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
Legacy Makers: HBCU Students Carrying the Torch
Three exceptional scholarship finalists share powerful essays about the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while competing in round two of the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship competition. Each contestant represents a different HBCU—Howard University, Florida A&M University, and Hampton University—bringing unique perspectives on how these institutions foster Black excellence.
• J. Bruno from Hampton University discusses how HBCUs provide community, accessibility, and support for Black students
• M. LaGronne from Howard University emphasizes HBCUs' role in diversifying healthcare and her goals to become an OB-GYN addressing Black maternal mortality
• Glenroy from FAMU shares his family's deep HBCU legacy and plans to study neuroscience while continuing this tradition
• Contestants provide thoughtful feedback on each other's essays, demonstrating the collaborative learning environment of HBCUs
• All three finalists explain why voters should support their educational journeys
• Host Monique Robinson explains voting procedures and the importance of advancing contestants to the top 20
We encourage viewers to vote for their favorite scholar by visiting the website shown on screen. Your support directly benefits these students' education with 100% of donations going to scholarship funds.
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 everyone. Now today I have some amazing I guess I would say some more amazing young people that are here, that are, you know, in round two of this competition. The Takesha A Davis Scholarship is an award that we have given consecutively for the last I want to say three to four years, and it has grown. Now we have young people from all over, because there is no. You know, you don't have to do too much, you just have to follow through and meet the deadlines and guidelines as it is. But, however, several of you have reached out to me and wanting to know how you can get involved. So if you look on the bottom of your screen, that is how you can connect and vote for your favorite scholar.
Speaker 3:Now, unfortunately they don't let Dr Monique vote. I just get to engage and assist the young people, which I actually like that better. But if you're interested in voting or supporting the organization, we do take donations at Give the Fly if you don't have somebody to vote for. But if you do want to encourage, or you see, your alum, the school that you have graduated from or the school that you did attend while in college, support our young people, we as an organization. Do not make anything. Everything we do here goes completely to the scholar, whether it goes for the scholarship or it goes to support them throughout the school year. Now we have three amazing people in the back Now. I am so excited to see our young people and you know, if you've been following along, you know these essays are simply amazing. So let's get it started by meeting some of our guests today. Welcome. How are you?
Speaker 4:Hello, I'm doing good. How are?
Speaker 3:you. I'm awesome, awesome. Tell us who you are, what school you are representing today.
Speaker 4:I'm Iona LeBron. I'm an incoming freshman at Howard University.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now you know we might have a little rivalry going on in here. I'm just saying, but I'm not going to say it out loud, I just, you know, I'm gonna call on our next guest and maybe she won't go there today. Okay, okay, cross my fingers. Welcome, welcome.
Speaker 5:Hi, how are you?
Speaker 3:I can't complain.
Speaker 5:I'm good myself.
Speaker 3:I'm.
Speaker 5:Glenroy Ogilvie and I'm attending Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. In the fall, go Rattlers.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. See, I had to spin that because I had to, you know, put a distance because I didn't realize that we got Hampton and Howard today, like trying to keep the peace. Welcome, welcome, let's see. Hey, jordan hi I didn't know that. That you know. We had your rivals on the day yeah my bag, okay, but we, you know, at the end of the day we all family, though, yeah until Until it's you know homecoming, or you had the cheer competition against them.
Speaker 3:I understand I got it, so tell us who you are, even though I said your name. I know it, but our audience do not know you.
Speaker 6:Hi, my name's Jordan. I'm an incoming freshman at Hampton University.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. So welcome you guys back. I really really enjoyed you all at the first round, so now we in round two. Are y'all excited to be in round two?
Speaker 6:Yeah.
Speaker 3:Now I think everybody on here has been consistent in being at least top 20, because top 20 gets you to round three. And I haven't looked at the ratings for this week, but last week I don't know what happened I kind of changed. I said oh Lord, so people are actually voting. So if you are at home watching the school that they are representing is in their name, and then also you can vote because it's scrolling across the bottom, All right. So who's going to kick it off today? Because it's essay time?
Speaker 6:I'm going first.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. So are you ready?
Speaker 6:Yes.
Speaker 3:Amazing. The floor is all yours.
Speaker 6:OK. Historically, black colleges and universities have been around for over a century, originally created to give Black students a chance at higher education when most colleges would not admit them. Even though times have changed and more schools are diverse, hbcus are still just as important today. They provide a sense of community, open doors to success and help close the racial wealth gap. Sense of community open doors to success and help close the racial wealth gap. In a world where racial inequality still exists, hbcus remain a safe space where Black students can thrive academically, culturally and professionally. One of the biggest reasons HBCUs still matter is that they make college more accessible for Black students. Many of these schools have lower tuition costs compared to predominantly white institutions or PWIs. This makes it easier for students from low-income backgrounds to afford higher education. In addition, they often have more flexible admission policies, giving students a fair shot even if they did not have the best resources in high school. Instead of being just another number in a massive lecture hall, students at HBCUs get smaller class sizes, mentorship and a strong support system that helps them succeed. Beyond academics, hbcus provide a strong sense of culture and identity. At many PWIs, black students often feel isolated or experience racism and microaggressions, which can make college life harder. Hbcus, on the other hand, offer an environment where students don't have to worry about proving themselves or fighting for representation. Instead, they can focus on their education while being surrounded by people who understand their experiences and uplift them. From homecoming celebrations to step shows and traditions, hbcus create a one-of-a-kind college experience that helps students feel proud of who they are. Hbcus are more than just schools. They're institutions that empower Black students, celebrate culture and create pathways to success. In a world where racial inequality and economic disparities still exist, hbcus remain just as important as ever. They don't just educate students. They uplift communities, shape leaders and keep Black excellence alive.
Speaker 6:I am committed to upholding and advancing the mission of HBCUs by actively engaging in initiatives that support the continued growth and success. I plan to contribute to mentoring students to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys. Furthermore, as a future cardiac nurse, I plan to use my platform to mentor and support students who attend or aspire to attend HBCUs. By sharing my own experiences and providing guidance, I hope to help students navigate challenges, seize opportunities and build networks that will lead to successful careers. It is important to not only celebrate their accomplishments of HBCU students, but to also actively support their growth by offering professional advice, internships and connections to industries that can benefit from talents the HBCU graduates bring.
Speaker 6:I also aspire to invest my time and resources in helping build stronger alumni networks that can further assist current students. I plan to participate in alumni events, contribute to scholarship funds and collaborate with other graduates to create initiatives that directly support the students at HBCUs. By maintaining a strong relationship to my alma mater and other HBCUs, I can help ensure that future generations of students are empowered, both financially and professionally, to excel in their fields. In conclusion, my commitment to advancing the mission of HBCUs will be rooted in mentorship, community engagement and helping to raise awareness about their importance. I can do this by pushing for policy changes and directly supporting students. I am to contribute to the ongoing legacy of these institutions, ensuring that they continue to provide transformative opportunities for Black students for many years to come.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Thank you for sharing. You will now have a time to where you all can have a discussion about Jordan's essay, and I will remove myself from the screen.
Speaker 5:That was really good. You spoke really good Clearly and your content was good as well, like about how you wanted to give back even after you graduate and still create opportunities.
Speaker 6:Thank you.
Speaker 4:I really think your ending that ending right before the conclusion, explaining what you would do as an alumni is really well written. You also spoke with a lot of great confidence. It's really good, thank you, awesome, awesome. It's really good.
Speaker 6:Thank you.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now we added that part because we know that it's important to have healthy dialogues, because once you get on campus, you're going to have a lot of those. So who is going next? I mean Awesome, awesome, sauce, the floor is all yours.
Speaker 4:Awesome sauce. The floor is all yours. From the moment, historically, black college and universities emerged, they have done nothing but good for our nation. Hbcus are known to enrich and educate the mind and the culture of African Americans. From the most well-known civil rights leaders Martin Luther King, amanda Morehouse, tara Post, female and African American Vice President, kamala Harris, a Howard University alumna. Hbcus make beautiful contributions to African American communities and shape role models for future students. Hbcus have been significant to education of African Americans since the period of racial segregation. They serve as an institution for the intellectual development of African Americans and also challenge the social and racial barriers for our society.
Speaker 4:The educational opportunities of HBCUs advance every year. They offer more and more opportunities for scholars to grow with diverse graduate schools like Business, medicine or Law, and connect with other institutions to provide their students with the best education. The environment at HBCU is rigorous and enriched with opportunities to promote academia and social mobility, but the culture also plays a great role in their significance. These institutions are more than their academics, but they are consistently noticed by the sense of community and culture they provide. Htus are a space that celebrates Black identity and heritage. In the support of campus, they foster a culture that helps students develop and spread pride in their heritage. These schools are a community for these students ongoing, rigorous academics. Their facility serves as role models and mentors for their students and, as I've heard many times, like family, like an auntie or uncle. Hbcus serve as so much more than degrees. They produce alumni and students who fight for social justice, racial equality, racial equity and other causes that affect their communities. The legacy of activism these institutions carry is alive and well, with legends like Thurgood Marshall, carcia Brooks, clarissa Brooks and so many more to come.
Speaker 4:For me, attending HBCU is a stepping stone to my ultimate goal of becoming a doctor and OB-GYN. Colleges working toward lowering the mortality rate of birthing African American mothers, rigorous courses at HBCU and being educated by a group of black professionals will prepare me for the world of health care Rather than go to HBCU for my undergraduate degree or my medical degree. I will be surrounded by professionals who want to stick beside me and help reform the way these doctors mind things when an African-American patient sits on their exam table. Institutions like Spelman, howard Xavier University of Louisiana and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University are some of the top producers of African American healthcare workers. They are the institutions that add diversity to our nation's healthcare system. They add to the 5% of African American healthcare workers every year, and one day I will be part of the 5%. Overall, there are not enough words to describe the impact of HBCUs. The contributions to the African-American community are incomparable. They motivate Black nurses, black lawyers, black doctors, black CEOs. They are home to Black history, black activism, black academia. They are Black excellence.
Speaker 6:Awesome, awesome. Thank you and the importance of HBCUs and like I felt like the pride and purpose behind your words, Thank you.
Speaker 5:I think your essay had a really good flow. It was well-spoken and you came from talking about like the culture and history of HBCUs to the familial feeling that HBCUs give you. And then you tied it in well to your career, how you want to be in the healthcare field. And your hook was good as well when you talked about being a part of the 5% every year.
Speaker 4:Thank, you that?
Speaker 5:was good.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now we have one more essay, so how have you all been enjoying it so far? It's a little different this year, but how y'all been enjoying it so far, being able to provide feedback in real time.
Speaker 6:It was good.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I like the idea of that part of it.
Speaker 5:I think it's good.
Speaker 3:I think it's good. Well, I mean, when you get on campus in several of your classes, you'll learn that you're going to have a lot of discussions and it's really important to be able to provide engaging feedback in real time. Going to have a lot of discussions and it's really important to be able to provide engaging feedback in real time. You're like, uh, oh, and last but not least, we have one more essay today. Are you ready, sir? Yes, All right, the floor is all yours.
Speaker 5:The legacy of historically Black colleges and universities HBCUs is deeply personal to me. It is rooted not only in my family tree, but also in the values that have shaped my worldview justice, belonging and the transformative power of education. My parents are both proud graduates of Virginia State University, where they not only found academic excellence but a sense of unity, identity and purpose. My mother continued her journey at Howard University to earn her master's degree, carrying the HBCU legacy even further. My sister is a Hampton University graduate and I'm surrounded by a lineage of aunts and uncles who have all attended HBCUs. For me, choosing to attend an HBCU is not just about tradition. It is a conscious act of honoring those who came before me and doing my part to uplift those who will come after me. Growing up, I was surrounded by models of what it means to live out the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. My mother, a passionate educator, launched an anti-racism leadership lending library to provide educators with the tools and resources needed to confront racism and create more equitable schools. She believed that learning is a form of resistance and that informed educators are essential to shaping just communities. Her work taught me that real change often starts with intentional conversation and sustained action. My grandmother also embodies this spirit of justice. As the executive director of a community-serving organization, she works daily to bring full humanity to disenfranchised communities of color, fighting for access to food, education, healthcare and housing. Her work is a reminder that systemic issues require community-driven solutions and that leadership rooted in empathy and cultural pride is one of the most powerful forces for change. These role models have shaped my understanding of what DEI truly means. It's not just a set of talking points or occasional events. It is a lifelong commitment to dismantling barriers, amplifying marginalized voices and building environments where every individual can thrive. As a member of the Black Student Union at my high school, I've taken steps, big and small, to uphold these values, from organizing discussions on Black identity and culture to supporting peers who felt unseen in our academic spaces. I've learned that leadership isn't always loud. Sometimes it's about showing up, listening deeply and acting consistently. The legacy of HBCUs inspires me to strive for academic excellence, not just for personal achievement, but because I carry the hopes of those who were once denied the opportunity to learn freely. Hbcus have always cultivated Black excellence, producing scholars, artists, innovators and changemakers who shape the world. Knowing that I am a part of this legacy motivates me to dig deeper, to question more boldly and to seek knowledge, not just for myself but for the communities I aim to serve.
Speaker 5:I plan to contribute to the ongoing mission of HBCUs by continuing to lead with intention and integrity. I want to study neuroscience and explore the ways in which our minds store identity, process trauma and heal. I want to be a part of the next generation of Black scientists and healthcare professionals who push boundaries and make meaningful contributions to the well-being of our communities. Beyond the classroom, I will continue promoting DEI through service, mentorship and advocacy, whether by joining student organizations, volunteering in local communities or creating safe spaces for underrepresented students to thrive. Attending an HBCU is my first small but mighty act of resistance and love, it is my way of saying. I believe in the power of black institutions, I believe in the brilliance of black students and I believe that through education, we can continue the work of equity, justice and liberation. The legacy of HBCUs isn't just a history lesson. It is a living, breathing movement that I am honored to join and I would do everything in my power to ensure that this legacy not only endures but expands. Thank you.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Thank you for sharing. As before, I will remove myself so you guys can have your discussion.
Speaker 4:I really liked you tying in your family through it and how they've all been teachers to you. It's a great thing to have in your family, because I don't have that, but I added a lot of emotion to it. I also like how you talked about your work in the issue and let's you know, like the audience know, that this wouldn't be your first, like you've always done this.
Speaker 6:Thank you, you're welcome okay, I also think that, like your essay was really powerful and inspiring, like I liked how you shared your family's legacy. It shows how much their work influences you and then the way you talked about your mom and your grandma felt genuine and just made the whole essay feel personal and more impactful. Thank you.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now, before we get out of here, I do want to reiterate that you know these guys have made it a long journey. They made it from top 66 to the top 50. They made it a lot Top 40 and now to top 32. Now we want them to stick around. I mean, if it was up to me everybody you know, if you watched the last show, my mentor was on here and he was like Monique will find a way, you know, for everybody to win if it was up to her judging. But it's not. It's really up to you all that are watching. So after our commercial break, they're going to tell you why you should vote for them.
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Speaker 7: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 at the HBCU Trivia Game today. Go to hbcutriviagamenet to order.
Speaker 8: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 and 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, see, I'm still here with my three distinguished scholars who are headed to HBCU near you. What are you all most excited about? Like, is it homecoming? What are you most excited about I ain't gonna lie my freshman year. I was just ready to get out my mama house. Just kidding mom, no, no, I was ready.
Speaker 5:I'm most excited to network on campus, meeting new people, joining organizations and just exploring college life. I'm ready for classes as well, though, of course.
Speaker 3:Got to take care of big business.
Speaker 4:Makes sense. Sorry, I'm really excited to meet new people as well. I don't know why, like I really like meeting people who like don't live like where I live. It's like I like learning like about different states and like what life is there like there. So I'm really excited about that and to hear about other people's like aspirations, because I feel like it helps motivate you and other people to be around. That type of stuff.
Speaker 3:That's pretty cool.
Speaker 6:I like that. Okay, I'm also really excited to start taking classes. Okay, I'm also really excited to start taking classes and then, like for this year, specifically Hampton's in the NBA HBCU Classic against NCAT. So I'm really excited for that because I'm going to be cheering on TV.
Speaker 3:Yay, that's exciting. Like you can get some comp tickets for your girl. I'm just playing, just playing, just playing. I already tried. Somebody in the competition is in southern's band. I tried. You know y'all don't cooperate, I mean, but if you need somebody to hold your bags or whatever you know, reach out to your girl. So, um, as we are coming to a close, and I will reiterate, please vote for them. They have made it very far in this competition. To go to round three, you gotta be top 20. And they have cuts. Actually you got cuts coming up once everybody's video airs, so it's like in about a week and a half. So just saying, so why should people vote for you?
Speaker 5:I believe people should vote for me because it'll help me take my first steps into giving back my community, but not only getting to my school, learning to network and being around like-minded individuals who can also give back to their communities as well, helping the black community and helping me on campus Cool.
Speaker 6:Okay, you should vote for me because I'm deeply committed to service, equity and education. Since I'll be attending Hampton in the fall for nursing with the goal of becoming a cardiac nurse, I want to use my career to bring quality care and advocacy to communities that are often overlooked.
Speaker 3:Love it, love it.
Speaker 4:I believe you should vote for me because I'm very dedicated to making my change in the healthcare world, not only through medicine, as OBGYN, but also through policy, as I'm going into health management. So I also want to do some things in law. I want to just know all the escapes, and I really would appreciate everyone's vote to help me get to my final goal awesome, awesome.
Speaker 3:So first I would want to say thank you to everyone who has supported this competition for the last four years. But I really want to say thank you to the parents, because your scholars are really working hard and even if they do not win this award, we still provide resources for them. So it's been fun. But we got to run. At least keep them in top 20 so they can move on, and then we get to meet their parents for round three, which is always my favorite round. So until next time, we shall see you later.
