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
The Grambling-Prairie View Classic: Where Education Meets Celebration
Building bridges that connect students to historically Black colleges and universities takes dedication, collaboration, and vision. This powerful conversation between Dr. Monique Robinson and board member Leon Frye unveils the critical work happening in San Antonio and beyond to create pathways for young scholars to discover HBCUs.
At the heart of their discussion is the formation of the South Texas HBCU Alumni Alliance – a collaborative initiative bringing together graduates and supporters from various institutions to amplify their collective impact. "It's more strength if more people have it," explains Dr. Robinson, highlighting how even smaller alumni chapters gain significant influence when working together. This alliance aims to move beyond social gatherings to create meaningful advocacy opportunities that directly benefit students.
The episode showcases the upcoming State Fair Classic weekend celebrating the 100th anniversary matchup between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M. This iconic event draws over 50,000 attendees annually and features concerts, the legendary Battle of the Bands, and networking opportunities. Leon details an all-inclusive bus trip package designed to bring San Antonio residents to experience this cultural touchstone while supporting HBCU advocacy efforts locally.
Perhaps most compelling is their honest conversation about the decreasing exposure many students have to HBCUs in their schools. "I got exposed to it because I had older cousins that went to Grambling or went to Southern," shares Leon, emphasizing how critical these personal connections are. The "Scholars on the Move" program addresses this gap by providing 7th-12th grade students with HBCU knowledge, financial literacy education, and mentorship throughout the academic year.
Ready to join this movement? Applications are open for the Scholars on the Move program, board positions are available for those wanting to contribute their expertise, and the State Fair Classic bus trip welcomes all who wish to experience HBCU culture firsthand. Connect with us through our social platforms or website to become part of this growing community dedicated to student success.
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:Hey guys and welcome to another wonderful episode of A Better Chance for Youth television with your host myself, dr monique robinson. Now, look, you know I got the gold on, but you know I have to represent today is, you know, gotta wear wool before us every time this person come on, because usually he has on a grambling shirt. So I mean, you know, I have to make sure I put on for my school as well. So so we have a lot of things happening and I will tell you about those things kind of at the end of the show because it's a lot going on around here. But first I want to say thank you to every single person who has sent a donation, helped, motivated our scholars this year because, guess what, it's September.
Speaker 3:So we are currently accepting applications for our Scholars on the Move program for 7th through 12th grade scholars. We will teach them about HBCUs, teach them financial literacy the whole entire year and guess what? They also get some volunteer hours and, you know, one-on-one and they get some pointers from our staff. So if you are interested in that program, you know I reckon you. You know it's nationwide, it's virtual, but we do meet and I'll be honest, I am kind of hard on our scholars but I love them and you know they kind of love me. Back me back now. We have a guest today that is here. He's no stranger. He's our board member. He's always um doing events. Now, um, and he's, you know, who knows what. What's gonna bring today. You know it's always something, but let's welcome to the show mr Leon Frye.
Speaker 1:Hey, how you doing, monique, how?
Speaker 3:you doing. You see what I look? Yeah, I want no mess out of you today, so I said let me wear my shirt today, cuz you know g is g is. You know, you knew, hey, you know I still got it.
Speaker 1:I got it not too far away. I'm, I'm grandfam every day. I got something I can wear with grandma and represent, you know, hbcu no, no problem there.
Speaker 3:You know, I see you got the shirt from the send off, um, and that was really like I got one too. My my school was on the back of mine, though, so we're different do that turn around? Oh lord, what is it? Hot miss, you got gremlin on the back. Hotmisscom actually. Actually, I see it. It's okay, we all want big family. I'm going to talk stuff, but we want big family.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's HBCU, love all day.
Speaker 3:You're back here this time and you got so much going on. What do you got going on?
Speaker 1:now. Right now it's Texas State Fair of Texas, state Fair Classic. It's one of the biggest weekends that you have in Texas. People come from all around. It's the State Fair Classic, the 100th anniversary of Grambling State University versus Prairie View A&M. September 26th through the 28th weekend. September 26th through the 28th weekend so this is during the State Fair of Texas. State Fair of Texas is a month-long fair going on in Dallas, texas, and that September 26th weekend features HBCU football between Gremlin and Prairie View. This is the 100th anniversary of the State Fair Classic, so it's one of the biggest weekends we have in Texas. People in San Antonio. You need to come out If you've never been. It's a fun-filled weekend. It's something that you'll want to go to every year. So right now we got the bus trip from San Antonio to Dallas. September 26th through the 28th. It's an all-inclusive trip to the State Fair. It includes the game and pre-game concert as well as post-game concerts. So it's definitely a big affair in Texas. If you know me, you need to definitely come out.
Speaker 3:Awesome. I kept going in and out because he's so advanced. He got the QR code. If you're watching, you might want to pause it, scan it and then that way you can secure your bus ride. I guess you could say Bus ride the seat.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so the State Fair is one of the biggest events in Texas, I would say one of the biggest in South by Southwest. It's an all-inclusive weekend that we got planned the bus leave out Friday morning, get to Dallas and I have a welcome reception party that Friday night in the hotel ballroom.
Speaker 3:Okay.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's called the Legacy Kickoff Party and it's featuring the G-Man Nation.
Speaker 3:What is that? I know For people who might not know. I know for you, even Stark, because you looked at me like really dude, I know, but I mean, somebody might not know what G-Man Nation is yeah, definitely so.
Speaker 1:This year we're collaborating with the G-Man Nation, so those are former players that played at Gremlin and a lot of those went on to play in the NFL as well. So we'll be doing a special recognition at the event where they might have some special. I can't say the players' names right now, but some former NFL players they're going to recognize during the event.
Speaker 3:That's cool.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So the G-Man Nation. Those consist of players that live in all over the country that went on to play NFL, as well as different business organizations too. So G-Man Nation is the legacy kickoff party we're going to have at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in the Market Center. That'll be Friday night, september 26th, from 7 pm to 12 am. So then Saturday is the game itself at the state fair. The state fair normally has pre-game concert and post-game concert and the treat this year is TLC, the R&B group TLC. They're doing a fair wearer tour and they'll be doing the post-game concert at the fair. So the concerts at the fair, they're all included with the admission ticket for the state fair. There's no additional fee and the concerts are free. So they have a concert before the game. Then you have the actual game itself between Gremlin and Prairie View featuring the marching band. So that'd be the Battle of the Bands. Game itself holds every year is normally have over 50,000 people every year. That's just at the game itself. So if you haven't been, this would be one that you, if you want to see HBCU at its finest Grambling, prayer View, marching Bands, concerts.
Speaker 1:We got the Legacy Kickoff Party that Friday night all inclusive package. We got the QR code. You can go to that to get more information and include the bus trip. Hotel stay at the the DoubleTree Market Center for two nights Friday night, saturday, and come back Sunday. Price for one person a hotel room is $525. Include all inclusive, that's your hotel room game ticket, the legacy kickoff party as well as the State Fair game itself. For two people it's $350 per person. So $700 total includes the hotel room, bus tickets and everything all inclusive. That's $350 per person. You can check it out at the QR code and do a deposit or make a full payment and reserve your spot on the bus today.
Speaker 1:So it's one event you don't want to miss, come out. You're going to have a fun fair day. That Friday Night Legacy kickoff party. We got Southern Soul artist Solomon Thompson. He'll be performing. He'll form a G-man. He played at Grammar under Eddie Robinson as well as M Calley of San Antonio, a Southern Soul artist. He's blowing up, so he'll be performing tonight as well. And then we got Dab the DJ. He's from Dallas area. He's a well-known DJ in the Dallas area that do Southern Soul parties and things like that. So he's going to be the one on the ones and twos to get the party groove and line dances, get the stepping ready and pop them fans out, you know. So we definitely want you to come out. Funfield weekend If you've never been, it'll be the first time going. You'll love it. I go every year. So it's definitely a funfield weekend. Bring your fans because it does get hot.
Speaker 1:So be prepared. And so and bring your fans, because it does get hot. Be prepared. I know Monique she likes to stress that a lot.
Speaker 3:I'm not from here, you have to remember. I'm from up north. This heat here is disrespectful. I'm not used to it. However. The event is fun, but it is hot.
Speaker 1:You have to be prepared. Be prepared because it's a long day. You get a chance to enjoy the food, the sights, the rides, the midway, the concerts. You have multiple stages. Stay hydrated. Bring an umbrella or fan. Bring your fans with you.
Speaker 3:Don't bring both fans the fan to dance and the fan to cool off at the same time.
Speaker 1:Pop that fan? Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 3:So, look, we got to take a quick, quick, quick commercial break. And then I'm about to pick Leon's brain about some stuff, since he's trying to come for me about this heat. I got it.
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Speaker 3:Thank you, and get educated welcome back, welcome back, I'm sitting here with you know, I guess I would say, like you know my brother from another mother, you know, partner in crime when it comes to events in san antonio. Uh, or you know, just, you know, if we want to be professional, I can say the vice president of the board for a better chance for you, futures incorporated. So he does a lot. So they are. Since, you know, we are kicking off this new year and I just want to talk about one of the initiatives that we said as a group that we wanted to do is increase the partnerships with hbcus. Yes, yes, and you know, I'm looking at your shirt, I'm like, yeah, that is one example. Uh, oh, I don't know why this phone ringing. I know, see, until we actually live y'all because my uh phone is ringing, my accident is usually off. But um, back to what I was saying. We are in that mode to where we want to create that, um, healthy relationship amongst you know the area.
Speaker 3:You know san antonio bear county is a big area right it's a lot of hbcu alum here right um, I just want to hear from you, because I preach it all the time. Why do you feel like it's such a time as this? We need to get out the you know, get out the space of the computer and get back to having events that are promoting advocacy and education yeah, definitely.
Speaker 1:Um, you know, since the pandemic, when the pandemic happened, uh, it kind of prohibited all the events that the alumni chapters were having for scholarship luncheons, uh, the events, the fundraising events.
Speaker 1:So that definitely hindered us from pre-COVID days to where we were networking and getting out together. So I'm also the vice president of the Grammar Alumni Chapter here in San Antonio and I know we have events and we have other HBCU alumni in San Antonio as well and it'd be great to get the other alumni chapters to come together and have events in partnership but to help students and get recognition and bring awareness to San Antonio that hey, we are here, hbcu, we stand in strong and we want to promote advocacy for HBCU. We stand strong and we want to promote advocacy for HBCUs, whether it's Gremlin, prairie View or any other HBCUs that draw them in. So we definitely want to reach out to partner with other HBCU alumni chapters as well as fraternities and sororities. To me that's the biggest thing. I have events and I try to reach out to other organizations to collaborate, but just getting through that yellow tape to bring everybody together, and I think that's where this year we can definitely focus on trying to reach out and bring everyone together so we can support each other.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. I know that we have created a relationship with the Prairie View alumni chapter. You know via Miss Dorothy. I was with them over the weekend.
Speaker 3:They had a wonderful scholarship thing, which actually two kids that participated in the send-off um, they received scholarships there as well wow, awesome but yeah, it was nice, it was really nice, um, it was a brunch so it was kind of early, but you know it was okay, it was nice, um. But, like leon said, one of our you know, initiatives is to establish a partnership. So the overall group will be called yeah, I have been working so it will be called the South Texas because you know that's our theme, like Leon's shirt South Texas HBCU Alumni Alliance. What that will be is a group of individuals. You don't have to necessarily be an hbcu graduate I'm gonna stress that but however hbcu supporter would do would suffice, and our goal is to increase awareness about hbcus. I get it. Several people have events, they have parties. They have different things, have parties, they have different things To me. I like the party, yes, but I also would love the advocacy more.
Speaker 1:Right, definitely, because we have events, you have the normal people that come out to support it in the crowd, but we definitely want participation at a mass scale to get other organizations involved and support each other's event, because if you have an event, we can support each other. If we have an event one month, hey, we can bring everyone together to come out and say, hey, let's make sure this event is successful and turn it around and reciprocate that back to their event, so you can have a year full of events lined up to where it's very successful, to where everybody wins and we're not in the send off and you have a student going to your school.
Speaker 3:Which I think is really important, is that at the send off. I love and I got to give a shout out where shout out is due. I like to give a shout-out where shout-out is due. I like to see how Prairie View shows up every year for their students. This year was probably the largest class we've had in a long time. It's 20 kids.
Speaker 3:This year we outgrew the space. I think that's been the theme this whole year. We outgrew the space for the awards. We outgrew the space like that. I think that's been the theme this whole year. We outgrew the space for the for the awards. We outgrew the space. Right, I mean, yes, we're growing and as we continue to grow, it's very, very powerful. You know, with a little people, but it's more strength If more people that have it. I mean, for example, get this example Wilberforce only have in this area. I want to say four to five alum. So if we link up with Grammar, who have about 20 in Prairie View, who has doubled it, we work together, we increase in the masses and then we can stop the caution tape that doesn't allow our scholars in the spaces to learn about hbcus from people who actually been there, not somebody that's just trying to. You know, hey, this is the, this is the tree and I want to follow the tree. And no, we actually been there. We actually are in the trenches still working.
Speaker 1:That's all right, no shade, but just saying that's all and you know, one of the things I want to get back to before the pandemic we had like high school days at the colleges where we sponsored kids, had like 25 kids and sponsored them to go to the campus and do a campus tour. They got a chance to meet with the admissions in each school office to get information on their majors as well as attend one of the football games to get a feel of the campus, to go to see how a college campus really is. So some of the kids have never been to a college campus except probably a local no HBCU campus. To see if they really get that feeling and they get that sense of hey, I feel like I belong here, this is where I belong, you know.
Speaker 3:Right, yeah. No, I can't agree with you more. As you know, in the organization we are doing the Takesha A Davis Scholarship, which we do every year. This year I've heard from more students that they are not being exposed to HBCUs in their various schools. This competition is nationwide, so it's not like it's just in our backyard. That's the reason why I'm like, oh no, it's a dying need right now.
Speaker 1:See, for me, I got exposed to it because I had older cousins that went to Grambling or went to Southern, so I was exposed to it at a younger age, so that made me want to pursue that avenue. So by exposing that to them, to where they can see it and feel it, and that gives them a goal to hey, that's something I want to do. It's possible. You don't have to be a 4.0 student, just having that determination of hey, that's your goal you want to do, definitely give you opportunities to get there.
Speaker 3:That part. That's just one of our many initiatives that we have this year and, if you are following along on any of our platforms, we are currently accepting applications, even for board members. We got three seats, so if you're interested, you know, fill that form out too. Now, leanne, I'm going to take a quick commercial and when we come back, you got to give us, you know, like your final thought, but as long as you say, my two seats, I don't care who get on the bus, I'm just right after this commercial.
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Speaker 3:Welcome back. Welcome back. So I have been here talking to Leon and Leon is talking about this bus trip. But before we get out of here, I'm going to let Leon go first so he can tell you one more time. If you get your ticket, you out of gas, I mean, but even if you don't have gas, you get on the bus. So, leon, tell us about the trip one more time.
Speaker 1:Yes, we got the State Fair Classic Weekend Bus Trip. Yes, we got the State Fair Classic Weekend Bus Trip. It's a fundraising event that helps our organizations with HBCU advocacy here in San Antonio. Stay Friday, friday morning, come back Sunday afternoon at the DoubleTree Market Center Hotel. It includes bus trip, hotel, a Friday night welcome party, the legacy kickoff party with the G-man nation. Then you have the State Fair Saturday. Include the Grammar State University versus the Prairie View A&M Halftime show, marching band, then you have after the game. You got TLC concert, that farewell concert.
Speaker 1:If you've never seen them before, here's your chance to do it, free, all included with the State Fair Classic ticket. You got to reserve your seat. Check out the QR code, go to it. You can make a deposit to reserve your spot for either single person or double occupancy. It's going to be a great weekend. If you've never experienced it before, you'll definitely enjoy it and put it in your plans to come for every year going forward. So we definitely look forward to you, uh, coming out and going to the bus trip, going to the state fair to Dallas. Uh, reach out to me on a QR code or you can give me a call at two. One zero, five, nine, five, nine, zero, zero, six. Uh, and just reach out to me if you have any questions or want to lock in your trip. Get with me. Gsu prayer, prairie View. Call on all HBCU alumni, friends and family. If you've never been to the State Fair, come on out. You'll enjoy yourself.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. So, yes, I will be attending, but I'm telling you right now I I have about four fans because it's hot, but it's working for good. What good cause.
Speaker 1:Got to be prepared.
Speaker 3:So thank you for coming on and sharing that with us today and if you are watching, please like, share, comment all the above and continue to vote for our scholars, because the last day to vote is Friday, friday scholars, because the last day to vote is friday friday friday is the last day to vote and then we move on to. You know they got to be in in top 10 to be considered for the final five, so it's been an intense summer with these young people. They already on their various campuses. Have you been watching it running? We had a wonderful session with the parents, with their interviews, and then, you know, moving forward to the final five like I said this this vote.
Speaker 3:I can't vote, I can't decide, I'm not a judge, but hey, these young people have laid it all on the line, their parents too. So you want to follow along with that. It's on all platforms, but also you can watch the replays on YouTube, or you can just, you know, go pull up Spotify, apple Music or any type of platform under A Better Chance television show and you can listen to your heart content. But leave us a line. Nobody ever like, leave a comment or something. Let us know that you watch. But thank you for coming today, thank you for watching. If you are watching, and don't forget, scan that qr code. You know that leon has above his head because you know you might, might, get left behind. Don't miss the bus.
Speaker 3:I don't know I'm biased on the band that week, but oh, I didn't mention this.
Speaker 1:What you got playing.
Speaker 3:Wilberforce, we'll be battling Grambling. Oh, okay, I want to speak to you this week, this weekend we're going to Ohio State.
Speaker 1:They got a battle of bands. Wilberforce and Grambling are going to be there. Who else is going to be there? I?
Speaker 3:don't know. I think it's just them two. It's going heads up. Y'all might not be ready for the Bulldogs Howl and. Sound, howl and Sound. I don't know. I love y'all. Band director though she's a cool peep, she's my fave.
Speaker 1:We talk a little bit on social media talk a little bit on social media and I even shared it, you know.
Speaker 3:But so are you. Are you going to the uh?
Speaker 1:the battle band. Uh, they may show. Uh, somebody go live, can y'all? Go live for me so I can watch it right. Yeah, yeah, yeah, so we can have proof who actually won it and and put it to a vote. We need an unbiased opinion.
Speaker 3:I was about to say we're not polling your friends. All your friends are GSU, so they get out the gates going not vote for my school.
Speaker 1:We know.
Speaker 3:All right, they got to be unbiased.
Speaker 1:GSU. I thought you knew.
Speaker 3:You should have been a bulldog. That's what I'm going to tell you. Have a good evening. Thank you, leon. Again, don't forget, get your scan, that QR code, secure your deposit, secure your seat, because, you know, think about it. You don't even have to drive, go to sleep on the bus. If your team moves, they'll go to sleep. But, um, it's just all about the collaboration and doing things together. You know so, network, so people can see that the hbcu unity do exist, not just you know in certain occasions, but everywhere. Everywhere, including in advocacy.
Speaker 1:Party with a purpose. It's a party with a purpose. I want to thank you, monique, for having me on, and I appreciate it. And let's get it running. Let's get it running Anytime, anytime.
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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. 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
