Jackson: HBCU Students Changed The World

As part of the installation of Chancellor Donald J. Reaves, Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of America's foremost political and civil rights leaders, highlighted the student forum on April 10 in K.R. Williams Auditorium. The Winston-Salem State University Student Government Association sponsored the event.

The topic, "The Role and Relevance of Historically Black Colleges Yesterday and Today," made a significant impact on the WSSU crowd.

Rev. Jackson and other distinguished panelists emphasized the impact HBCUs and its students have had on American society, as well as the influence it may have in the future.

"HBCU students are changing the world and these institutions have helped make the America of our dreams," Jackson said.

"Be true to your calling," he said. "HBCUs produce bridges of hope and possibility. HBCUs are cultural assets to higher education in America, and those who attend these institutions must fight back and not become 'statistics.'"

Jackson expressed that predominantly white institutions boast the admission statistics of black students, versus the graduation statistics of HBCUs.

"March Madness turns into May Sadness," Jackson said. According to Jackson, black students typically attend predominately white institutions because of sports or because of the "name." After all of the hype of the sports and other accolades, typically these students fail to graduate or they are not able to do quality work after graduation.

"Strong minds break strong chains," Jackson repeatedly told students. He told the audience HBCU institutions also provide individuals with a sense of work ethic, trustworthiness, honesty, scientific objectivity, and purpose that "wakes you up in the morning." He emphasized continuously building the black universities and the community.

The advice Jackson gives to the black community, especially at HBCUs, is to register to vote, stop the killings, stop the self-destruction of drinking, smoking, degrading each other, and to have a passion for education.

Jackson's words seemed to resonate with the 1,100 people in attendance. Senior Jeanette Wallace said Jackson has always been someone she wanted to hear speak, and felt the speech was great.

"I loved the fact that he emphasized the black community," she said. "Uplifting one another instead of bringing ourselves down."

A WSSU Week To Remember: Week of Chancellor Donald J. Reaves Installation.