell them about the number of graduates who go onto pursue graduate education, or the alumni who hold prestigious positions in a number of fields. Elaborate on the culture and vibrancy of the campus community, or the excitement of cultural events that come to campus.
Tell them how attending an HBCU gives them an equal chance at preparedness and expertise in the work world.
Kids are not naive. With evolving technology and social networking, they are more informed about college and professional options than any other generation. Tradition and history are a major part of the HBCU experience, and they should be delicately and respectfully woven into the campus culture. But they aren’t the total experience for their students, faculty or alumni, and we as alumni and supporters have a responsibility to create a clearer picture of the true HBCU education.
Short URL: http://www.hbcudigest.com/?p=6508
I can understand the frustration. But I would ask that where administration has proven lax and inattentive, and where the buildings are not accommodating, that you find what attracted you to the school initially; quality academic preparation, an enduring impact on social conditions in Tuskegee, and a legacy that is in need of your contribution.
To have such an eloquent perspective on what is wrong with TU, but not have a positive enough feeling about the university to affect change from within is sad. If there is anything I can do to help you change the culture at your school, please know I’m at you and your fellow students’ disposal.
Actually, as a student of Tuskegee University, I agree with that statement. It’s sad but true that the student culture here is terrible, and that Lil Wayne and what goes on at BET is a strong influence on the attitudes of this campus. I can’t think of one event that WASN’T what that statement described. It’s all a replica of BET programming, and I regret ever attending a HBCU, because a school such as mine did not and never will deserve my intellect.
What’s even sadder is the administration doesn’t even CARE about its students. A good example is illustrated by our terrible housing options. Underkept and molding buildings are apparently acceptable to the HBCU life. Yeah I’m sick of it.
But, the listed reasons are also some of the roadblocks that prevent students from building interest in HBCUs. The terms ‘family tradition,’ ‘heritage,’ ‘civil rights’ and ‘culture’ are buzz words that give some students a sense that an HBCU experience is a choice to be drenched in BET and splattered by Black History Month rhetoric 24/7, all while navigating their way through a maze of Lil’ Wayne and Negro spirituals. And that’s simply not the case.
That statement truly made me laugh. If people really think that’s what goes on at HBCUs, we need to pray for them.