A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
Educational Conversations with Scholars in Mind. "Our mission is to empower and uplift scholars pursuing higher education at HBCUs, ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities needed for a successful future. Through mentorship, scholarship programs, and community engagement, we strive to create a pathway to excellence, fostering academic achievement, leadership development, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Together, we are building a brighter future for young scholars, strengthening the legacy of HBCUs, and fueling positive change in our communities."
A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
Beyond Grades: The Students Redefining Academic Achievement
Three exceptional HBCU-bound scholars compete in the Takesha A Davis Scholarship Competition, presenting compelling essays about the value of historically Black colleges and universities in the 21st century. Each contestant shares personal connections to HBCUs and their plans to make an impact on campus through advocacy, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
• Aniyah Faith Williams (Florida A&M University) discusses how HBCUs provide access to higher education for marginalized groups and preserve Black history and culture
• Dontrell Martin (Southern University) shares his passion for mental health advocacy and plans to create spaces where seeking help is encouraged rather than stigmatized
• Will (Prairie View A&M University) highlights family connections to HBCUs and presents statistics showing these institutions produce 40% of Black engineers, 50% of Black teachers, and 70% of Black doctors
• Contestants engage in thoughtful dialogue about educational influence, campus impact, and diversity initiatives
• Host Monique Robinson emphasizes the importance of self-care and balance as students prepare for college
• Viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite contestant by sharing, commenting, and engaging with the competition
Please vote for our amazing scholars by engaging with the competition and leaving encouraging comments. Your support helps us provide more scholarship opportunities for these deserving students.
Welcome to a better chance for youth television show with your host, monique Robinson, where we highlight, celebrate and recognize students from all over the country who are doing great things in the classroom, community and athletics. Every student deserves an opportunity, an opportunity for hope and a future. So let's celebrate our students, the next generation of teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs and future leaders. Join us on another incredible segment of A Better Chance for Youth show with your host, monique Robinson.
Speaker 3:Welcome, welcome, welcome to another another, another day of our wonderful competition, the Takesha A Davis Scholarship Award Competition. Now, today, I do have some wonderful guests with me in the back. Today is the official kickoff for round two. So look, I'm unbiased today. Look at my shirts. Today I have on a shirt that represents all, all, all HBCUs. See, it's the HBCU for me. That's the shirt today. So, as we get started, let me just give you a couple housekeeping rules for today, as you watch the competition, I want you to first, first, first, first, participate, be engaged, send our lovely guests some nice, encouraging words like these. You look down here. You can see some of the comments that have been made.
Speaker 3:For our young people, this contest is extremely hard. Now, what we do in this contest is we do not go off of their grade point average but, however, they do have to work. They have three interviews. They start off with their introduction, one, which is round one. Round two is when they read their essay that was given to them at the application. And round three, we get to meet their parents. And then our final show you all get to meet my parents. So let's get started today with the Takesha A Davis Scholarship round two.
Speaker 3:Now, most important, our scholars do need your help. They need your support because, guess what? We need your help getting this scholarship money for them. Like we have it, but with your help, we could possibly award more. So our contestants, they do need your votes more. So our contestants, they do need your votes. Please vote like, share, comment, whatever you feel the mood to do, but here's that information scrolling right there tell you how you can vote and how you can actually participate in the contest. Now, today, we have three amazing young people that are going to give their essays, and they're the first ones to actually come on here for round two. So let's get started. Let's see who we have in the back today hello, how are you?
Speaker 3:I'm great. How are you? I can't complain, I can't complain, it's. Are you?
Speaker 4:I can't complain, I can't complain, it's you know it's not raining in Texas today, but it's a little warm. That's good.
Speaker 3:Yes, it's definitely hot over here too. Awesome, awesome, where are you?
Speaker 4:So I'm in Gainesville right now. I'm from Jacksonville, but I'm in Gainesville.
Speaker 3:Okay, how cool is that? So you, okay, so you are here to read your essay. Are you ready?
Speaker 4:Yes, I am definitely ready.
Speaker 3:All right, I'm going to turn it over to you.
Speaker 4:Okay, so greetings everyone.
Speaker 3:My name is Aniyah Faith Williams and I will be attending the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Speaker 4:You can read your essay. Oh sorry. Okay, so this is my essay. I hope you all are having a great night.
Speaker 4:So, historically, black colleges and universities, also known as HBCUs, hold immense value in the 21st century for several reasons. Hbcus play a crucial role in providing access to higher education for Black students and other marginalized groups. In a world where educational disparities still exist, hbcus offer an environment that pushes academic achievement and growth in our community. These historical colleges and universities create a supportive community that understands and addresses the challenges faced by the attending students, staff and alumni. The atmosphere HBCUs hold not only encourages academic success for black students, but also helps those students build confidence in their skin as well as their leadership skills that are essential to succeed in today's world.
Speaker 4:Hbcus are vital in preserving and promoting Black history and culture. They hold history that allows students to explore their heritage and connect with their roots. That allows students to explore their heritage and connect with their roots. Education in a cultural aspect is essential in building a sense of identity and pride among black students. By emphasizing the importance of black history and our contributions to society, hbcus help to prevent the often false and limited narratives taught in general education. This strong cultural foundation empowers students to become advocates for social justice and change, which is becoming more and more important due to our current climate. As DEI is under attack, it is vital that we organize and strategically work together to ensure that people of color are seen valued and not overlooked for personal and professional opportunities. This is by no means asking for a handout, but to receive what we rightfully deserve.
Speaker 4:In addition to our cultural preservation, hbcus contribute significantly to the workforce and economy by producing a substantial number of graduates who go on to excel in various fields, including STEM, education, law and the arts. Hbcus are nothing less than a powerhouse for Black excellence. Many HBCUs have strong partnerships with industries and organizations that help students secure internships and jobs, ensuring they are well prepared for their careers. The impact of HBCUs extends beyond individual success, as they play a critical role in addressing diverse workforce shortages and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen careers. In conclusion, the value of HBCUs in the 21st century cannot be overstated. They provide essential access to education for those of color and marginalized communities, promote cultural awareness, contribute to our world's economy and opens doors that the black students could not open on their own. As we continue to navigate a complex and evolving society, the role of HBCUs will remain essential in shaping the future of education and empowering the next generation of leaders. Thank you.
Speaker 3:Awesome. Well, thank you, and I, Aniyah, I have to bring in our other guests because I know they was listening and I know they probably have questions, so let's welcome. We have seen we have new people. Let me see, let's welcome. Mr Dontrell, where are you from?
Speaker 6:Greetings everyone. I'm Dentro, Martin. I'm from Albany, Georgia.
Speaker 3:Oh, and what school will you be attending?
Speaker 6:And I'll be attending the one and only Southern University and A&M College, majoring in political science.
Speaker 3:Awesome sauce, okay, and then we have another guest as well.
Speaker 7:Hi Welcome welcome.
Speaker 3:How are you?
Speaker 7:Good, how are you?
Speaker 3:I can't complain. And what school will you be attending in the fall? And tell us your name as well.
Speaker 7:I will go with and I will be attending Prairie Vietnam University, where productive people are produced.
Speaker 3:Awesome sauce. Okay, now we heard a little bit of Aniyah's essay. We heard Aniyah's essay. Did you all have any feedback or questions for her?
Speaker 7:I have a question. You can go Dontrell. No, you can go. You can go. How has education help mold your personality?
Speaker 4:um, education is very big on my family. I'm glad you brought up education because my grandmother was an educator. My mother is an educator. She actually has her own tutoring business, so I know pretty much everything that goes into education, which really has built my not only my career to become an orthodontist but my passion to work with students. So knowing that I can help educate them to have a successful career like I plan to, it's very big for me.
Speaker 6:My question was to piggyback off of what Will said. What are some of your core beliefs? I heard basically what he just said about your parents are educators and education runs in the family. So what are your core beliefs when it comes to the term of HBCUs and DEI?
Speaker 4:So that's a great question. My beliefs is that not only should I just speak out about this topic when things like scholarships or just when the conversation comes up, but to build my own voice in communities and around the world so that I can share the knowledge that others may not know or that they need to know, or that we just need to focus on, because especially like I said in my essay this climate. We need to speak on DEIs and the importance of HBCUs more than ever.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now, if you've been watching, we are doing our essay period and then they also get to ask questions from each other to create a dialogue. So who's going to read their essay next?
Speaker 6:I'll go next.
Speaker 3:Awesome.
Speaker 6:Greetings. Historically, black colleges and universities HBCUs have long been pillars of resilience, empowerment and transformation, creating spaces where Black students are not only educated but celebrated. The legacy of HBCUs is one of breaking barriers and cultivating leaders who drive change in their communities and beyond. For me, attending an HBCU represents more than just earning a degree. It's about stepping into a lineage of excellence and using my education to uplift others. My decision to attend Southern University in Louisiana is rooted in a desire to be part of an institution that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, also known as DEI.
Speaker 6:Growing up, I often had to navigate life without the guidance and support many take for granted. Growing up, I often had to navigate life without the guidance and support many take for granted. As someone who grew up in foster care and faced challenges of being given up for adoption, I found strength in embracing my identity and seeking out spaces where I could thrive. Hbcus embody this spirit of perseverance and they have historically provided a nurturing environment where students like me can flourish. Hbcus have consistently paved the way for Black excellence by ensuring access to quality education, creating opportunities for students to become change makers in their communities. This rich legacy inspires me to work harder, knowing that I stand on the shoulders of trailblazers who face adversity with courage and grace. It is a constant reminder that education is not just a personal achievement, but a tool to empower others and build a more equitable society.
Speaker 6:My passion lies in advocating for mental health awareness, uplifting marginalized voices and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and heard. In high school, I organized initiatives to help peers navigate the college application process, ensuring that those around me had the resources and support they needed to succeed. Additionally, I have been involved in mental health advocacy through the United Way Team Mental Health Coalition and participated in panels like Silence the Shame, sparking conversation around mental health awareness and resilience. At Southern University, I plan to continue this work by engaging in student organizations that promote DEI, advocating for policy that supports unrepresented students and creating mentorship programs to guide younger students through their academic journeys. I also aspire to use my platform to shed light on mental health challenges within the Black community, fostering an environment where seeking help is not stigmatized but encouraged. Moreover, my academic pursuits align with my passion for justice and equality.
Speaker 6:As a future international affairs major, with a minor in political science on the pre-law track, I'm determined to use my education to dismantle systemic inequalities and advocate for those whose voices have been silenced. Whether through participating in mock trials or contributing to policy discussions, I aim to sharpen my skills to become a corporate lawyer, an international diplomat and, eventually, a US Senator. Hbcus are not just institutions. They're movements of progress and their legacy cause needs to be a beacon of light for those who come after me. By embracing this mission, I am committed to promoting DEI, uplifting my peers and driving positive change in my community. Attending Southern University in Louisiana is not just a tug towards my future. It is a promise to honor the past, shape the present and pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow. Thank you.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Well, that was wonderful. Do you all have any feedback for Mr Dontrell?
Speaker 4:I do. First off, that was a great job, that was an amazing essay. But I do have one question. So what started your passion to create and or participate in the organizations that you mentioned?
Speaker 6:Through my own personal experiences, I have often faced being in a community where seeking out mental health resources such as therapists, not being in a place where, if I talk about my mental health, it's more of oh, I'm just tired or I'm just lazy. But in the Black community it's often overlooked as we're being disrespectful and we try to speak up instead of just saying what can I do to help this child or help this adult to build a better society. So not be stigmatized, but encouraged, as I said in my essay.
Speaker 7:Thank you so much for that question yes, of course I just want to say I love your passion for education and I liked how you like opened up like a workshop for your classmates fellow classmates on applying for college. I thought it was really cool.
Speaker 3:Thank you, your classmates, fellow classmates, on applying for college. I thought it was really cool. Thank you, awesome, awesome. So I kind of took myself out so that you all can actually see the contestants engage with one another in their conversation. And we have one more essay, correct? All right, the floor is all yours.
Speaker 7:All right, the floor is all yours. Since their inception, historically, black colleges and universities have been vital cultural and educational institutions profoundly impacting the Black community and the broader world. Their significance continues to grow in the 21st century as they foster cultural identity, improve access to lower income students, the forefront of diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring Black students receive the resources, representation and support they need. The legacy of HBCUs inspires me to work hard and carry forward their mission by uplifting peers, promoting DEI and driving change. Hbcus are more than educational institutions. They are landmarks for students and educators. They are the foundation of the future of HBCU. Hbcus are the foundation educational institutions. They are landmarks where culture is preserved and identities formed. They offer traditions like Greek life, african American history courses that predominantly white institutions often lack. Without these, our heritage risk being lost. In high school, I took an African American studies class that educated us about our history and instilled deep pride. Ensuring more Black students have access to these cultural connections shows the ongoing importance of HBCUs. Hbcus also support students from lower income households by offering need-based scholarships, aid and affordable institutions. A White House article reports that HBCUs provide more access to college for low-income students than other institutions, proving their impact.
Speaker 7:Hbcus don't just educate. They increase workforce diversity and produce graduates in top roles. A 2023 US Department of Education report found that HBCUs produce 40 percent of Black engineers, 50 percent of Black teachers, 70 percent of Black doctors and dentists and 80 percent of Black judges 50% of Black teachers, 70% of Black doctors and dentists and 80% of Black judges, while making up only 3% of colleges. Hbcus have shaped leaders like Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Justice. These stats show HBCUs impact on success and leadership. Joining the HBCU legacy is personal for me. My mom graduated from Howard or not, from Howard, from Alcorn. My dad and grandma graduated from Howard and my sister graduated from Howard in the spring of 2025. They've shared stories about the connections they've made from learning under top faculty and forming lifelong friendships that led to great achievements like Vice President Kamala Harris, another proud Howard graduate. In conclusion, hbcus are essential in preserving history, offering opportunity and empowering the next generation. The role in shaping identity, access and leadership ensures that legacy will endure. Thank you.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Thank you for sharing and I will remove myself so our young people can have their dialogue.
Speaker 6:Okay um, I have. So my question would be I love that you talked about your family and them being HBCU graduates. I wanted to know if you one day, if you're able, to be in a high position at HBCUcu, what are three things that you would change that you see now is heavily underlooked at or, in a sense, not there um, I would like to push hbcus more and I'd like to show people that we don't just take an african american people.
Speaker 7:This is, these are for everyone. Uh, we're trying to promote DEI, so we want to be more inclusive and let more people in. Also, probably the stigma that we are not as good as other colleges. I'd say we're even better than most colleges and, again, like I said, we offer courses that predominantly what institutions simply just can't offer. And finally, I think, traditions. I'd probably promote more traditions for sure, like Greek life, something you really just can't learn, and sometimes I come from a predominantly white place so I don't really have the same traditions I've learned from other people from different backgrounds. So I'd for sure promote traditions that we all should and have the ability to learn.
Speaker 4:My question was actually going to be how you're going to leave your mark on your HBCU, but I feel like that definitely gave me my answer, so great job. I also loved how you had your information to back it up, like you didn't just just go on and on, you had your receipts, your research, great job awesome, awesome, see, I kind of like take myself out.
Speaker 3:It's so good to see them dialogue with one another because, although they are in a competition, I do want them to know the importance of having healthy communications, healthy conversations with your peers. Now I have questions for all three of you all after this commercial.
Speaker 1:Celebrate the excellence of HBCUs with the HBCU Trivia Game. This board game provides an exciting and educational way to learn about notable alumni, historical events, sports news and more. This trivia game is sure to be a hit and perfect for college-bound youth alumni and the entire family. Don't miss out on this opportunity to support, educate and entertain. Get the HBCU Trivia Game today. Go to hbcutriviagamenet to order welcome back.
Speaker 3:Welcome back. So we've heard three of the most amazing essays. As you know, it relates to dei now, although anaya did kind of start with a question that she had for will, but I want that same question for both dantrell and anaya. How do you plan to leave your impact in your mark and even if we'll want to add to his, how do you plan on leaving your mark on your campus when you get to your hbcu?
Speaker 4:um so oh sorry no, you could go okay.
Speaker 4:Um, so right now I've actually and I kind of, um definitely relate with nontrell on this so in gainesville we have our own student coalition, so that really gave me a passion to want to keep that going. And I feel like in college, college is just such a big campus and you feel like maybe your voice definitely won't be heard with such a big, large amount of people and just a lot of things that goes with that. But, um, I definitely want to make sure that I have not only just like something like a um student council that kind of has a voice for the kids, I want, or for the students, but I want to make sure that everyone has their voice, um, and that everyone can have their input, not only on how to make the campus better but how to keep it going or how to help our community surrounding us awesome okay okay, um, for me, I've been, um, deeply thinking about this and starting my own organization, which which will primarily focus on um college students and high school students.
Speaker 6:So hosting events such as college workshops for high school students. So hosting events such as college workshops for high school seniors, maybe even starting my own scholarship fund that would help students such as me not be characterized by different grade point average, but about what is your passion. What is your passion lies, what do you have planned for the near future, and also one that focuses on prioritizing our mental health as students and knowing when to take a break. So something around there.
Speaker 3:Love it. Self-care is important. I had to learn that the hard way. So, as you all are going to college and you're going to be experiencing life because life does life regardless of where you are please make sure you all are taking time for yourself. Can y'all promise me that?
Speaker 3:yes for sure. I don't want you to get overwhelmed when you get on campus. Um, because it is. I'm not gonna lie to you. Life does, life, you know, it does. But the ultimate goal, you know, in the door, out by four, you know, in the door out by four, unless your major requires you know those engineering majors. It's kind of tough.
Speaker 7:So, Will, did you want to add to yours or are you good, I mean? Another thing I'd say is I also had teachers who went to HBCUs and they kind of really pressed towards me that you know, HBCUs are a place you want to be and they're really good institutions. I had teachers at my school in the Prairie View and, I'm not going to lie, they also helped me make the final decision of coming to Prairie View. So yeah, I think yeah.
Speaker 3:See, when you see your teachers at home coming, they're going to tell you mind your business, just playing. I'm just playing, but I am extremely proud of all three of you all. We're going to take a quick, quick, quick commercial break, but I'm going to give you something to think about, because y'all know I've got to give you a question. Why should someone vote for you? And I want you to answer that after this.
Speaker 5:Are you interested in attending an historically black college or university? Hello, my name is Robert Mason. I'm president and founder of the Common Black College Application. Our application allows students to apply to over 50 historically black colleges and universities at the same time, for only $20. Hbcu graduates have been some of the most renowned individuals in their respective fields since the late 1800s. In addition to that, our faculty and staff are truly committed to your success and they have a vested interest in seeing that you do well. That, coupled with the academic rigor and the fact that you will establish lifelong relationships, are just some of the many benefits of your attending an historically black college and university. So if you're interested in completing the Common Black College app, visit our website at commonblackcollegeappcom to apply now. Thank you, and get educated.
Speaker 3:Welcome back. I'm here with my friends. Can't wait till they start school. In what a month Y'all got a month left, or what? Yes, countdown or not really, yes, I'm counting now. Yes, say that now you say that now you get on campus, I'm gonna ask your mom, I'm gonna text her because you know, since this competition, I kind of talk to you all's family a lot, but so I asked you a question before we went to commercial. So who wants to go first? You can jump in. There's no particular order.
Speaker 7:First Go ahead. You should vote for me because I just have a passion. This scholarship will fuel my passion for teaching and kinesiology. I want to be a sports medicine physician, but also a coach, and I was a coach at a middle school and I realized that I really do like coaching. It's fun, you get to see students' lives change from your eyes and I think that this scholarship will fuel my passion of that. And also I want to become a sports medicine physician and this will also help fund my education and also, with my sister graduating from Howard, it's going to be tougher to pay both tuitions, so the scholarship will help out a lot.
Speaker 4:Awesome, awesome. Thank you for sharing Up. Next, I can go Alrighty to use my voice to better our community and our future leaders the children right now, but future leaders, so that the world can be better and better, better and better, hbcus can get better and better and have better things for DEI and everything of that sort. Yes, and I will also use my career after my college is funded to help those in marginalized companies get a smile that they love because I will be an orthodontist.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome and last but definitely not least, you know he will be in addition to my favorite band in the entire world.
Speaker 6:Yes, yes, ma'am, as you say, the best for last. You should vote for me because of my ability to continue pushing for HBCU students and my peers around me being able to be hands-on in the education system. I've firsthand seen how underfunded the education system is and how I can continue to advocate, push for a better society in our education system and also preserve history, not just learn about the most famous people that we know. We know of Martin Luther King, we know of Thurgood Marshall, we know of Malcolm X, but people like Stokely, carmichael, bayard, rustin, assata, shakir people like that. I want to continue to preserve history while also building a better history, and hopefully one day I will accomplish my goal in becoming a lawyer and open my own pro bono firm and nonprofit organization. Thank you wow.
Speaker 3:Now, audience, you can clearly see why I cannot be a judge. However, you know I can tell you guys how to vote. If you look on the ticker that is scrolling on the bottom of the screen. That is how you can vote for our wonderful contestants. And then, even if you vote, guess what? We got you covered. If you leave them a note, we will definitely make sure that they get it. So thank you for watching today. Thank you, guys.
Speaker 3:I'll keep my fingers crossed that you all will make it to the final 10, you know and make it to the next step. So I get to meet your parents. Are they nervous about that? Do they know? Yes, my mom knows. You're like, nope, they don't know. They do now. So no, we we always like to interview the parents because we do this year round where we educate seniors well, actually seventh graders to 12th graders on HBCUs within our nonprofit organization. So it's always good to see how parents navigate the college experience for their child. So I'm excited to get to meet your parents, but I'm even more excited about you all's journey as you go to school.
Speaker 3:Now, you do know it does not end with the competition. I will be following you all. Y'all think that's it. No, I will follow you all. No, I will follow you all. Um, not that you know we, we just have to make sure that you get your needs met and make sure that you are in the door and out by four or five if your major requires it. But we're here to help. So again, thank you for being part of the competition from the bottom of my heart and my family's heart. But guess what? If y'all make it to the final five, even if you make it like to the award thing, you all get to see me interview my mom and she always come on here. She's you think your mom is something. My mom come on here and she takes over the whole show and I'm like mom, we're live, because that one isn't recorded. That's an actual live show.
Speaker 4:So okay, okay.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it's, it's an experience. So again, thank you guys for watching. Like share vote If you see your school or you see someone heading to your school. Please support our young people because you know we're going to be old one day and we got to prepare them so they can take care of us, right, all right. So it's been real, it's been fun. My name is Dr Monique Robinson. I am the proud founder of A Better Chance for you Futures Incorporated and we have officially started round two. Good luck, guys, thank you. Thank you. Great programs on the Daily Gospel Network.
Speaker 2:Catch the Daily Gospel Network on Roku, amazon Fire, apple TV, all mobile devices and the Internet Tune in to a better chance for youth television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network, the television show dedicated to highlighting incredible students on their quest to change the world. Join us every week as we uplift the youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. Catch A Better Chance for Youth television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network. Thanks for watching A Better Chance for Youth television show with your host, Monique Robinson, the television show where we highlight incredible students in their quest to change the world. Join us each and every week as we uplift our youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. So until next time. God bless From your friends. On A Better Chance for youth television show with your host Monique Robinson.
