It’s that time of year again! Summer is fading, students are heading back to school and change is all around us – including at our HBCUs. Here’s a quick look at three new developments to look out for:
1. Deion Sanders’ Generous Gift to Jackson State University
If you know football then you know Deion Sanders. He played in the NFL for 14 seasons on five different teams and holds the NFL record for career returns for touchdowns with 19 (that’s a LOT). Although he retired from the game as an athlete in 2005, Sanders currently serves as the head football coach at Jackson State University . His resume is impressive but so is his generosity. When it was revealed that JSU’s athletic facility needed updating and when funds fell short, Sanders pledged half of his $300,000 yearly salary to get the job done. He said. “To get this done for these kids, I'll put half on it [...] If you don't believe me, check me! I will send you the receipts.” What better way to support your school and your community?2. Florida A&M University’s Possible New Dorms
The perks of living on campus are hard to beat; short commutes to class, living near friends and colleagues and if you’re lucky, you’ll even get a free meal plan. It’s not a secret that on many college campuses, student housing can be a huge challenge but FAMU may be doing something about it. In response to the growing demand for on campus housing, FAMU is eyeing a deal that would accommodate 116 additional students who want to live on campus. The plan still needs board approval, but in the meantime, FAMU has offered free meal plans to upperclassmen living off campus to offset the price of housing. Shout out to FAMU for looking out for the students.3. Spelman College gets a new Jaguar
You’ve probably already heard but Spelman’s campus is buzzing with the arrival of a new highly anticipated student. Zahara Jolie-Pitt, the daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has chosen the esteemed Spelman College to start her college career. Zahara will walk the halls where writer Alice Walker and politician Stacey Abrams once did. The new Jaguar celebrated a major life event with a celebration including friends and family and a sweet moment shared with her mother.School has barely started and the air is already buzzing – and this is just the beginning.. Keep your ear to the ground for more news coming from our HBCUs across the country and in the meantime, update your school swag by visiting HBCULeggings.com .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.