During Skyline College’s Spring break, nine students were fortunate enough to attend the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) tour, chaperoned by Brianna Clay and Linda Allen.
This tour took the students to visit colleges and historical landmarks all over the Washington D.C and Baltimore area. They were able to visit four HBCU’s, namely Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Howard University and Morgan State University.
Students were kept stimulated and engaged with the wealth of knowledge and information that they received on the tour. They visited a number of museums, including the “National Great Blacks in Wax Museum” and the “National Museum of African American History and Culture” in Baltimore and Washington D.C respectively.
“I felt a sense of pride when I learned about the different people who fought for their freedom and opened doors for others to escape their imprisonment, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. It was a good reminder of how strong the human spirit is and how much pure will and passion can create change and fight for what is right. I also realized that there is a power in numbers and that when many like-minded people come together with the willingness to fight for a cause or create change, progress is sure to follow.” Naledi Mthembu said.
They also visited a few historical landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Washington monument. The group also enjoyed a company visit to USA Today Newspaper Company, along with a Journalism classroom observation at Howard University with Professor Ingrid Sturgis. As they attended Morgan State University, they had an opportunity to engage in a workshop with Dr. Ray Winbush (Professor and Director of the Institute for Urban Research at Morgan State University).
Overall, the trip was a huge success. Whether the students reminisce on seeing snow for the first time or visiting their dream university, each of them came back with a bag full of good memories and moments they will never forget.
Article by Naledi Mthembu
