My Life As…A Student at a Historically Black College

December 3, 2010 3:00 pm     Posted in College, Reality  Khalea - Howard University g+ page


By Khalea

While every college girl shares many of the same college experiences (Procrastinating, Blue Book exams ), she also carves her own path and has her own unique adventure. Have you ever wondered what it’s like for other girls? What it’s like to be an online student? To get married?! To play an NCAA sport? Well wonder no more. Our one-of-a-kind CollegeCandy writers (and readers!) are sharing their unique experiences and opening our eyes to different college worlds.

“I know my parents love me. Stand behind me come what may…”

Those familiar lyrics echoed through my television set as I watched one of my favorite programs, “A Different World,” six years ago. I watched Dwayne Wade in his cool flip-up glasses chase Whitley, the southern belle, throughout the campus of Hillman College. Hillman, a fictional Historically Black College (HBC), set the precedent for all schools for me. Though I was a huge fan of the show, I’d never thought that I would be attending the real-life equivalent of Hillman.

I’m a sophomore at Howard University in Washington, DC and I’m proud to be here every, single day.

Attending Howard was my goal since the 11th grade when I attended a journalism camp and met CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield. “Howard prepared me for the future,” she told us. “And when I left, I was ready to take on the world.” Seeing her poise and success motivated me to leave my small, rural hometown in pursuit of the nation’s capitol. I knew that I’d be getting a college experience that my friends going to predominately white institutes would not.

Even though tuition is high and even though there have been several bumps in the road, I know I’m being offered a unique opportunity. Howard is a beacon in the Black community. Nearly every student, organization and faculty has some type of history or legacy. There are classes taught by famous film makers and entrepreneurs—even John Legend has stopped by as a “substitute teacher.” I write for “The Hilltop,” our campus newspaper that founded by Zora Neale Hurston herself! I’m on the executive board of the nationally recognized Howard University Association of Black Journalists. Five of the nine Black Greek Letter Organizations were founded on this campus, making Howard hallowed ground for its many members.

I appreciate culture so much more now because it is unavoidable here. There’s always a DJ in the cafeteria and at socials, mixing old favorites with new songs from rappers and singers here. Though we learn about classical artists like Rembrandt or Picasso, African art is just as important. We’re able to watch foreign films and look at pieces from Mali right here on our own campus.

At home, I was made fun of for my dark brown skin; I was always the “blackest” girl in my classes. But here, everything is so different. I feel so comfortable when I’m on campus. I see people who look like me every day. Every shade of brown, different hair textures, and black women and men in all shapes and sizes are represented. I never knew that one group of people could be so diverse.

Wearing whatever I want is fun too — I’m finally out of the “Holicrombie” (Hollister, Abercrombie) style bubble that my small town was. Howard is considered one of America’s best dressed campuses, so I can dress up for Algebra II without getting quizzical stares.

As Bison, we’re the best and brightest of our hometowns. Everyone wants stand out to be the best. The competition is cutthroat. There are only a few spots for young, black professionals in the career world, and all of us are fighting for them. And because of the existing legacy, it’s our job to expand it. Every day, I walk the same ground that Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Phylicia Rashad and so many other notable figures have before and I remember that I’m not just here to earn my degree, but also to expand upon Howard’s amazing legacy.

– Story written by Khalea Underwood

Are you doing something spectacular/different/interesting that you want to share? Send your ideas over and perhaps you could be telling your story right here.

286 Comments on "My Life As…A Student at a Historically Black College"

  1. Yesenia says:
    Fri, 3rd Dec 20106:04 pm 

    algebra 2 in college?? unless you're a math/teaching major, that's not something that makes Howard stand out

  2. Kia says:
    Sat, 4th Dec 20101:30 am 

    Couldn’t agree more. I love the family atmosphere that HBCUs have to offer. Were more than just a student ID number. Our teachers care because they want to see the black community continue to thrive. Enjoy the rest of your HBCU experience. Nothin like it!

    -A proud FAMU RATTLER

  3. Shanise M says:
    Sat, 4th Dec 201010:25 am 

    Love it! My dad went there and lots of my friends go there :) Though I don't attend there I'm always at Howard taking in the culture! HBCU's make me feel proud to be black in America :)

  4. Anna says:
    Sat, 4th Dec 201011:32 am 

    A lot of schools have gen ed requirements for all majors, so it's not unusual to offer basic math classes.

  5. Taylor says:
    Mon, 6th Dec 201012:50 pm 

    but i mean algebra 2 is still kind of low. here are penn state you need to take a type of calculus or statistics as a gen ed. anything before that is usually taken because the student doesn't meet the requirements for the gen ed.

  6. Aaliyah says:
    Mon, 6th Dec 20105:12 pm 

    I don't get the point of black colleges. Why not a white college, too? Or a Hispanic? Or a Chinese? I don't see why a race needs their own college, all it's doing is discriminating against other races. And what do you mean by "there are only a few spots for young, black professionals in the career world, and all of us are fighting for them"? If you're right for the job, you get hired. End of story.

  7. Daniella says:
    Mon, 6th Dec 20105:36 pm 

    you're kidding right?
    well back in the day…all the colleges were white & blacks weren't allowed in…so they created HBCs…howard may not have any whites at there school, but there are some asians and hispanics, not many, but some…back in the day when HBCs were created, it was mainly white and black, i guess there weren't enough hispanics and asians to create a HAC (hist. asian college) or HHC (historically hispanic college)

  8. Aaliyah says:
    Mon, 6th Dec 20107:25 pm 

    I totally understand why Howard was neccesary back in the day, but formerly white colleges now accept studetns of different races, and so should Howard. Having a college catering to a specific race slows down the process of having everyone seen as equals.

  9. Aaliyah says:
    Mon, 6th Dec 20107:29 pm 

    I see how Howard was necessary back in the day, but that was back in day. All previously white colleges now accept people from all races, and Howard should do the same. Having a college catering to a specific race slows down the process of having everyone be seen as equals.

  10. Girl/slash/Woman says:
    Mon, 6th Dec 20107:57 pm 

    Are you kidding? Howard accepts people from all races.
    Maybe do a little bit of research before trying to stuff your opinions down someone's throat.

  11. Aaliyah says:
    Mon, 6th Dec 201010:34 pm 

    Excuse me, but I wasn't shoving my opinion down anyone's throat, I was stating my opinion just as you did. If they accept other races it shouldn't be branded as a 'black' college. You don't see colleges were whites are the majority branded as 'white' college.

  12. Girl/slash/Woman says:
    Tue, 7th Dec 20101:00 am 

    Excuse you, but it definitely seemed like you were whereas I didn't state an opinion- I gave you a fact. And if you actually did go out of your way to research it before making more uninformed opinions, you would realize that they don't go out of their way to brand themselves as a black college. It's a historically black college – that means that it was created to serve the needs of the black community when they weren't accepted into "white" schools.
    It's historically a black college just like Berkeley is historically known for student activism. History defines schools. You can't set up a shack in your backyard and call it Yale.
    P.S. Maybe you didn't get it the first time, they DO accept students of different races. Whether other races want to go there is entirely a different matter.

  13. Spelhouse says:
    Tue, 7th Dec 20101:22 am 

    She never said thaht it did, she was talking about FASHION and not MATH.

  14. Ode says:
    Tue, 7th Dec 20102:48 pm 

    There are Historically Hispanic Colleges. And as far as discriminating there are a plethora of ethnic groups here at Howard. The reason for HBCUs is so that people can get a well-rounded view of the world outside of the eurocentric education you get in high school. When any college has stopped such things as affirmative action i.e. California the amount of Black students accepted dropped below 1%. Today at all "majority" universities there is still a major neglect of not just African American studies, but other non-white ethnic groups. And as far as the comment about "If you have the right job you get hired" You clearly are an ignorant brainwashed minority or white because if you didn't know all jobs have a quota and when they fill it all other people are pushed to the waste side. Being an HBCU is the same as being a HWCU the only difference is that HBCUs have the title and school such as Yale and Harvard do not outwardly call themselves that.

  15. Kate says:
    Wed, 8th Dec 20106:24 pm 

    I also attend Howard; and I'm not sure about the writer's major, but in my major Algebra 2 alone does not satisfy a Gen Ed. The writer never said she was at the peak of her math career (as some are assuming). I'm sure Penn State, like many other universities in America, also offer Algebra 2 or a similar class.

  16. Brittany says:
    Wed, 8th Dec 201010:12 pm 

    I go to penn state too and you don't always need to take 140/141 to get the gen ed credit.
    I took 21 and 26 and got my credits.
    it all depends on your major/college.

  17. Cashmere says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 201010:30 am 

    I relate to this sooo much I attend an HBCU, i first transferred from a P.W.I (predominantly white institution) and I enjoyed it for what it was but there was so much racial tension at the university that I finally decided to spend out my final college years at an HBCU and to @ Aaliyah theres nothing wrong with being surrounded with like minded students in the black community there is such a lack in motivation for education especially coming from an underprivileged area, however any race is accepted at an HBCU i have classes, and party with whites, asians, indians and international students. There is no discrimination any race is accepted into the HBCU community it is was just founded on African-American scholarship and achievement, and come on lets be real majority of universities out there are P.W.I's

  18. Eric Goodwin says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 201011:45 am 

    HBCU;s were created in response to whites refusal to allow other groups the same educational opportunities that they are given. There are all white colleges they are just called IVY League. The harsh reality HBCU's are just the only institutions that call themselves what they really are. The Jews have Yeshiva, the Mormans have Brigham Young, the Catholics have St. Johns and the list goes on and on. The harsh reality is that whites can attend HBCU's easier than we can attend other institutions but they opt not to because they do not want to be the minority just as we are when we attend there institutions. If you have a problem with HBCU's then the problem should be attacked at the elementry school level. If you live in an ethnic neighborhood you tend to only be exposed to schools that reflect the community. I have lived in the Bronx my entire life. I attended Catholic schools and public schools in the NYC system and opted to attend a HBCU for one reason and one reason only….I could afford it.

  19. Aaliyah says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20103:19 pm 

    I'm sorry if I offended you or anyone out there, thank you for correcting me on my mistake. I still stand by my opinion. And I wasn't shoving my opinion down anyone's throat, you chose to read my comment and you chose to reply to it. =)

  20. Aaliyah says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20103:25 pm 

    "And as far as the comment about "If you have the right job you get hired" You clearly are an ignorant brainwashed minority or white because if you didn't know all jobs have a quota and when they fill it all other people are pushed to the waste side."

    I know institutions have a quota they must meet. They have to have a certain number of blacks or Hispanics or Chinese so they won't look like they are biased towards any racial group.

  21. Aaliyah says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20103:28 pm 

    Please do not call me ignorant. As of you can see, nowhere in any of my posts do I attack someone on their opinions.

  22. Kate says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20104:01 pm 

    I don't think anyone should call you ignorant, but you should realize that the comment you made was strong and was obviously going to offend people who take great pride in attending an HBCU, especially since you didn't seem to know anything about the school. As a current Howard student, I can tell you that I do not have a single class where the demographic is 100% African American. So, you have to realize that people who worked hard to get into an HBCU are going to rep. their school and protect its name to the fullest. It is also a fact that minorities do not get many opportunities simply because of negative connotations, the color of their skin, and the general state of the world today….everyone knows things aren't equal.

  23. Diary Black Asshole says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20104:15 pm 

    WHOA!!….I agree and disagree with some comments! I don't think its necessary for us as Black people to have OUR OWN MONTH it seems to me that it says were still NOT over racism and if were all equal we should celebrate our differences and embrace every culture…every month – CreamBmp.com

  24. kenni says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20105:05 pm 

    me too :) FAMUly!

  25. Girl/slash/Woman says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20108:06 pm 

    Glad to set you straight

  26. Girl/slash/Woman says:
    Thu, 9th Dec 20108:31 pm 

    I'm sorry for being blunt but I completely disagree with your comment. I couldn't disagree with it more if you put dead puppies all over it. If there's a woman's month, why shouldn't there be a black history month? You do realize why it exists, don`t you? Because history is written by dead white men. The contribution that black people bring to America needs to be celebrated. The only reason this is seen as a problem is because it is called "Black" history month. We see celebrations of different races all the time, Hispanics and Asians get their celebrations during their religious and traditional festivals (Diwali, Chinese New Years etc) but African Americans had their culture stripped away from them. Would it be more acceptable if we called it Civil Rights Month? Or maybe Thank the Slaves Day- Thank you slaves, for building the USA on your backs. I mean, get real. I think you need to learn a little more about black history month before you decide whether or not it's important.
    And of course we're not over racism. Pull up any study of equally educated and experienced white and black men, notice the gap in wage and then talk about how racism doesn't exist. That means that there is a large probability that you will get paid less than a white guy who is just as capable as you. Doesn't that bother you, just a little?
    And it's easy to live as a minority today, be treated "equally" and forget what people have sacrificed in order for you to be that way. In my opinion, black history month isn't just about celebrating black culture. It's about thanking those who made it impossible for schools to be segregated.
    I'm just going off now. There's so many things that I could say about this but what I want to emphasize is that we can't forget about the injustices that have taken place and are still taking place. I'm not black, I'm not even American but I can see what black people have contributed to its making. I think it's important to celebrate it and I hope it'll stay that way even if delusional black people think they don't need it anymore.

  27. Brie says:
    Fri, 10th Dec 20105:47 pm 

    I'm a little jealous that you go to Howard.
    I'm from Canada and unfortunately, we don't have anything like that (unless you count Carleton U, apparently there's a lot of black students there…)
    Instead I go to a school that's predominantly white. (Or blonde, considering there are more girls at Laurier…)
    Despite not realizing that I was actually black until I was about 15 because the side of my family that raised me is mostly white, I definitely feel a little outnumbered on my campus sometimes. Plus, the "token black girl" status that usually gets tossed around because most of my friends are white gets old really fast.

  28. SidtheKid says:
    Sat, 11th Dec 201012:01 am 

    It's an HBCU ( Historical Black College or University). They have the importance of having educated black student for over a hundred years while black were denied admission to predominately white schools. When choosing a school I decided on Howard because I have never seen so many positive blacks in my life and by my parents both hold an upper level degree. I went to a school where for once in my life I wasn't looked at as the only black. So that is why i choose a "black" school.

  29. Nikki says:
    Sat, 11th Dec 20103:50 am 

    I just graduated from Indiana University this past May, and I tutored in the Dept of Mathematics for a few courses….I worked with students from M014 (Pre-Algebra) through M212 (Calculus II)….of course there are a TON more classes but those are the ones I tutored for…but what math course(s) you take depend(s) on what you need for your major, previous experience with the subject matter, and quite frankly, whatever it is you'd like to take. The courses offered run the gamut, and every person's situation is different. Just a thought :)

  30. Kevin says:
    Sat, 11th Dec 20107:17 am 

    Wonderful story Khalea! I wish you continous success in your HBC experience. However, i challenge you to spread your college life experience like a wild fire. There are many young black woman that are coming after you that needs to hear to hear/read positive story. Take it back to that small town where you're from and share it your old High School. Wherever you decide to settle down continue to share your story throughout the community. Once again wonderful story. God Bless.

  31. Dorman says:
    Sat, 11th Dec 20108:43 am 

    This is really sad that people are giving negative ratings to just Aaliyah. She made a good point (there are not and should not be limited numbers of jobs in any field for any person based on their skin color) and also accepted her mistake gracefully when you pointed out the word historically. However, you should accept your mistake in not being able to realize that Aaliyah was never shoving anything down anyone's throat.

  32. HBCU alum says:
    Sat, 11th Dec 20103:56 pm 

    Aaliyah, the point of black colleges is to help others of color understand and appreciate their heritage. I was reared in a small town with small minds. Everything white and light-skinned was beautiful, while anything outside of that was considered ugly and ridiculed. Upon attending a Historically Black College, I began to appreciate my differences. I too saw women with the same hair, skin color and full lips as I. Of course, I do not expect you to understand the struggles of others but I hope this helps you to understand that your view is not as cut and dry as you have written.

  33. Liz says:
    Sun, 12th Dec 20104:04 pm 

    It's a "Historically Black College/University", meaning that when it was created in the past, it was created with the intentions of educating African Americans since they weren't allowed in mainstream universities. Today it is still a "Historically Black College/University" and is open to all races (as it always has been). There is no racism in HBCUs. And as for attending one, I find absolutly nothing wrong with that. As I'm assuming you're white, when was the last time you went to a class (or anywhere for that matter) where you were the only white person there….let me guess…never. But for many African Americans in mainstream universities, that's a daily reality. I'd like for you to go out of your comfort zone and spend an entire day without seeing one person that's like you and then I'd like to hear your opinion on this matter.

  34. Kay says:
    Sun, 12th Dec 20104:51 pm 

    I started out going to an HBCU but I left due to the personal problems I had there, but I have to admit there are hugeeee differences between HBCUs and White Colleges. To the experiences to the material being taught, there is a difference. I really miss going to an HBCU. I hate being the "token black girl" on my campus and in my organization. It is not a good feeling at all so I definitley think that their is still a need for HBCUs. And for those who say what is the point of HBCUs, you are ignorant because if you look at history, there was a time when their was a law against black people learning how to read and write. When we were finally able to receive an education, yes we started our schools because other schools wwould not accept us. Read your history people before you say comments like that

  35. Darius says:
    Sun, 12th Dec 20106:46 pm 

    I understand Aaliyah's point, it's just sad someone resulted into pathetic bullying. Good job Girl/slash/Woman! You won by cramming your own elitist attitude down someone's throat while complaining they were…well, lets hope you get the point. How many black organizations are out there,(before you go PMS-ing on me, I know the article isn't about that) and it's perfectly acceptable? Yet if it's a white organisation, it's racist. Oh-just so you know, this is called 'sharing my opinion'. I don't think you 'set anyone straight', I think Aaliyah was just bored of you.

  36. Minster of Knowledge says:
    Sun, 12th Dec 20108:33 pm 

    Your obivious too young or too stupid to understand. Take a history course and ask yourself where did blacks go to college during segregation? Thats why they were created.

  37. Anna says:
    Sun, 12th Dec 20109:20 pm 

    Actually, many HBCUs offer a Diversity Scholarship to non-black students in hopes of bolstering their white, hispanic, and asian populations on campus. I was offered a full ride to Morgan State University because I am white and ninety percent of the population there is black.

  38. shanae says:
    Sun, 12th Dec 201011:20 pm 

    unlike most of the comments on here I'm not here to bash you but i do want to correct you on one thing….Howard is and has always been open to all races. It is a historically "black" college because it was created for those who would not be accepted to other American universities. It doesn't cater to one race it just makes the black students feel less like a minority and more like an American minus the race. I attend The Ohio State University which is not the most racially balanced university and it was very difficult for me to feel equal when many times i was one of the 3 black people in my classes of 300 or more. that feeling that i was having caused me to doubt myself and made me feel like i was not as good as the other "white" students in my class. It sounds so stupid to me now, but i know alot of people who can relate. I would not personally want to go to a HBCU because it keeps you in this fairy tale land where you belive that everyone looks, talks and walks like you when in reality the world is quite far from that. I feel like my skin is thicker b/c I've learned to deal with truly being a minority.

  39. Camille says:
    Mon, 13th Dec 201012:37 am 

    I think predominately white colleges have their pros and cons, and so do HBCU's. I am black and never even thought about applying to an HBCU. Why would I do that? College is all about branching OUT. HBCU's aren't representative of the world. You're not EVER going to be around all black people, especially in the professional work atmosphere. People need to learn how to react with people of other races, backgrounds, etc. and HBCU's deprive you of that. People just go to HBCU's to feel safe and comfortable–seems silly to me. HOWEVER, that seems to also be the positive for some black people–to feel like they belong which I guess is understandable.
    I go to a large university that is mainly white, and while I do have fleeting feelings of not belonging and being "token" for the most part, I love it here. I've made friends of ALL races, and that's something to be cherished. Of course I've carved out a central group of friends who look like me, because that's easy (especially for a University with 20,000 plus people). But I've learned a lot about other people and have dissolved racial boundaries for the most part. We're all really the same.

    Plus sometimes when I look around and I see that I'm the only black person in my class, I don't feel weird or out of place. I actually feel really prideful about it. I like being different and standing out. :)

  40. ExcellenceSince1867 says:
    Mon, 13th Dec 20101:16 am 

    You clearly didn't read the article and it seems like you don't know what you're talking about. "People go to HBCUs to feel safe and comfortable"? No. People go to HBCUs to make an impact and to "expand an existing legacy" like Ms. Underwood said.

    Sure HBCUs don't represent the entire world, but we are just as diverse as other schools. And fyi, a lot of us come from predominately white high schools or transfer from PWIs. We know what it's like to work in a non-black environment and realize that there aren't many chances to "be around all black people" as you so eloquently stated.

  41. ExcellenceSince1867 says:
    Mon, 13th Dec 20101:17 am 

    That's why many professional organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists or the National Negro Business League were formed. And what's wrong with that? It's a beautiful thing, seeing so many shades of brown, not having to "code switch," and hearing the Black National Anthem at on-campus events. I have the opportunity to learn about black history ALL year instead of one month. My Howard education isn't depriving me at all. I'm "branching out" every day.

    Enjoy "being different and standing out." Hey, it's easy to stand out when there's no competition. But there's nothing wrong with being black at a PWI. Just know that I feel as prideful as you.

  42. Linnet says:
    Mon, 13th Dec 20101:50 pm 

    I attended an HBCU in 89-93. It was the best decision I ever made in my life. The purpose of the HBCU was not just to receive a quality education but also to learn myself. I graduated from a pre-dominately 99% white high school. Unless you were willing to compromise your culture (we all know what I mean when I say that) I was excluded. When I arrived at my HBCU (Central State University) I felt embraced regardless of our economic differences at home. I was able to participate in extra-curriculars, pledge a sorority, receive an excellent education, and mostly make life long friends that I still have to this day. I thank God I choose an HBCU and believe that if given a chance all African-Americans should. I don't beleive its divisive. Jews send their kids to Torah and Hebrew school. Asians also have dedicated educational facilities. There were Whites that attended the HBCU when I was there. They were there out of choice and we embraced and befriended them too.

    Im a PH.D, HBCU graduated and proud of it!

  43. Natasha says:
    Fri, 17th Dec 20105:59 pm 

    Darius, I see your point to g/s/w and you're obviously entitled to your opinion, but in my opinion I think some people automatically view white organizations as racist because black colleges never discriminated against other ethnic groups while white organizations did. That's why it's "perfectly acceptable"

  44. Girl/slash/Woman says:
    Sun, 19th Dec 201011:23 pm 

    I think Aaliyah needs to stop creating so many accounts and replying to my posts. That's getting a little pathetic.
    Secondly, I honestly think you need to take a class in sociology or gender studies. If you think this world isn't doused in white privilege, you need to get a clue.

  45. Arielle says:
    Thu, 6th Jan 20119:21 pm 

    You're missing the entire point of the article. The math class is irrelevant- its the experience this article is about. Why did you even waste your time commenting? And who cares if Algebra II is low- who is anyone to judge? Again focus on the point of the article and not the author's academic mathematical credentials.

  46. Some Student says:
    Fri, 8th Jul 20116:38 pm 

    Wow! I'm sort of jealous but then again not sure. I took a tour of several HBCU's including Howard in 11th grade. I was most impressed with Howard and Hampton. Although, neither school had my major. I decided to go to a predominantly white university and honestly I wish I had not. I can relate to the whole idea of being the "token" in high school (only black kid in many of my AP classes) and the whole "Holicrombie" (lol) style bubble. I really wished to experience something different in college and I feel like i'm just experiencing more of the same but as someone who has grown up in a majority white community their entire lives I question how comfortable I would have felt at a university like Howard but boy would it be nice to be around inspirational people who are more similar to myself. Over all Great article it's nice to see College Candy making an effort to appeal to the minority population for once.

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