Today I had to speak at a Teen Summit held in Atlanta, GA. As I started speaking to the students, I asked how many of them wanted to attend a black college after graduating from high school. The majority of the students raised their hands indicating yes to the question. However, one young man boldly spoke up to tell me that he didn't want to attend a Black college. When I asked why he stated that first of all, he wanted to attend Harvard so that he could become a 'high-priced lawyer' and that (with no offense intended toward me) that wasn't possible for graduates from Black colleges. He went on to say that students who go to Black colleges only wanted to party and that they didn't want to learn.

I asked my well spoken friend who gave him this information. He told me that his parents told him this. Then I asked if his parents had attended a black college. He said no. I asked did he know anyone that had attended a black college and he said no. So, I asked how could he make a judgment call about something he knew nothing about. I also told him that I had plenty of friends who were 'high-priced' lawyers and they graduated from a black colleges!

You know...I can't blame the young man. All he was doing was repeating what he heard his parents saying. I blame his parents. I have found through my book promotions that the people who dog our schools the most are OUR people. Why is that? Do we not understand the larger picture of what Black colleges represent?

I pray that after hearing me speak that this young man will reconsider his position about Black colleges. Don't get me wrong. I don't think the HBCU experience is for everyone and the most important thing is not that our youth (especially our young men) attend a black college, but that they at least GO to college. But after hearing his perspective I am even more committed to waving my banner in support of HBCUs!!!

Black Colleges

Okay, I created my very first blog spot in November. Really, I did it only because my publicist (Shout out to Candace w/ Envision) suggested that I create one...but to be perfectly honest, I really didn't (and still don't to some degree) understand the whole 'blog-phenomenon". However, today, I went to visit a literary agency and while meeting with them, I found out that they have a blog spot for their company! Now, come one! This is an official professional business and they have a darn blog spot! So here I am ready to commit to this new level of commmunication. Don't get me wrong. This is right up my alley! To be able to share my wonderful thought provoking perspective (yes, I believe in what I have to say...lol) on issues is my thing, but it just takes me a minute to catch up to technology.

Anywho...I am going to keep this blog focused on the whole theme which is HBCUs! I have a question: Does anyone else realize that we are in danger of losing one of the few institutions that 'we' own? I mean really...churches and black colleges are all we really have. Why are our young people not as excited about attending as I was? Young people, tell me your thoughts...are you interested in a black college...if so, why; if not, why not?? Come on guys...clue me in...Let's get to the bottom of this before it's too late!

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Don't forget to check out my website : www.hbcuguide.com and purchase a copy of my book, The HBCU Guide!

Also, check out me and my hubby's website : www.cinefe.com (blog : www.cinefe.blogspot.com). We own a movie theatre...can you believe it....an actual 8 screen theatre...check us out!

Till later...

My new book

I am so excited about my new book the HBCU Guide (www.hbcuguide.com)! My book as 100+ things to know before or while attending a historically black college or university! I really think that this will be a great resource for college students. I have been out of undergrad for a while now and I really wish I knew some of the tips that are in the book when I was in school.

I enjoyed my college experience so much and I strongly encourage students to think about attending a HBCU! You will not only recieve and amazing education but you will also have a lot of fun at the same time! However, in the midst of all of that there are a few things that are special to the HBCU experience that I share in my tips. The book is such an easy read you could get through it in one setting!

I would love for anyone reading this post to continue checking out my website and purchasing a copy of the book...if not for you for a student you know.

Until next time....