Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are gradually evolving into multicultural institutions. The ethnic and racial makeup of the faculty and student body is not the same as it was in previous decades, especially for schools such as Winston-Salem State that are now affiliated with a state-supported university system (The University of North Carolina). Nevertheless, WSSU is still a predominantly black society, so out of curiosity, The News Argus interviewed students to see how they envisioned attending a HBCU. The students were asked the following questions:
Why did you choose to attend a HBCU? Was it what you expected? What changes, if any, would you make?
Kori Kelly, 21“I chose to attend a HBCU because I wanted to be educated with my people, and I have family members that attended HBCUs and that helped guide my decision.
“It is what I expected because I love black women, and I was told that there was a variety of them in a ratio of like 20 women to 1 male, and it is so!
“If I could change anything, I would change the business aspect because traditional schools are on top of things whereas HBCUs are always struggling to get important things done-for example, financial aid issues.”
Leonard Howard Jr., 20“I chose a HBCU because my parents attended HBCUs. They encouraged me to gain this experience as an undergrad because it would be one that I wouldn’t forget. To be among my people (African-American) as we further our pursuit for higher learning is beautiful!
This experience is what I expected and more. There are so many stereotypes about blacks, but at this institution, the forums, study abroad programs, speakers such as Bobby Seale, and many more to come has made me grateful for this experience.
The parking issue is something I definitely wish I could change. We need parking for the rising number of students. It causes me to be late for class on several occasions even when I start out early!!! Don’t make me buy a decal and I’m not guaranteed a space. Then when I park somewhere else you give me a ticket. Stop profiting on decals and ticket revenue!!!”
Darrin Johnson, 22“I figured the HBCU experience would have been a more pleasurable and fruitful one versus a traditional school.
Coming out of high school, I did not know what to expect, but it has exceeded what I tried to imagine. Contrary to what is portrayed on television, there are things that take place on campus that unified the student body-like forums, events, and just plain fellowship. You see a lot of business minded, self-motivated, aspiring individuals at HBCUs. These experiences helped me mature and molded me into a more well-rounded individual.
I would change the fact that the school does not support more off-campus entertainment for the students. For example, guiding the options we have as far as places to congregate and/or throw parties. If there was more support of that nature, it would cut down on a lot of the so-called college-initiated violence.”
Nikeya Cherry, 22,“When I envisioned the HBCU experience, I saw Black People and everybody being just like me because I felt they would all be on my level than if I would have attended a traditional college.
It is everything I envisioned.
I had one problem and that was with financial aid, but they’ve stepped up their game, so I’m straight now.”