I am writing about my alma mater – THE Xavier University of Louisiana, but I am hoping to resonate with others who have attended any amazing HBCU. Xavier’s Homecoming is this weekend and I am also incredibly sad that I am unable to attend.
HBCUs are Absolutely Essential – Especially in the South
From their inception, HBCUs were the only way African-Americans could obtain a formal college education. The primary intent of HBCUs was to educate the black community. While education was and still is the primary intent, the goal is ultimately to increase opportunities and increase access to opportunities for those who were not allowed to receive a formal college education. Xavier (the only black, Catholic institution for higher learning in the Western Hemisphere) and other HBCUs were founded & began the journey towards what we know as educational equity. Without HBCUs, African-Americans were unable to obtain these degrees. HBCUs not only provided education but were inherently designed to foster relationships and to take care of those who longed for an education but were unable to do so because of laws prohibiting and excluding them. These schools had (and still have) a deep desire and commitment to educating all students – especially black ones. The special feeling on an HBCU campus, especially during homecoming, is indescribable. A good summary would be wrapped in love.
Love, Family, Culture, Belonging
What a wonderful environment this was to learn in. From freshman orientation to graduation, it was always welcoming. You were assigned to a group and because class sizes were designed to be small, your group became your family. The campus environment was that of a family reunion. The music was amazing and relatable, the people were extremely nice and welcomed you into their homes, and it was fun. School was an extension of home – the best extended family you could have asked for. Professors looked like me, cared about my education, and understood what my previous experiences were like. There was an automatic sense of belonging. As an adult, I have heard this called “finding your people.” When you know, you just know.
Education, Life Lessons, and Friendship
I met some of my very best friends at Xavier. I finished growing up there. The lessons I learned in and outside of the classroom were and still are integral in shaping who I am and will become. I am a life-long learner because of Xavier. Also, no one can get you together and on task better than someone who genuinely loves you and wants what’s best for you. I needed those people for their vision for me, for who they need me to be, and for seeing the best in me. I still do. My people definitely love and understand me. From professors who called me out (talking in class and re-scheduling tests as the class representative), to life-long friends who sit me down, redirect, and advise me – thank you. For those who love me in spit of my flaws and imperfections – thank you. From those who borrowed my notes and made better grades than me – the outcome couldn’t make me any more proud. I needed all of you – deeply and thank God for you. Folks who will hold you accountable regardless of circumstances. That is what family is – Xavier University of Louisiana.
To my beloved Xavier –
Thank you for fostering an education in me like no other. Thank you for teaching me what it is like as a young black girl to see others who look like me succeed. Thank you for graduating hundreds of pharmacists whose skin is black like mine so that there is absolutely no question whatsoever that I could be one too. Thank you for challenging me while guiding me to do better. Thank you for introducing me to the best- some of my very best friends, the best and most dedicated professors, the best church and church family, the best food vendors/food, and the best people all around. Thank you for being a safe and healthy place for me to learn. Thank you for repeatedly sending the most blacks to medical school and seeing to it that they also graduate from med school too. Thank you for the reputation of excellence.
My experience was magical. I can begin to describe it as Wakanda and what I assume that would be like. The collective admiration of Xavier from the community and strangers alike speak for itself. It is never lost on me how privileged I am to have attended, matriculated through and graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana. Thank you for valuing the education of black children and for the exceptional quality education you provide. It is truly an investment into our children. Thank you to my mama and daddy, and most of all thank you God for Xavier.
