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
Ready to Go: HBCU-Bound Students Share Their Vision
Two brilliant HBCU-bound scholarship finalists share compelling essays on the historical significance and personal value of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their passionate arguments highlight how these institutions foster academic excellence while creating lifelong family-like connections.
• Jasean Boyd presents a historical perspective on HBCUs from post-Civil War origins through segregation to their modern importance
• Sinclair Adina Powell draws on her parents' Howard University experience to illustrate the unique community and professional networks HBCUs create
• Both finalists have advanced from 66 applicants to the top 32 in the Takisha A Davis Scholarship competition
• Sinclair discusses her plans to study jazz at North Carolina Central University and eventually create a nonprofit for girls of color in music
• Anthony Brown makes a surprise appearance, encouraging students to "show out," not just "show up" at their HBCUs
• Both students emphasize how HBCUs provide cultural affirmation and professional connections that sustain Black excellence
• The competition will next narrow from 32 finalists to just 20 candidates
Vote for these exceptional students by clicking the link scrolling across the bottom of the screen. Your support can help shape their futures!
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 and welcome Now. We have had a wonderful time interviewing our folks for the essay portion of the Takesha A Davis Scholarship Award. Now we're on to day three. Can you believe we've had that many days with our wonderful young people? Now today we have two amazing young people. Yesterday was good, but these two are amazing and we get to hear what they're all you know, all their goals and things like that. So let's welcome our first guest today. And they don't know what order, because I just go off of whichever screen I see. Welcome. How are you? I'm well. How are you? I'm well. How are you? So I'm I'm good. It's been a busy day but I can't complain. I'm excited that you have made it to round two. Can?
Speaker 4:you believe. Yes, I'm so thankful. I'm excited too.
Speaker 3:So we got round two. That means that you have made it from 66 to the top 50 to now well, no, top 40 and now top 32. Yeah that's a lot. Yeah, you got some good supporters out there. So hey, you know, and they just saying that's a good thing so I'm excited to hear your essay. So before before we get into your essay, I am going to bring on our other friend that we have here on today and hopefully I push the right button hello hello Jay Sean. How are you?
Speaker 6:I'm doing good.
Speaker 3:I'm doing good so it's just two of you all today. Isn't that great. You don't have a, you don't have to share the platform with anybody.
Speaker 6:We don't got all the people here, so awesome. So, um, jason, where are you going? In the fall?
Speaker 3:I'm going to be going to perry view a m university. You excited, you ready to go?
Speaker 6:I am, I am excited you ready to go? I'm ready to go. I am ready to go.
Speaker 3:Oh, lord saint claire are you ready to go too? I am ready to go, I'm ready to go, I am ready to go. Oh, lord Sinclair, are you ready to go too? I am ready to go. Oh, my, my parents are going to be watching this, while y'all sitting there laughing.
Speaker 6:They know. They know we're ready to go. Yeah, all right.
Speaker 3:I'm officially hurt Parents. I have nothing to do with their thoughts right now. They are saying this completely on their own, but you know what? You know? Round three your parents are on here with you, right? Yes, they are, yes, you can see you still don't stand on your, your stance. With the. I'm ready to go yes they, they know, they know oh my goodness, this time I'm officially heartbroken, usually supposed to, you know, say hey, you know I'm gonna miss this. They said I'm ready to go.
Speaker 3:That's fair you know I'm gonna miss them, right okay okay, well, um, I don't know what order you're gonna go in, so whoever I pick to go first, that means your face will be highlighted, and then you can immediately start reading your essay.
Speaker 6:Okay, since its start during the times of Civil War Movement and Civil Rights Act of 1964, the idea and importance of DUI or diversity, equality and inclusion have grown tremendously, becoming a concept that has been ingrained in all the facets of life, especially when we talk about the realm of education and access to it, which leads me into what I wish to talk about today. Although many different groups have helped to push the concept of DUI and make it more normalized within the world, I'm going to focus on how historically Black colleges have not only helped push the idea of DUIs, but have just all in all helped with pushing the idea through African Americans. To start, I want to talk about the start of historically black colleges and more the lack of them, because during the time of the Civil War, many African Americans were still slaves and even after it, a lot of them just didn't have access to things like education. So the idea of a historically black college was impossible, that is until around the after the Civil War, with the eradication of the 13th Amendment, which led to the involvement of slavery. This abolishment kind of led to more African Americans actually kind of led to more African Americans actually kind of giving rights and while still not being able to go into white schools. It pushed the idea of a possible idea of a historical black college which kind of birthed the creation with colleges like the District of Columbia and Lincoln University and kind of continuing on with that, with this kind of growth of these colleges.
Speaker 6:It was kind of very hard because we would then go into the break of segregation and kind of very hard because we would go then go into the break of segregation and kind of like the rise of laws and policies that kind of made it harder for these to kind of like grow and kind of give out that message of kind of equality that was trying to give and deliver into the world. But through it all and through now more recent times, and through that kind of push through of more rights and kind of through, you know, the Civil Rights Act, bcus or you know, historically black colleges have been able to kind of the day, we're able to kind of show that people of color, and just like these colleges of color, are able to achieve just the same as, you know, white colleges, and that will be all for my essay.
Speaker 6:You're muted, by the way, Ms Robinson. You're muted, by the way, Ms Robinson. You're trying to say something.
Speaker 3:And I was steady talking too. Thank you for sharing your point of view with us and giving us a brief history of HBCUs, historic black colleges and universities. I will now give you a period of time, if Sinclair may have any questions, comments concerns to where you all can have a dialogue and then, when I appear, we will be ready for our next essay.
Speaker 4:Yes. So, jashon, I really liked your essay. I do have a question, just like. So I could kind of see your perspective, so I just need to figure out how to word it correctly. So how do you feel? Do you feel like the reason that HBCUs, like were formed and created has people think about that today? Do you think that still has an impact on us, like their whole reason that HBCUs were created? Do you think that people still think about that today when attending one or applying to one? And what kind of value Do you think that people still think about that today when attending one or applying to one, and what kind of value do you think that holds on our generation?
Speaker 6:I think it generally kind of depends because, like, we're not in like the same era as like before, so it may not have as much of an effect. But I still do think like the idea of kind of pushing us forward and kind of like pushing the education of African Americans is still very much a pivotal thing that people think about when going to HBCU just not as much since you know, not as big because you know it's not like it's banned or anything like it was before.
Speaker 4:Right, yeah, and I like what you said because I also feel like when people talk about HBCUs, not everybody talks down on them, but there will be certain times where you might catch somebody talking down on one and I feel like it's really terrible to hear, because people don't hold the same value to, say, north Carolina Central, where I'm going, as they do to, like Harvard or UNC, which is right down the street from North Carolina Central. However, they both have the same amount of education, just as educated people. The whole reason James E Shepard founded my school like he was an extremely successful person. I feel like it's really disheartening to hear that. So I like the point that you brought up talking about the beginning of HBCUs, because that's so important in today's generation for us to think about.
Speaker 6:And I don't think it's just general hate. I think some people just generally don't know of HBCUs in their area and just don't really know about them. I've had some friends or some teachers just not comment about it and try to push me towards a different school. I don't think it's all hate. I think it's just sometimes people just don't generally know about them.
Speaker 4:Which is also unfortunate too, like the times we're living in now, like you know who's in office and all that, but I don't know. I feel like there there could be more positive words put out about hbcu in 2025. You know what I mean.
Speaker 6:I don't like hearing people down on them at all and just more support for them, just generally more talking about them, and you know the positives that they do, right? Yeah, yeah, I really liked your essay.
Speaker 4:Great job, thank you.
Speaker 6:Yeah, do you have any more questions? Concerns that? You have possible.
Speaker 4:No, not besides the fact that I really liked it. So, yeah, okay.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 4:Thank you, you're welcome.
Speaker 3:Awesome, Awesome. You guys had a wonderful dialogue and after this commercial break we will hear our next, our next essay.
Speaker 7:Are you interested in attending an historically black college or university? Hello, my name is Robert. I'm president and founder of the 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 have established 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, welcome back. I am here with Ja'Shawn Boyd and, oh God, I mess her name up all the time. Sinclair, adina, is it all three? Okay, sinclair, adina Powell, and they are giving their round. Two essays, and Ja'Shawn kicked us off and now the floor is all yours, sinclair.
Speaker 4:Now the floor is all yours, sinclair, thank you. So hi again everybody. My name is Sinclair Dina Powell, and I'm going to be reading my essay for you all. Okay, when you go to an HBCU, you feel like you are at a family reunion. Every day, you gain cousins that grew up in places like Philadelphia, los Angeles, chicago and Houston. You meet family from the continent of Africa and the Caribbean. That's what my parents have always said about their own HBCU experience, and there's nothing more diverse or inclusive than that. My parents and their friends from Howard University have raised their children together and often go on vacation together. Sometimes we even spend major holidays together.
Speaker 4:I have about 10 play cousins and I'm so grateful for this extended family that my parents have that was born out of attending an HBCU. I have watched my parents and their friends help each other professionally as well employers, a pharmaceutical saleswoman, a gym owner, a teacher, a financial advisor, a university provost, an IT technician, a pediatrician and a Broadway actress. Now, come on, that's like. Really that's impressive. There's not much my parents have to search for when they need help, a connection or a hookup. I want that for myself. I think Black people in America and the diaspora need to get back to that, especially when, given the political landscape that we are currently facing, we need the diversity, equity and inclusion policies that likely helped my parents and their friends in their careers. We need to get back to taking care of each other first. This is the self-efficiency and self-preservation that you can get only from an HBCU. This is why HBCUs are important, relevant and necessary Diversity, equity and inclusion. Our practices are the norm, that at HBCUs, and because we know how necessary it is for our survival as people, we need to be the ones to fight for its existence, no matter what it takes.
Speaker 4:Now, I have been studying jazz since I was eight years old. My first Jazz House Kids Summer Workshop, which is hosted by Grammy winner Christian McBride and his wife, melissa Walker, was in 2015, and I've participated in every summer workshop since Now. When I decided to study jazz in college, there was no doubt that I would attend North Carolina Central University in Durham. North Carolina NCCU has one of the top jazz programs in the United States, and it being an HBCU pretty much sealed the deal for me. I am proud of my culture and knowing that jazz is an American art form created and cultivated largely by Black Americans, this gives me immense pride. I'm so happy to become a part of that legacy. Nccu is the place for me to begin that journey. Nccu is doing what next level jazz education that is unrivaled by most predominantly white institutions.
Speaker 4:With so much of our history being erased in this 21st century, we must continue telling our stories and our history our way. What better place is there to do that than at an HBCU? What better place is there to do that than at an HBCU? As a Black woman choosing a male-dominated career, I will often be a DEI hire, and that doesn't mean that I'm not qualified. Hiring someone like me means giving someone a chance that might be kept out because of their gender or race. I'm committed to using my HBCU education to arm myself with the tools necessary to excel professionally and to pave the way for those behind me Now.
Speaker 4:Personally, my five-year plan is to attend North Carolina Central University as a jazz studies major and a broadcast journalism minor. When I graduate, I see myself working in both fields. One day, I'd like to use my influence and my experience to start a national mentoring organization that supports girls of color who dream of working in the music industry. Mentoring organization that supports girls of color who dream of working in the music industry. My nonprofit will become a pipeline for Black girls who want to work in jazz and music journalism. This is how I will support and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in my community and professional circles.
Speaker 3:Thank you Awesome job.
Speaker 6:So, as we did previously, I will exit the screen so you all can have your dialogue. Yeah, so I have to say why like jazz, if you don't mind me asking why jazz.
Speaker 4:So why, like in terms of why I'm doing it, or yeah, why you're doing it.
Speaker 4:Oh, jazz has always been a, honestly, ever since I was a little kid I kid you not, you can quote me on this my parents used to say jazz, my middle name. I. I just love jazz, like I don't know. I don't. I couldn't really tell you what it was that drew me to jazz as a child, but I started out taking classical piano lessons when I was seven and then classical kind of bored me. I can't lie, I do remember it being very boring to me. So then my mom put me in jazz lessons. It all just kind of clicked. Then I found the drums and then it clicked even more.
Speaker 6:Yeah, yeah, as someone who likes classical, it's a little sad to hear, but jazz is a really beautiful art form. I I understand even yeah and I guess, leading into like you talking about your parents, how big of an effect would you say like they kind of had if you kind of picking the school with your essay, I think, and when you were making.
Speaker 4:Well, that's a good question. Honestly, I would they. They did have a big effect because I applied to um a bunch, not a bunch. But out of the five schools that I applied to, three of them were PWIs and I would have been fine at those PWIs. But in the back of my mind, while applying there and visiting these schools, I was kind of like, okay, thinking about what my parents had when they attended Howard and what they have now from Howard. It's, it's kind, it's hard, it's really hard to compare the two. You know what I mean. Like there's Okay, thinking about what my parents had when they attended Howard and what they have now from Howard. It's, it's, it's hard, it's really hard to compare the two. You know what I mean. Like there's just something that you just don't get anywhere else. It's kind of a once in a lifetime experience and it just sets you up for so many things in life being a black person. So I would say it had a large influence on me, definitely.
Speaker 6:Yeah, well, but like besides that know, you did great. I don't really have any other questions.
Speaker 4:Really, thank you, thank you thank you, I'm glad you liked it, no problem awesome, awesome.
Speaker 3:So before we go, we are going to go to a commercial break, but when we come back, I'll always give you something to think about. So, when we come back, I want you to tell us why people should vote for you. You both have been in the top 10 since the contest started, but, however, please let us know when we come back why people should vote for you.
Speaker 1:What if your greatest breakthrough was on the other side of your story? Inspire Me Moments Living Out Loud With no by anthony harris brown isn't just a memoir. It's a mirror, a movement and a map to becoming who you were meant to be. Through raw honesty, spiritual insight and empowering reflections, you'll unpack your past, embrace your scars and rise stronger. This book is for the dreamers, the educators, the men learning to breathe again, the women reclaiming their worth and the leaders who lead with heart. You'll find real stories of trauma and triumph, tools for healing and moments that remind you the cape was never in the closet. It's always been in you. Inspire Me Moments Live out loud, with no regrets and all heart. Get your copy today, everywhere books are sold.
Speaker 3:Welcome back, welcome back. So if you have not heard, please get out there and get that. So if you have not heard, please get out there and get that. Inspire me. But also, if you can, if you can and you are in the Atlanta area, you will be at a conference near you, so make sure you check that out. So also, while we are making like our announcements before we close, if you look on the bottom of the screen, that is exactly how you can vote for our wonderful um scholars. Now I got a surprise for y'all. Now y'all, might, you know, be a little bit you know, before you tell us why they should vote for you or I should make y'all tell us that first, before I tell y'all the surprise that's gonna happen today well, what do you?
Speaker 3:I don't know, all right, somebody should vote, and then I'll tell y'all my surprise. Okay, who's going first?
Speaker 6:oh, I was gonna say you know if I should be one okay, I'll go first.
Speaker 4:So I feel like people should vote for me because, you know, I think all of us are very Black, talented, amazing individuals. But you know, I really work hard. I believe that I'm passionate, I always stand for what I want, I'm really good at seeing things through, I'm hardworking, I'm driven and I'm so proud of my culture and my heritage that it means a lot to even make it this far in this scholarship, this amazing scholarship that was created for us. But I just I'm so proud to be Black, I'm so proud to be attending an HBCU and I feel like that I represent HBCUs and what HBCUs have created in the best way possible. So, yeah, your vote means everything to me.
Speaker 3:And also, if you vote, you get to leave comments and you've probably seen Sinclair and Jayshon's name across the bottom because their family members and their supporters, like you, are able to leave those messages and we will, as the contest go, we put them in the newsletter as well as across the screen. Now, Jayshon, why should we vote for you?
Speaker 6:I think you should generally vote for me, because I'm really just trying to make a difference and trying to actually be a good example for how you should go forward, for younger generations Like my sister just trying to be a good example for her. I think voting winning this would be the best way to kind of show that and being able to move forward in college and actually be able to do something for the people in the future.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now you all, are you sure you ready for my surprise today, because it might trip you out, because you never know what happens on on our show ever, you never know, all right. So today you seen a commercial. Do you remember the commercial you just seen? Yes, yes, it's the book again, yes, the book right, an inspire me book, right? Yes, yes, all the way from cleveland, ohio Today we have Mr Anthony Brown, who is also the president Of A Better Chance For you Futures Board. So welcome, oh Hi.
Speaker 8:Well, hello everybody. Oh my gosh, I'm so excited about being here today. First of all, listen, y'all guilty with them, essays and did and did. Oh my God, I was so impressed by what you all had to share. I can't vote right now, so I just have to just tear. Everybody else, listen, these two are two eligible young people of a number of young people who are across the country who are vying for this scholarship, and I love their energy, their passion, their expressions of how they want to make a difference in the world. That's what it's all about. Because the thing is, listen, I done got old and rusty. I'm out here just trying to do my one, two and three, four, but this generation, right here they're about to take over the 9-9-2000s.
Speaker 8:They got it and I'm excited about watching them grow and flourish. So to both of you all, continue to be that shining example, be that light, help somebody along the way, whether this scholarship or something else. When you get on your campus, I don't need you just to show up, I need you to show out that part. Show out, let the people know why you're there. Don't become the example of what could have been but be, but be the example of where we need to be going absolutely yes, cuz to the, I don't.
Speaker 8:Take us to the next level, take us to the next level. I'm ready to roll with you, I'm ready, I'm ready, so I'm excited about being here. I just Monique text me, said we in the stream, next level. I'm ready to roll with you, I'm ready, I'm ready, so I'm excited about being here. I just Monique texted me and said we in the stream right now. Like ooh, I'm about to pop in, really, really. No, I'm about to. She don't even know. Like.
Speaker 8:I've seen it, but I was like oh, I'm about to be on another call right now that call I want to go meet some of the young people today.
Speaker 4:Thank you so much.
Speaker 6:Thank you.
Speaker 3:Thank you for stopping by. They're top 32. After the essays, we go down to top 20.
Speaker 8:I'll be around with the top 10. That's when my kids might have to get involved. You might let me get involved with the top 10. I've been watching everything from the background. I've been like, okay, this is good, this is good.
Speaker 6:Yeah.
Speaker 8:So when do you all get ready to leave? So when do you start? Have you started packing your bags yet?
Speaker 6:Yeah, I'm in the fall.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I've been trying to get ready for that packing my bags, but getting my dorm stuff together, okay, okay okay um money have you met your roommates virtually or anything.
Speaker 6:Yes, yes we're very cool. I've not met mine yet. I've been like I know who my roommate is, I've just not met him yet, not yet, okay, okay, make sure you set them house rules early.
Speaker 8:You're just like when we playing spades, definitely Like when we playing spades or we playing Uno. Establish the house rules Right. Don't be all up in my stuff. Absolutely Lock your stuff up.
Speaker 6:Get locked up.
Speaker 8:Lock your stuff up If you got your foot locker. Listen, I'm old school, I love them dearly, but but you know, when you first get into your room, I don't care how much they say it's clean, and I don't care what they say I don't care what they listen. They even they say all the other dorm rooms are clean. My mama still went and got some pine salt and did her own cleaning.
Speaker 6:Right, yeah, so yeah, be ready.
Speaker 8:That's all I got.
Speaker 4:Thank you so much.
Speaker 6:Thank you. Thank you for joining us.
Speaker 3:Yes, All right what else you got? That's it. That's all for today. It's only two today. Yesterday was like six.
Speaker 8:Oh, okay, okay.
Speaker 3:So we're doing our round two of all the um, the essays right now. So they they really brought it. I'm glad I'm not a judge.
Speaker 6:Thank god for that why ain't you a judge, miss robinson man? I?
Speaker 3:can't. I can't judge, because if it was up to me, everybody would have something.
Speaker 6:I don't care if it's two dollars, hey hey you never won something, man, that that would be broke. It was up to her.
Speaker 8:She would be broke, everybody would get something and she gonna try to figure out her life. Well, we gotta send them a gift card or something honestly, would I mean because I lead with my heart.
Speaker 3:So that's probably why I don't get to judge, but I do cheer you on. I make sure your WhatsApp information is up to date in your chat. We got a group chat.
Speaker 6:Oh yeah, we do in WhatsApp. Well, okay then.
Speaker 3:They got a WhatsApp that I send them messages, sometimes motivational, sometimes like look, you need to practice your essay, this is what's gonna happen. See how I'm connected. That's the other reason why I can't judge yeah, you know if you need the link to vote. The link is scrolling across the screen as well as in the newsletter. I wish those who much, I wish everybody A huge success. Got my fingers crossed Because the next cut is down to 20, but I mean they both been in top 10.
Speaker 8:Let's go, y'all gotta go out there and vote. Go vote.
Speaker 6:Yeah, go vote, go vote for us.
Speaker 3:Well, thank you for tuning in. I'm your host, dr Monique Robinson, I have Sinclair Jayshon, and then we had a surprise guest, mr Anthony Brown. He came in after his commercial. But hey, seriously, go get that book. It's good for the soul, especially if you need that self care, that self reflection. Get out there and get that book Till next time.
Speaker 5:See you guys later especially if you need that self-care, that self-reflection. Get out there and get that book Till next time. See you guys later. 300 ministries from all over the country broadcasting every week. You're sure to get your dose of spirit-filled encouragement from the great programs on the Daily Gospel Network. Catch the Daily Gospel Network on Roku, amazon Fire, apple TV, all mobile devices and the internet.
Speaker 2: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, 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. You.
