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
Dorm Room Dreams: The HBCU Scholarship Journey
Dreams, legacy, and Black excellence take center stage as ambitious young scholars compete for the prestigious Takesha A. Davis Scholarship Award. These remarkable students have already proven their exceptional abilities, advancing from an initial pool of 66 contestants to the top 32 finalists in a journey that showcases both academic prowess and passionate advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities.
The heart of this episode features four outstanding students sharing their meticulously crafted essays about the profound significance of HBCUs and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each essay reveals not just academic talent, but deeply personal connections to these historic institutions. From a biochemistry major developing a website to help physically disabled individuals navigate public spaces, to an architectural engineering student dedicated to creating sustainable housing in marginalized communities, to an aspiring publisher determined to amplify diverse voices in literature – these young people embody the multifaceted excellence nurtured by HBCUs.
What sets this competition apart is the genuine camaraderie that emerges when the students engage in unmoderated discussion about their essays. Their conversation reveals mutual respect across academic disciplines, with STEM students validating humanities majors and vice versa. Several contestants share their pride in continuing family legacies as second or third-generation HBCU students, while others will be the first in their families to attend these historic institutions. Their dialogue demonstrates precisely why HBCUs remain vital in today's educational landscape – they create spaces where students can thrive authentically without code-switching or diminishing their identities.
The competition continues with public voting, where each dollar contributed goes directly to supporting these scholars' education. These students aren't just competing for financial support; they're carrying forward a powerful legacy of excellence, resistance, and community uplift that has defined HBCUs for generations. Vote for your favorite contestant and help shape the future of Black excellence across medicine, engineering, design, literature, and beyond.
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, look see, today is Wilberforce Day. Well, to me it is Shout out to Lena for making this lovely shirt, uh. So, like I said before, if you have apparel, something you might want me to wear while we are going live, or even if I'm doing a program in your area, you know, inbox me, we work something out and I wear it on the air. Now, today, I think we have to like day six of these amazing scholars, as they are still competing or vying for this Takesha, a Davis Scholarship Award.
Speaker 3:Now let's give you a little bit of history. The young people that you see before you are from all over the United States. Now they made it from 66 down to 50, down to 40. And now our essay round is our top 32. So I have a couple of people that will be joining us today. They will be reading their essays and please encourage them in the chat. Now, if you have questions on how to vote, the information on how to vote for your scholar is scrolling across the bottom of the screen. If you look at the bottom, that's how you vote. Find your favorite contestant, or maybe it might be your alma mater vote. Find your favorite contestant, or maybe it might be your alma mater, but vote for them. It does cost a dollar and we do not make anything. Everything that goes to this goes to our scholars. So thank you, and let me bring on our first guest.
Speaker 1:Welcome. How are you? I'm good. How are you?
Speaker 3:I can't complain. Just hot in Texas, but hey, it is what it is. So how's things going in your neck of the woods?
Speaker 1:Everything's going well. It's about to storm right now. It's been so hot. I'm not used to this heat, but I'm going to Florida so I got to get used to it a little bit.
Speaker 3:Yeah you got gotta get used to that triple digit life you ready for it?
Speaker 1:yeah, I am, but like right now, 80 and 90 be real hot for me. So I don't know about the triple digit oh lord, I got.
Speaker 3:I hope her air never goes out in her dorm room. Yeah, me too. Don't let that happen to her. Yes, but I'm excited for you. So what's what's countdown? What's the countdown looking like?
Speaker 1:um, so I move in august 21st and my family we're gonna drive down there, so I think we're either gonna leave august 19th or the 20th y'all driving yeah, just so I can have all my stuff, because we were doing like my amazon wish list. But my mom says she's gonna fly back home because she can't cry for 12 hours in the car.
Speaker 3:Oh, I can't wait to meet her. Now. You do know the next round we interview parents.
Speaker 1:Yes, yes, she'll be super excited to be on here, I promise.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now, as our audience know, we have been in the essay round. Are you ready to read your essay?
Speaker 1:Yes, I am.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. The floor is all yours.
Speaker 1:OK. Oprah Winfrey once said she was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism. Black excellence is about black Americans defying their counterparts to showcase their knowledge, power and strength. Past leaders have paved the way for today's leaders to break barriers and attain success. Established in the late 1800s, historically, black colleges and universities have provided opportunities for people of color to connect with similar individuals, to gain knowledge and education, become leaders and build self-confidence. These schools were created to accept Black students whom white institutions want to deny college-level education. Over time, hbcus expanded their programs and offerings and became more diverse institutions Diversity, equity and inclusion. Ddi was formed to create fairness and equal opportunities to those who need it, specifically underrepresented groups who are subject to discrimination. Dei has motivated Black Americans to work harder in school and achieve their goals. These opportunities represent the struggles of our ancestors, endured and persevered through to allow me and others to chase our dreams. Our ancestors endured and persevered through to allow me and others to chase our dreams. Hbcus have paved open doors for many Black leaders, whether it be in politics, healthcare, education, business and entrepreneurship, arts and more.
Speaker 1:Many of our historic leaders are products of HBCUs. Dr King attended Morehouse College. Madam Vice President, kamala Harris attended Howard University, jesse Jackson attended North Carolina A&T State University, oprah Winfrey attended Tennessee State University, and the list continues. These leaders have shown the power of Black excellence and the success stories of HBCU education. They have worked diligently to overcome struggles, face challenges and become influential leaders. Knowing their success, I look forward to attending an HBCU where I can create my own story by following the guidance of the leaders footsteps before me. I will ensure that I worked hard in everything I do to make a difference as I move forward in my career and consider my future learning. The history of HBCUs has provided guidance.
Speaker 1:From a young age, I knew I wanted to attend an institution that would support my educational career and make me feel safe and accepted, a place where I could find myself and create my own success story. I wanted to achieve success for myself, my family, those who came before me and those who will come after. For this reason, I want to attend an HBCU to major in business and minor in communications, to make a difference and create a welcoming space for all. Compared to a white institution, studying at an HBCU will introduce me to an environment that celebrates back excellence and offers strong community empowerment. I will learn from staff who share similar backgrounds and have unique networking opportunities.
Speaker 1:Personally and academically, my career goal is to own an interior design business where I can make others'. Dreams a reality, no matter their background. I want to be able to design and create a welcoming and safe space for others. Hbcus have given me the idea of creating a business, highlighting the importance of making people feel like they belong and are free to be themselves. Another key lesson from the HBCU experience is that success is deeper than one person. It's about helping others too.
Speaker 1:During my educational experience, I look forward to participating in programs that promote fairness and business and education awareness and business and education. I will use internships and networking opportunities to highlight my leadership abilities and further represent HBCUs, dei and Black excellence. I want to be able to help my community and focus on uplifting others to be leaders. I want them to know that they are noticed and heard and that, although they may endure challenges, that does not hinder them from becoming great.
Speaker 1:My communication minor will be beneficial in helping underrepresented groups share their stories and highlight things like diversity and challenges with unfair treatment. To conclude, hbcus have shaped history, promoted diversity and developed with leaders who have made a difference. Their leadership has influenced me to want to become a leader and create my own story. I have a strong passion for attending an HBCU where I can receive higher level education, step into my career and feel accepted. While doing so, I've been inspired to work harder, be excellent and use my education to create a positive change Moving forward. I will continue to live by the models established by HBCUs and DEI and making spaces more diverse and inclusive, supporting my peers and using my future interior design business to uplift minorities.
Speaker 3:That's it. Awesome, awesome. Well, thank you for coming by and sharing that with us. Guys, you know how it goes. You wanted to stay in, you got to vote, but why should they vote for you?
Speaker 1:Because the scholarship journey for me has not been the easiest. I've been applying to many scholarships receiving so many rejections, so I'm honestly so grateful for this opportunity and you know, I would really be blessed to move to the next round and hopefully get the scholarship. So vote for me, guys, and I'm going to fan you Like let's go, rattlers.
Speaker 3:Awesome, Awesome. Well, hey, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed to get to round three. She got to be top 20. And I think she's usually in the top 10 most of the time. So if again you need to know how to vote, it's rolling across the bottom of the screen. So find her name, find her school, and it does cost a dollar, but we're not making anything. It goes directly to our scholars.
Speaker 5: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. No-transcript.
Speaker 3:Welcome back, welcome back Now. I have had the most amazing time getting to know some of the brightest young people in the world as they are vying for this scholarship, the Takesha A Davis Scholarship Award. So I'm joined with three new faces today that have made it to round two. Now you got to give these young people a hand, because they made it from top 66 to top 50, top 40 and now top 32. So get them a hand clap. I'm proud of them.
Speaker 3:So now, if you're interested in voting for our young people the information is scrolling on the bottom of the screen. Now, also, if you are an alum and you see your school, you know, show up and show out for our young people. So, guys, are y'all ready? We have the essay round. Y'all ready for that? Yes, ma'am, all right. So look, the essay round is a little bit different than before. You're going to read your essay and then, after you read, each person read. I'm going to remove myself so that you can have a meeting of the minds as young people. I love it. Healthy conversation, because you all's topic is so impactful. We wanted to add that as part of the competition. So, who's up first? I'll go first. Awesome, go ahead Floor go first. Awesome, awesome, go ahead Floor is open.
Speaker 6:Hello, hello, my name is and I'm from Dallas, texas, and I'm majoring in biochemistry. So I will now begin to read my essay. Hbcus have a track record of creating Black leaders in every field, but are in parallel in making Black doctors. Coined the HBCU medical school effect by Taneya Searles from the HBCU Career Center. It is a term to describe the phenomenon of how HBCUs play a major role in increasing the number of Black medical students and healthcare professionals. Additionally, the prestige and excellence of such institutions invites nothing but academic rigor that should be met with equal academic ambition. They strive to see young Black men and women across the finish line. Hbcus are able to hold pre-med scholars to the required standard, but, unlike PWIs, they gave us the tools and support to reach it. As a young Black woman aspiring to become an orthopedic surgeon, I'm grateful to count myself among these future scholars To mold myself into an exemplary student for the cause. I've completed over 400 plus app service hours during high school, specifically targeting Black and Latino populations in my community. I've also exposed myself to the STEM field. I've won my school's top scientist award for being the best scientist in my cohort year, joined their STEM club, attended our local community college's nurse camp during the summer and was selected as a recipient for the Cobra Posse Scholarship in 2024 for mobile app development.
Speaker 6:Being someone who's experienced being ostracized by their peers because of differing interests and goals, I know communication can be facilitated with warmth and understanding between parties involved. In modern times, many people face communication barriers that arise from different issues like speech impediments, language barriers and autism. In my experience, everyone benefits from compassionate conversations because it makes them feel seen and heard, making it easier to form genuine connections. This is another facet of DEI's mission making it easier for people to have a seat at the table. Given my background being a team manager for my school's track team, being VP secretary for my grade in the National Charity League and being a Spanish translator for local philanthropies like Baby Booty's Debra Bank I understand communication is best facilitated in a common space, letting everyone participate free of judgment. And with my experience in the Pearls and Ivy Foundation, I also know that spaces where Black excellence thrives operates with this principle at the forefront. I also know sorry, and with being awarded my cross-country team's most supportive athlete award, I've learned that people are best at communication in spaces that they feel uplifted in. Therefore, once I've settled on my HBCU's campus, I will create a forum that newer and lonelier students can use to find other students with similar interests. This can help them gain exposure, knowledge and familiarity with the school and student population, while remedying issues of social anxiety and giving more control to befriend and network with their peers, as HBCUs have done for the longest time. It will encourage our community to step out of their social comfort zone, but on their own terms.
Speaker 6:My former school awarded me the Global Neighbor Award for my cross-cultural demonstrations of empathy towards my community, one of the main goals of DEI. This has inspired me to take the attribute further in volunteering with other local organizations like Meals on Wheels, mckinney Little Free Pantry and Community Garden Kitchen, helping combat food insecurity in communities of color. In December 2023, I volunteered with the RJ Hampton Foundation, with their Code Drive, in association with the Zero Debt College Project, facilitating the donation of 500 plus quotes. A major issue for both the Community Garden Kitchen and the Code Drive is that most of our community seeking help only speak Spanish, requiring volunteers who can translate. I serve as one of the only few able to making distribution of materials easier.
Speaker 6:To mold myself into a future healthcare provider, I've started working on a project I've titled Universal Pathways, which is a website that can allow the physically disabled to review public spaces accessibility. This will allow them to perform casual accessibility audits, notifying others of good places to go, like stores and restaurants, with amputees also falling under the umbrella of the physically disabled with varying degrees of mobility impairment. They also fall under DEI initiatives, so this project will help them gain autonomy over the places they frequent and enjoy. Additionally, in attending service events slash workshops with African-American white coats there was the following message across the board Attending an HBCU made them the successful doctors that they are today. The experience helped bolster their confidence level of playing field with their non-Black peers and help them realize slash know their worth in medicine. Thank you for your time.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Thank you for sharing your wonderful essay. I will exit from the screen so you can have a healthy dialogue amongst your peers.
Speaker 6:So what do y'all think of my essay?
Speaker 5:I enjoyed it.
Speaker 4:Oh, wait, no, you go first, you go first.
Speaker 7:No, no, no, I enjoyed the essay. I think it was pretty good. I enjoyed the essay.
Speaker 4:I think it was pretty good. Yeah, I was just going to say you made a lot of really good points and I like getting to know more about you through your essay. I mean, we've only been on here for like 10 minutes now. It was just really cool learning more about your experiences and how they kind of helped shape your viewpoint and your perspective. So you know.
Speaker 6:Are either of you aspiring to be in the medical field or I'm doing engineering oh, and I wanted to do engineering. Okay, okay, that was my second career option, nice what type of engineering architecture? What about you, mor Morgan?
Speaker 4:I well, I'm majoring in English. I think I wanted to be a doctor when I was like five and then I really quickly realized that wasn't going to work out for me. But no, like, honestly, I, you have my support.
Speaker 6:Thank you, I would hire you as my doctor.
Speaker 4:I'm going to be so honest. Thank you, I would hire you as my doctor. I'm going to be so honest.
Speaker 3:Thank you Awesome, awesome. So we heard SA1. Now I don't know, because they didn't tell me who's going next. So whoever starts talking is going next.
Speaker 7:I'll go next.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome.
Speaker 7:I'm Debra Gooding, from New York. I go to Archibishop Malloy High School and I'm going to attend North Carolina A&T this fall for my essay. Hbcus have always been more than educational institutions. They are safe havens, cultural pillars and breeding grounds for Black excellence. At a time when African Americans were systematically excluded from higher education, hbcus emerged as beacons of hope and opportunity. Through decades of social and political change, hbcus have championed diversity, equity and inclusion, thea Long before both terms became national priorities. They have cultivated generations of leaders who not only excel academically but also uplift their communities.
Speaker 7:This legacy doesn't just inspire me. It also challenged me to work harder, lead boldly and continue the mission with purpose. As a young Black male pursuing a career in architectural engineering, I'm fully aware of the spaces where we're underrepresented. Walking into STEM classrooms and being one of the few students of color isn't new to me. It's been part of my reality. But instead of discouraging me, it's fueled me. I see education as not just a personal goal, but as a responsibility to those who have come before me and those who are coming after. The legacy of HBCUs remind me that my presence in these rooms is a form of resistance and resilience. It's about more than getting a degree. It's about setting a precedent.
Speaker 7:Growing up in NYC, I was constantly surrounded by diversity. I also saw firsthand how inequity affects communities differently. Through my involvement with the I Am Green Club, I participated in environmental cleanups that opened my eyes to how often low-income neighborhoods face the worst environmental hazards. In addition, I've worked with organizations that provide food and clothing to the homeless, reinforcing my understanding of how access to basic resources like shelters and nourishment is deeply connected to equity. These experiences showed me that DEI work is not limited to a classroom or boardroom. It's on the ground in our communities and requires constant attention and care. What makes HCUs unique is not just their historical significance, but the community they build. Hcus create space where Black students can thrive without needing to code, switch and or switch or shrink themselves. They foster pride and identity, culture and achievement. This sense of belonging is power, and it's something I want to help preserve and pass on by choosing to attend the HBCU. I'm choosing to learn in a space that honors my heritage and equips me to serve others with that knowledge. In college, I plan to get involved with student organizations that focus on mentorship, sustainability and outreach. I want to mentor young students, especially those from underserved backgrounds and help them navigate their academic paths. I also hope to use my background in architectural engineering to work on projects that address community development and environmental justice, whether it's designing sustainable housing or public spaces that serve marginalized communities. I want my career to reflect my values.
Speaker 7:Promoting DEI isn't a one-time effort. It's a lifetime mission, and that means speaking up when I see injustice, creating opportunities for others and also remembering the shoulders I stand on. I'm committed to amplifying the voices of those who are often ignored and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race, gender or background. The legacy of HPUs is one of excellence, resistance and empowerment. It's a story I want to be part of, not just as a student, but as a contributor. I will uphold the legacy by working hard, leading with empathy and giving back. Because the HBCUs remind me that I belong and because of that belief, I am determined to help others know they belong too.
Speaker 3:Thank you, awesome, awesome. So we have heard another wonderful essay and you all know that I will exit so that our young people can have a discussion amongst their peers.
Speaker 6:So I would like to say that I really enjoyed like what you said about like the fact that it sets a precedent, both like in your attendance and in the fact that the HBCU set a standard. I also like I feel like, given the fact that, like you're studying architectural engineering, like that was obviously like something in the STEM field, which is like definitely a place where people of color, especially Black people, are underrepresented In terms of I feel like you could really use your degree to do things in terms of environmental justice, specifically when it comes to making sure that you build housing and whatnot for communities of color that are more disadvantaged. In my school, actually in my design class, we did study that, and one of the things is that black people tend to end up like sicker over time because of the fact that the type of housing we live in is, I guess, kind of out of regulation at this point and unsustainable. So I really think that, with your degree, you'd be able to help combat issues like that.
Speaker 7:Thank you.
Speaker 4:Yeah, no, I really liked your essay. I know I really liked your essay especially, agree with your sentiments and the points that you made. One thing that really stood out to me, which you said toward the end, was how you wanted to be part of the legacy, being like both the history following HBCUs and also being part of a legacy of just general DEI, which is kind of something that I've been arguing for for a couple years now. But I think it's just nice to see it in a different field, because I want that same energy. I want to take that same energy into the literary world, because I feel like there's just as little like diversity, equity and inclusion in terms of the media that we consume.
Speaker 4:So I really appreciate you and everything that you wrote is what I'm trying to say and also I agree with you 100%.
Speaker 7:Thank you, thank you awesome, awesome.
Speaker 3:I love the dialogue that you all are having. It's so natural and it's just flowing. We do have one more, one more. Are you ready, ma'am?
Speaker 4:Yes, I am. My name is Morgan Miller. I am a graduated senior who will be attending Spelman College in the upcoming fall semester. I'm from Atlanta, georgia. I went to the Westminster schools and I hope you all enjoy my essay.
Speaker 4:Historically, black colleges and universities hold a significant place in the 21st century, not only due to their historical importance, but also because of their experiences and sense of community that they provide. My personal connection to HBCUs runs deep, as both my paternal grandparents and parents attended these institutions. The stories they shared with me have profoundly influenced my decision to apply to multiple HBCUs, and it is my hope to continue this legacy. And it is my hope to continue this legacy. My mother, in particular, has been a passionate advocate for HBCUs, and her influence has shaped my vision of higher education. As I embarked on the college application process, I realized that my primary goal was to find a school that would love me back. I sought out HBCUs as my preferred institutions because I knew that they would be welcoming spaces that included me and provided the opportunity to thrive. The unique environments fostered by HBCUs offer a sense of belonging that is essential, especially for Black and Brown students navigating higher education. In today's political climate, in a world where systemic racism and discrimination still persist, it is imperative that Black and brown children have safe spaces to continue their education without the fear of hatred, in their classrooms and on their college campuses.
Speaker 4:Throughout my middle and high school years, I attended a predominantly white private school in Atlanta. While this institution provided me with an excellent education and numerous opportunities, I yearned for a college experience where the majority of the students look like me and, more importantly, where I feel seen and valued. Historically, black colleges have a long, rich history of nurturing and empowering Black individuals. Without these institutions, many influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr and Thurgood Marshall may not have received the education necessary to achieve their remarkable goals. The impact of HBCUs continues to resonate today, with modern day icons like Kamala Harris and Chadwick Boseman serving as a testament to the power of education in shaping leaders. My commitment to HBCUs extends beyond personal aspirations. I am deeply motivated to continue. Extends beyond personal aspirations. I am deeply motivated to contribute to their ongoing mission of diversity, equity and inclusion. If awarded a scholarship, the financial resources would alleviate my tuition concerns, allowing me to focus on my academic and community goals without the burden of financial stress. Currently, I have not received any financial aid that being the time that I wrote this and securing funding is critical to ensuring that I can attend the college of my dreams.
Speaker 4:I plan to actively promote DEI by engaging in initiatives that uplift my peers and foster a culture of inclusivity.
Speaker 4:This would include or involve joining student organizations that advocate for underrepresented voices, participating in mentorship programs, organizing workshops focused on personal and professional development. By collaborating with others, I aim to create spaces where everyone feels valued and encouraged to share their experiences, ultimately contributing to a stronger sense of community. Additionally, I believe education is a powerful tool for driving positive change. I will leverage my academic pursuits to raise awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized communities and to promote equitable access to education and resources. Conducting research on social justice issues and participating in discussions that challenge the status quo will empower me to advocate for policies that support equity. By equipping myself with knowledge and skills, I can contribute to meaningful dialogue and action that aligns with the mission of HBCUs. In conclusion, the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities inspires me to pursue my academic and professional aspirations with dedication and purpose. As I work towards my goals, I am committed to upholding and advancing the mission of HBCUs by promoting DEI, uplifting my peers and driving positive change in my community.
Speaker 4:The rich history and sense of belonging that HBCUs provide are not only vital for my own growth, but also essential for the future of our communities. Through my efforts, I aspire to honor the legacies of those who came before me and contribute to a future where all individuals can access opportunities and thrive in their pursuits. Thank you.
Speaker 3:Awesome and amazing. Now I you know, I'm going to let you all dialogue, because you have been doing so well with that. Your time starts now. You want to go first? Oh, yeah.
Speaker 6:I'll go first, thank you have been doing so well with that. Your time starts now. Oh yeah, I'll go first Thank you. So I wanted to.
Speaker 6:So at the beginning of your essay, you talked about the fact that you're a legacy.
Speaker 6:So you're technically, at this point you'd be the third generation of your family to go to attend the HBCU, because you said you have your paternal grandparents and then you have your parents, who attend the HBCUs, right?
Speaker 6:So I wanted to say that I'm very like, I'm in awe of like you wanting to continue that legacy because, like, my parents too did push for me to go to HBCU, like yours did, but I would be technically because I'd be the first person in my direct line to attend the HBCU.
Speaker 6:So I think that the fact that you have that rich history like guiding you is something that like is almost like invaluable in terms of like making your experience like one of the best ones you can have. Additionally, you talked about bringing a little bit earlier and also, within your essay, talked about bringing assets of DEI and fighting for it in spaces which include the media that we consume. I really just want to say that honestly, as someone who's doing STEM, we need a lot of arts honestly, like we really need arts, because arts are a form of expression, and seeing yourself reflected in art is something that inspires people to even create more and to do more and to fight for more art. So I really appreciate your mission and your goal to like really just, I guess become a proponent of that in the space.
Speaker 7:So thank you um, also similar to what she said. I love the family ties part where he was like how you're gonna be now third generation is similar I'm gonna be third generation as well, and I also like the part where he was talking about unseen, valued, like how you're gonna be now. Third generation is similar I'm gonna be third generation as well, and I also like the part where you was talking about unseen and valued, like how you're going to HBCU, and that part makes you feel seen and valued, like I really like that. But I'm not gonna lie. And also I wanted to ask do would you consider starting a student organization, like any type of your own?
Speaker 4:I mean, yeah, definitely I. I guess I'd have to see what it looks like when I get there. But my ultimate career goal, which I don't think I included in this essay, I wrote it in like April. I'm sorry, but my ultimate career goal is to start my own publishing house. I love reading, I love writing, really like any form of writing. I'm not picky, I'll do it all. So to start like any kind of club or program that would essentially help promote, like or encourage more people of color to pursue writing is like something more than just a hobby that you can do for fun. I think that would be incredible, even if it's just like a cute little like club where we get together and we maybe go overriding and help each other.
Speaker 4:Edit and maybe we release publications Anything along those lines that would basically contribute to creating a safe space and an empowering space where people feel like this is something that they can contribute to and something that they can be a part of.
Speaker 6:Anything along those lines is something that I'd be more than willing to participate in, so yeah, I'm going to have to come to you then, because I'm writing a book and you said you're doing a publishing house.
Speaker 4:Like I'm going yeah, I'm gonna have to come to you then, because I'm writing a book and you said you're doing a publishing house, like I'm gonna publish myself, like seriously, I there are so many, you just have to look hard enough because I wrote, I wrote a children's book when I was, I think, 12, okay, okay, and you already published. Well, yes, yes, but I, I went through Young Authors Publishing which, um, they really like they're a small or they were small when I was with them. We're a small company but they really helped, like, shape this whole idea for me of like you can have a book with characters in it who look like you. You can have a book with written by an author who looks like you. Like you can have books, movies, stories, any form of media, and it can be created for someone who looks like you. Like there's, there's more than enough opportunity to branch out and help basically contribute to just opening up the space.
Speaker 4:So I think, honestly, if that's something you wanna do, you have my full support. Go get it, girl, like, because we need it. We need it. Representation absolutely matters and representation in any form, like it's okay to say that and to stick need it, we need it. You know, representation absolutely matters and representation in any form, like it's okay to say that and to stick by it, but it looks different to different people. Devon, I think, is your name, am.
Speaker 4:I getting that right.
Speaker 7:Yeah.
Speaker 4:For you, that looks like you know pursuing STEM and making sure that, like your voice and people of your background, are represented in your major and, ultimately, in your career. For me, it looks different. I want to write okay, I want to make stories. That's perfectly fine. We all have different goals and different things that we want, and I think it's so important that we're even participating in something like this for even participating in something like this, for sure, I absolutely agree.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Now see, y'all could have went all day. I was on that child because, you know, dr mo is is a published author, so I love to hear young people say they want to write. Um, actually have children's books. I have adult women empowerment books. So hey, y'all serious, we work on something. But he said, please before, before we go, we gotta take a quick commercial break. But I always like to let our young people think why we on break, so go into a commercial break. When we come back they will tell you why they need your votes are.
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 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.
Speaker 3:Thank you and get educated. Welcome back, we are back. Did y'all get my question before break? Yes, ma'am. Yes, all right, see, that's what happens. I need you know if y'all know anybody that want to do an internship running this stuff behind the scenes. I am not a TV broadcast major, but hey, I'll get you some hours so why should we vote? For you.
Speaker 6:I'll go first. So I believe that I should earn your vote, because you will be investing in the future of a Black doctor, first and foremost, one who will promote accessibility specifically for the physically disabled in her community as well as within her campus. And also, in supporting me, you are supporting the future of DEI, not only in medicine, but in just care for all. So thank you.
Speaker 3:Oh, wow, okay.
Speaker 7:I'll go For me, probably similar. I think that you know, investing this is investing in my future and our future in general. You know, I think it's important for all of us to succeed as people of color, and I think you're not just voting for me, you're voting for all of us and that's important to me. Also, this, this, would help me fund myself and get on with my future.
Speaker 3:Thank you.
Speaker 4:I guess I'll wrap up. I would say that, similar to what we've been saying, one important thing about HBCUs has always been the legacy, and giving me or any of us, your vote would really just be in support of that legacy. If there's no one to carry it on, then it kind of ends with you, the voters. So that's not to say that like no one is going to HBCU. That's what I mean. But, like, seriously, please consider helping us achieve our dreams with your support. And yeah, thank you so much.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome, awesome. So to keep these young people in, they gotta at least be number 20. Um, so they got about a week and a half before we do cuts again. But, um, honestly, these like top tier most of them been making cuts. They made it all the way from 66 to 32. So that's halfway there, y'all, there's something to celebrate, so it fun. But I got to let them go because I got two more people that might be coming up later. So bye guys. Thank you for coming and I keep my fingers crossed for you, as always.
Speaker 6:Thank you, and thank you for your time.
