Whichever type of institution you choose to matriculate at—historically black college or predominantly white institution—it’s accepted that there will be vast differences between the experiences. Hence all the debates. And that’s why I was surprised to see an article over at Blavity by a black author equating her experience attending a PWI with attending an HBCU.
Before the article was edited because of reader backlash (you can see remnants of the original content quoted in the comments section), writer Sesali Bowen explained that she attended a large white university with a black population larger than those at some HBCUs. She spoke of chicken and spades tournaments being official events, the sale of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on campus, and black homecoming events as evidence that she didn’t miss out culturally by attending a PWI.
If you just rolled your eyes, you had about the same reaction of everyone in the comments section. They were unmerciful about the original article.
“[W]hat you explained was nothing close to a HBCU experience sis,” wrote commenter Nallah Brown, who identifies herself as a graduate of Florida A&M University. “Seems like you have something to prove in this post? I am not sure why people have lately been trying to claim this HBCU lifestyle at a ‘PWI’, but it’s totally out of context and wrong. It’s like apples and oranges[;] they are not close to the same experience and that is okay.”
I’m with Brown, even if I didn’t attend an HBCU. In fact, my college experiences are closer to Bowden’s. I attended two PWIs, and while I loved my college experiences, never, ever would I equate them with being anything close to an HBCU experience.
Read more at The Root.
Every year in the AUC around the last week of September I begin to see flyers around campus about a model call. Every so often I will see a group of good looking men and women all dressed in t-shirts and jeans walking in a straight line. All of the practice and preliminaries seem strenuous until you see the final product that is the Spelhouse Homecoming Fashion Show.
Every year during Spelhouse Homecoming there is a Hip-Hop concert. One year we had Future, another year the Migos and most recently we had HBCU alum, Wale. I have been to many concerts in my life and must say that I have never been to a concert that has a more lit crowd than that of an HBCU Hip-Hop show.
HBCU homecomings are always a hot-spot for indie and up-coming acts of all different genres to perform for audiences and build a fanbase. The Neo-Soul concert is a prime example of that. During this concert, the opening of the show is usually done by a student looking to express themselves and gain clout for their music ability. After the opening act, there is an R&B performer that will come and serenade the campus with a medley of their hits.
Saving the best for last, football game tailgate. The tailgate experience is the pinnacle of Spelhouse Coming. This is the day that intersects all the aspects of homecoming. Tents infiltrate the campus as alumni hosts Tailgate parties. Each tent usually has an open bar, BBQ catering, and family and friends. Thousands of people attend this event. You smell the grilled food in the air and feel the love that is Spelhouse. This moment is the perfect time to interact with alumni and be family. It is my absolute favorite part of homecoming.
Police confirmed, a shooting at a large party in the 900 block of Circle Drive left two students of North Carolina A&T State University dead early Sunday morning.
Both students were wounded when an unknown subject shot them during an altercation.
