Today is HBCU Friday, so to support my HBCU and most importantly my wonderful and talented wife, I wanted to share just a particular moment of inspiration my HBCU gave to me. My story is coming, but I felt lead just to keep it simple today.

I can first remember getting a call from Fayetteville State University (BRONCO PRIDE!) congratulating me with my acceptance and then asking me if I wanted to participate in a volunteer program called Bronco Men.

My Intro to Bronco Men

The rep explained to me that research says minority males are more likely to dropped out of high school, end up dead, or in prison before starting an education at a Four-Year University.

Further, explaining that Bronco Men was a pilot program designed to offer minority males core classes (you know, your basic Math, Eng, Sci, etc.) in a non-coed classroom setting. This meant I would be in classes with only dudes!

 At first, I was like they tripping but, I didn’t allow myself to be ignorant and I just listened. I was still able to have classes with the ladies. The rep continued to explain that men were able to be more focus and showed high levels of academics in gender specific classrooms.

 So I let my pride go and took the opportunity to volunteer in the program. Keeping it 100, I can honestly say I made no mistake in the decision.

The is & the isn’t

Being exposed to so much black leadership and service at my HBCU allowed me to make up my mind to prevail against being the “minority statistics” or “from what the research says.” To be the difference I needed to see. Being strong, willing and able, is what gives pride to a person of an HBCU.  

No matter who (politicians, the other guy, non-HBCU grads, HBCU grads, the drunk uncles or your mommy, daddy, etc.) never went to college but always saying you were not going to make it. That you’re stupid, trying to belittle you or your school. By going to an HBCU, you chose to stand up and change your history.

Bronco Inspiration

My moment of inspiration came from a poem I wrote during my Sophmore year in college, in which my HBCU helped identified me. 

From my Sophmore self to a Man with Purpose

What Man Says He Is Goal Oriented But Cannot Envision His Future

How can a man say he can envision his future but cannot plan anything for tomorrow

And why does a man say he wants to make a change in the world but has to wait for the other man to do it first

I do not know these men and do not want to be affiliated with them

Because the journey is long and, I have to remain strong

Therefore, I… a Man that is proud to say

I am a Black Man with a vision that will always stay

Longest distinguish and tall

While knowing others may fall

But I will be still standing tall and above all

Because I am a Bronco Man!   

Read another #HBCUFriday Grad Erica Walker story: “Attending an HBCU changed my LIFE ”