What Happens When We Keep HBCU Memories Alive

You can feel HBCU pride when it’s real and Alfonso Scott brings the real. After a quick run of community updates and award-season reminders, we sit down with Alfonso to trace his path from Dayton, Ohio to Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, including the culture shock that nearly sent him back home. What changed was the thing HBCUs do better than almost anywhere: community. He talks candidly about finding his people, growing through campus life, and carrying that foundation into adulthood. 

Then we dig into his decade-long passion project, “We’ve Got Something to Talk About,” built from hundreds of interviews with HBCU alumni across generations, schools, and cities. It’s not a single-campus story, it’s a living collage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities told by the people who lived it. If you care about HBCU advocacy, college choice, student success, or simply preserving Black education history, these testimonials explain why HBCU alumni stay so loyal and so loud. 

We also talk about his HBCU commemorative calendar that pairs images with quotes from the book, plus practical resources for families navigating application season, including the Common Black College Application. Listen for the through-line: when we share our stories, we widen the path for the next student. 

Subscribe, share this with an HBCU-bound scholar or proud alum, and leave a quick review telling us what your HBCU story says about you.

Transcript

Welcome And Awards Countdown

Monique Robinson 0:51

Hey guys, welcome to a Better Chance Television show with your host, me. Um, depending on where you know me from, I might be Dr. Mo, I might be Miss Moe, or I might even be like yesterday, somebody, you know, call me the HBCU lady. But hey, I'll take it um and appreciate it as well. We are in crunch time. Uh, we have our HBCU community People's Choice Icon Awards coming up real soon. And um, if you get our newsletter, you might get that special promo code. Or if you are an honoree, you receive the email with a special code and a special gift from us here at A Better Chance Television show. Now, also, our Takisha A. Davis Stiphen Award is kicking off, and those intro videos are coming really, really soon. Now, I don't know, I got all kinds of stuff on my desk, but I like to give a shout out, and I will do a show um dedicated to them because I really want to talk about the speech that I did. But um, thank you Veterans Memorial High School, uh located here in San Antonio. They invited your girl to come and speak. And, you know, those who know me know I like to laugh and it was so quiet in there. I'm like, did I do a good job? Or, you know, were y'all listening? But um shout out to the the nice family that came to me afterwards and was like, ma'am, that was probably the realest uh speech that we ever had here at uh at this school. So that made me feel a little good. And then I felt bad because some of my friends was like, You didn't invite us. So moving forward, I will start inviting people. But you know, my friends come hear me speak. I forget and lose track of time and get to talking forever, just like today. So today, after our first commercial break, we have a guest. Now, true story, hilarious story, but it's really true. I'm hanging out with uh our good friend Leon Fry, Rambling University. They invited me to work the desk, hilarious, right? Me to work the desk, which I never get to do at any of our events because they said I play too much. But working the desk, speaking to people, laughing. I ran into this gentleman trying to, he was advertising his book and things like that. And then we got to talking, he was like, Where are you from? I was like, I'm from Dayton, you from Dayton too, you know. And then we got to talking even further. Now, how weight in Dallas, Texas, I find a cousin. I'm just saying. So our today's guest, you know, he might laugh if he remembers that story, but I was dying laughing inside. But anywho, after this commercial break, we will welcome our guests to the show.

SPEAKER_00 3:43

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Monique Robinson 4:14

Welcome back. Welcome back. Um, I like to welcome our guests to our show today. Do you remember that story?

SPEAKER_04 4:21

I do. I do, and I see that. I might myself laugh about it too.

Monique Robinson 4:27

I'm like, really? I'm up here in Dallas, Texas, uh, just just talking and being, you know, like I normally be when my friends ask me to do certain things. And I'm like, how do you go way that far? And you meet somebody that you are kind of like related to. Right. But anyway, welcome to the show. Tell us who you are, what's for HBC30.

SPEAKER_04 4:51

Yeah, well, thank you. I'm glad to be here. Uh, my name is Alfonso Scott, and you know, originally from Dayton, Ohio. And now I've I've been in Texas uh probably for over 30 some odd years. Um, you know, a husband of 32 years into uh to our wid. We got two wonderful girls, uh, excited about the project and just excited about about life. I know things are are challenging right now, but even with that being said, things are good right now.

Monique Robinson 5:26

Awesome, awesome, awesome. So what is your what was your HBCU journey?

SPEAKER_04 5:32

Well, it was a journey. Um early on looked like I wasn't even gonna get a chance to go to college. But um through God opening some doors and through, you know, my HBCU family, it it I got a chance to go. They told my mother, if you can get him here, we'll take care of him from here. And and that they did. I went to Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama. Oh, okay. Didn't know much, didn't know much about this the city um outside of you know hearing about it um on television or in history books. But I I tell you, coming from Ohio to Alabama, it was a culture shock. That first two and a half, three, three weeks. I wanted to go back home, but you know, after I endured, I tell you what, I at the time of my life met some friends for life, experienced some things that that still make me smile today.

Monique Robinson 6:27

That is awesome, awesome. So at Miles College, and then you you're you know, at most like you know, we all have humble beginnings at our various HPCUs. But Miles, that's that's from Dayton, that's a big jump. So that's awesome and amazing. Uh now one of the things that um I I would like for you to share with us because you have some unique projects. Um I I do my homework.

SPEAKER_04 6:57

Okay.

Monique Robinson 6:58

Do my homework. Now, you had a book, and then you also have some other things happening. Yes. Okay, tell us a little bit about that.

SPEAKER_04 7:07

Well, the the book is entitled, We've Got Something to Talk About. Um, and Monique, I had a chance to to research and work on this project over a decade. I I flew and drove around the country interviewing hundreds and hundreds from different backgrounds, different generations, different schools, cities. And like I said, I had the time of my life just talking to a lot of the people, learning that I wasn't the only one that that was as passionate about their school. Uh, I I met hundreds of others and it it really uh blessed my life. Uh, I got the chance to to meet and greet, like I said, people from all over. And uh a lot of their uh accounts and testimonials are actually in the book. And in my opinion, that's what makes it special. The book is doing well, and I'm I'm excited about it. Now I'm ready to take it, uh, to take it on the road and travel with it and do, you know, do some different things with it. So very excited about it. And here recently, I completed an HBCU commemorative calendar, and I'm happy to report that that's doing well also. So, you know, a couple of projects that I'm proud of, excited about, and I just look forward to uh to traveling, meeting and greeting others that have shared in the experience or potentials that are looking to take on that that experience.

Monique Robinson 8:42

Awesome, awesome. So you you mentioned um a commemorative calendar. How did that idea come about?

SPEAKER_04 8:51

It just, you know, I tell you, um I was just sitting, brainstorming like I do oftentimes, and and God just put that in put that in my spirit, and it's kind of uh kind of aligns perfectly with the book because on each calendar month, uh there's a different um image and there's a different testimonial from individuals that were in the book. So it yeah, and it it people love it, people, you know, it it resonates in their spirit because it gives them a chance to reflect and go back. And some of those, when you look at some of those images and when you hear some of those actual quotes, uh, like I said, it stirs up some things in you, and that's what's happening. The the dialogue in the book creates you know more dialogue that creates more dialogue. And I'm I'm excited about it.

Monique Robinson 9:45

Wow, that really seems uh like a really impactful project. Now we have to take a short, short, short commercial break, uh, really short commercial break. But after uh after this commercial break, can you tell us how people can uh can reach out to you, you know, maybe to support the project or things that you may need of our viewing audience? So if you're watching, stay tuned. Uh we have a uh really important guest on here today that has some materials that might, you know, it's graduation season and other things that might help you out. So after this break, um tell us how we can actually get hold of these materials.

SPEAKER_05 10:27

Okay. Are you interested in attending an historically black college or university? Hello. My name is Robert James. 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 1890s. 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 vigor and the fact that you have established lifelong relationships are just some of the many benefits of your attending and historically black college university. So if you're interested in completing the Common Black College app, visit our website, the commonblackcollegeapp.com, to apply now. Thank you and get educated.

Monique Robinson 11:27

Welcome back, welcome back, and shout out to all our HBCU graduates and our high school uh HBCU bound scholars that represented Will on Decision Day. Special, special greetings to uh Ciani. Um, I believe I'm keep my fingers crossed. I haven't heard anything, but last week she won regionals uh for shot put. And um, I think this week she might take state. I'm not an athlete, but I do encourage those that not at all. Like I think I uh no, not at all like that. Not at this age anyway, but I do encourage those that can do it. So how do we were you an athlete by the way?

SPEAKER_04 12:13

Yes, yes, I I I played, I played for miles and uh enjoyed it. Enjoyed competing against other student athletes from all over the country. So that that was a part of my special journey as well.

Monique Robinson 12:28

Oh wow, so you sound like you did a bunch of stuff on campus. What else did you do on campus?

Where To Buy The Book

SPEAKER_04 12:33

I was in involved in student government, of course. Um member of Cap Alpha Side Fraternity and and uh really involved and hands-on with it. Uh got a chance to become a part of the church there. You know, Miles College was a CME uh funded uh school and uh very very met some very, very influential people in the Christian Methodist uh church, and and that really helped me to kind of uh do some things on campus as well as off. So yeah, I was I enjoyed it all.

Monique Robinson 13:12

Wow, that seems pretty cool. So uh how do people I know we talked briefly about it before you talked about your projects, your books, and things that um you are doing, which is you know really, really, you know, outstanding that those are things that you're doing because the awareness is is necessary, especially at a time like this. Uh one thing I I always do is I advocate and always throw it in there somewhere, like, you know, look, I'm not telling you where to go. You got a hundred and plus decisions that you make. So I I I commend people that because advocacy is real and the work is is extremely hard. And some people don't understand why it's necessary to have that HBC foundation. You know, I I commend that that type of work, and we here the better chance will definitely support. But how do we get our audience and uh listening uh people to support your project?

SPEAKER_04 14:12

Well, good deal. And I'm kind of like you, Monique. I you know, although I went to Miles College, I'm an advocate of all of them, all 107 HBCUs. And even with the project, it doesn't just sphere or point to one or two institutions, but it's really kind of uh wetting the appetite for potential students for all of them. And because all of them have their own, you know, obviously their own unique uh brand, their own unique uh opportunities to experience the whole HBCU. Um so I I love them all. I've got a got a chance to travel to quite a few, you know, playing basketball, and then after after graduating, working on the project and research for the project, so I got a chance to to infiltrate several college campuses, you know, around the country. And and every single one that I got a chance to set foot on was special, and they were unique in what they offered the potential students. So yeah, it was good. Now the the uh the way you get the book, it's you can get both the book and the calendar on my my website. And the website is we've got something to talkabout uh.com. All lowercase, no spaces. And again, that's we've, you know, W-E-V-E, you know, we've got something to talk about. And and my, don't we? You know, we can go on and on and on just talking about the things that we experience, you know, talk about how important our institutions are, you know, throughout the country. And uh you put a microphone in any HBCU alum space, and and they can go a while just because uh they're passionate about what they experience and uh they really promote it, and they're advocates for all of our schools and that's special.

Monique Robinson 16:17

Awesome, awesome. So um before we get out of here, I think we have like one uh more commercial because we have to show our people that actually support our show. So if you would like to see your commercial on here, send it to us via email and then we can get you uploaded and get you going. But before we go, we have one commercial break, and then I'm gonna come back. And then I have one more question for our amazing guest today. Um and he probably laugh about it, but I definitely do have a question.

SPEAKER_09 16:50

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Monique Robinson 18:53

We had a little bit more to say than we normally do with our commercials today. But uh thank you to influential women that you know awarded me with something. You know, I guess thank you. So before we get out of here, please, please, please, uh, Mr. Alfonso, tell us how people can support and what you expect of us so we can support you as the HBCU community and as our listening audience as well.

SPEAKER_04 19:29

Yeah, to you know, to talk about the project, much like the book talks about our experiences. And it's it's important to get it out there, especially in the climate that we live in today, where there's so much, so much going on. But with that being said, there's so many opportunities, you know, to talk about the project. Um, again, the website is we've got something to talk about, you know, dot com. Uh, we're doing some some good things and we're we're advocating for for our schools and for our young people um that are passionate about education. And um, you know, exciting times, you know, it's like I said, tough times we're living in, but at the same time, they're in exciting times because of the opportunities that are that are there and that are coming down the pipeline.

Monique Robinson 20:20

Wow. Well, I'm I'm excited to see it, um, the finished project and things like that. And then also thank you for stopping by today. Um, I know we this is probably one of the most layback shows you've probably ever been on. We that's just around here.

SPEAKER_04 20:37

All right, good deal.

Monique Robinson 20:38

This is how we do. Uh, we're so laid back and chill, but we also uh like to get the word out. So please, you know, like, share, comment, support our brother. Um, I'm gonna challenge the men of Kappa Alpha Side. This is one of your brothers. So definitely challenge you guys uh to support this movement and method. And I how did you come up with that name anyway? That's so dope.

SPEAKER_04 21:03

Yeah, it was um because it wasn't just uh a book about the experience of one school, one person at that particular school, but it was a collaborative effort of hundreds and hundreds of HBCU attendee graduates from all over the country. So when God gave me that title, we've got something to talk about. I said, perfect. And uh I ran with it and uh it encompasses a lot, and like I said, it it allows us to tell our stories.

Final Announcements And Farewell

Monique Robinson 21:37

Okay, well, I I like that. And again, um, thank you for stopping by today to talk to us about your projects. I I truly, truly hope to stand behind it and anything that you need from us, let us know. And before we get out of here, friends, family, don't forget, check your newsletters for that special code for the HBC. Icon and People's Community Choice Awards. Um, here in San Antonio on May 30th. If you need accommodations, you might need to reach out to the hotel directly. And that is at San Antonio Double Tree Airport location. And if you need a ticket, you know, you need to go to Event Noir or read the newsletter and get the code or any of our social platforms. But it's been real today here at a better chance. Do you have anything further that you need to say before we go?

SPEAKER_04 22:31

Yeah, just, you know, uh blessings to your program and your efforts. And that's what it again, that's what it takes, us getting the word out, getting more people involved, hearing about their their stories and what they've you know experienced and that that's special. So my you know, my hat goes off to you all for the show. So uh we ask that God would just continue to extend his choice blessings upon you all and the work that you're doing.

Monique Robinson 23:00

Awesome, awesome, and same to you as well. So till next time, we will see you later. And if uh you are watching our platforms, yes, it is. It's May. So if you know, you know, and you need to submit your video, please uh reach out to myself or Anthony. Have a good day.

SPEAKER_04 23:23

Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 23:26

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Monique Robinson 23:52

Tune in to a better chance for youth television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network. A television show dedicated to highlighting incredible students on work that change the world. Join us every week as we uplift the youth and help them on their journey to the right future they deserve. Have the Better Chance for Youth Television Show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel. Thanks for watching a Better Chance for Youth Television Show with your host Monique Robinson. The television show where we highlight incredible students in their quest to change the world. Join us each and every week as we uplift our youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. So until next time, God bless. From your friends on a Better Chance for Youth Television show with your host Monique Robinson.