

Now, I know what you may be thinking, “Anaya, what do you mean EVERY black boy and girl
should attend an HBCU?” To that I answer, I said what I said! While I understand that attending
an HBCU is not always an option for many due to financial obligations, locations, and other
reasons, I believe that if they have the opportunity to do so, every black boy and girl should
attend an HBCU.
HBCUs are more than the small glimpses the media provides you. It is more than the parties we
have, our first day of class fits, and the homecoming festivities. While I am a fan of each of the
examples listed, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you why HBCU students continue to return to
these campuses every year.
The examples I listed above are the icing on the multi-tier cake I call HBCUs. We return yearly
because of the camaraderie, academics, and, most importantly, black excellence. I attended
predominantly white institutions my entire life before attending my HBCU, and I can say that I
have never felt such love and comfort at a school prior to this.
Knowing that your voice can make a difference, you are seen and heard, knowing people are
rooting for you, and waiting for you to make that difference helps to develop a stronger sense of
self. To be in a space where you aren’t referred to by some as a “diversity quota” is
empowering. Often, society tries to tell our educated black brothers and sisters that when they
make it into predominantly white spaces, they are “unfit” or they are a “diversity hire.”
We made it here, just like we made it everywhere else, based on our pure intellect and
capabilities, and attending an HBCU allows you to be in a space where people see you for that.
You are not number 349; you are a nursing student on the president’s list who is also on the
board of three organizations on campus.
Realistically, I know HBCUs may not be everyone’s cup of tea. People may hear about the
issues HBCUs face due to a lack of funding and may want to write us off. Listen to me when I
say I understand. I’m not trying to market HBCUs as a magical land where everything is perfect.
It is imperfect, just like many of us, but we must not discredit its significant impact on the black
community. Shows like “A Different World” showcased the value of an HBCU education and
empowered many black boys and girls to strive for higher learning. These historically black
institutions are constantly producing some of the best minds of our generation.
I speak for myself when I say every day at my HBCU is not picture-perfect, but it’s worth the
picture. I can find the lessons within everyday details and move forward as a better person
because of it.
Please do not be so quick to write us off; you may miss out on the chance to build your own
home away from home. I entered my freshman year, thinking I would enter these next four years
to receive my degree and make a few friends. As I start my junior year, I can easily say this
journey has been much more than that.
I have learned so much about myself and the world from attending an HBCU. While I can spend
day and night trying to convince you to attend an HBCU, I’ll leave you with this. We can make
our own plans, but at the end of the day, God’s plan supersedes anything we could have
imagined.
If God wants you to be at an HBCU, he will put you there regardless of your financial situation or
any other obstacle. If God has plans for you to attend a PWI, know you will find your community
there, too, because this is God’s plan for you. Just remember to go with God and expand your
horizons.
If you are a black prospective student currently looking at colleges, remember to trust the
process and refer to Jeremiah 29:11 whenever you fear what lies ahead. “For I know the plans I
have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.”