Free Lunch delivers a fresh perspective on the social issues that impact our world; everything from current events to self-empowerment.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
School Dayz (PODCAST)
This week, the FreeLunch Podcast turns its attention to the age-old debate on which institutions of higher learning offer the best education, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Majority White Institutions. And the winner is....
Music by K.L.U.B. Monsta "Chauvinist Clap"
Artwork: Dia Reddo (diareddo.com)
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Tight, it's ya boy "Yella Cake". Finally got around to checking this out. My fav quote from this podcast; "now we do have to make the disclaimer that neither one of use went to HBCUs". Man that's funny!
ReplyDeleteYella
Interesting take on the topic at hand. I agree, cost does play a part in school selection, or at least it did on my part. I am however, wondering is my blackness contingent upon my choice to matriculate somewhere other than a HBCU? The "you missed out" theory is still unresolved in my head.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic! I came from a family deeply rooted in HBCUs and I caught hell when I announced that I was going to UAB. All my uncles went to Grambling and one even went to Southern for law school. They all married women from Grambling and southern. That's all I knew growing up. And lets not forget the positive influence A Different World had on us all! I knew I was going to Hillman! Man talk about disappointment when I realized it was fictitious.
ReplyDeleteSo with all of this influence to attend a HBCU, what happened? Well, Tight-Tight and I have very similar backgrounds ( Trimmer Park for Life....lol)...I can start with elementary school. I think that was a pretty good balance of white and black , middle school 80% white, high school 98% black( LHS -Rattlers!!). But when it came to college, I felt like I needed a different environment. I did not want to experience the 13th grade ( this must be a well known saying). Everyone from high school was either going to Alabama State or A&M. I really didn't want to spend the next 4 years looking at the same people, doing the same thing. I never even applied to a HBCU- why?
I recall going to Sothern's Campus when I was in the 7th grade. The facilities were not top notch, the dorms were even worse. Sr. year, I went on a college visit to Dillard University and Xavier in New Orleans. Dillard felt like I was walking on a plantation- the vibe was completely off. And Xavier- well Xavier was really nice, I could have seen myself there, BUT THAT TUTION!
College is about an individual's experience. For me, I needed to feel 100% comfortable in this new environment. It wasn't about black vs. white... as a matter of fact the first school to accept me was Auburn, but I didn't feel comfortable there either. the town was too small. I felt "trapped".
I cant say that I've received a better education than my husband or friends who went to HBCUs. They have all been successful. College is what you make it. I would never change my experience. But what we need to respect everyone's needs and not use HBCU vs. "White" school as another way to divide our community. We are always trying to define who is more "black" or "real". Because the truth is all of us are minorities in Corporate America, no matter what institution's name is on that degree says.
With that said, I will admit I have gotten out of speeding tickets and was offered my 1st job because of my school.... when people see or here " University of Alabama..." it sets a certain stage and eliminates some stereo types. They don't even let me explain that it wasn't the Roll Tide, but go Blazers...LOL...And I will accept that extra leg up. We all need a little help out here.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said, some people would not be comfortable sitting in a classroom of 200 and being the 10th black person. That's a culture shock and could be too overwhelming as a freshmen. But also like you said, I joined the Black Student Awareness Committee, attended events that catered to the African American students. connected with the black staff. I made the most of my experience. And on the weekends- I went to A&M for their homecoming, Alabama State for Turkey Day Classic, Tuskegee's Player Balls... I even kicked at Auburn a couple times :) We cant live in a box we need to be well balanced by our experiences.
But with all this said- I don't think the main issue is HBCU vs. "White Schools".... The main question is why are HBCUs always in the news for corruption, losing accreditations, low enrollment ? Where are the Alumni? That's how these "white schools" stay up and running. If you are so proud to be a HBCU graduate, are you reaching back to help keep the school stay open and holding the authorities accountable? I'm not saying that this is not happening at "white" schools, but I promise you the Alumni is strong and they are doing all they can to keep it quiet. We want to be proud and say " I'm better than you because I went to an HBCU", but are you helping to make sure that those who follow behind you have the best experience and keep the traditions growing? Just food for thought.