Historically Black Colleges and Universities Tour
That is just what 28 Beloit Memorial High School students had the opportunity to do over their spring break, accompanied by two experienced educators.
The group embarked on the Historically Black College and University Tours, visiting six schools for the chance to become familiar with the campuses, class offerings, students, graduates and faculty and more.
Regina Hendrix and Michelle Hendrix Nora, who are sisters, have chaperoned the students and organized the trip for four years. Both graduates of HBCU schools, Michelle Hendrix Nora graduated from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and Regina Hendrix graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Regina is the Assistant Director of the Help Yourself program through Beloit College and Michelle is a special education teacher at BMHS.
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When asked why they go on the trips, Michelle said there are multiple reasons.
“This exposes the students to different environments and we do more than just visit colleges,” she said.
There are more than 100 HBCUs, most are in the East and the South. One-day trips to HBCUs nearer to Beloit are also offered in the fall each year, Michelle said.
The HBCUs visited over spring break this year included: Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spelman colleges in Georgia and Talladega College and Tuskegee and Alabama State universities in Alabama.
The Benefit for Students
Students also visited a Coca Cola factory and the CNN headquarters in Atlanta and they completed some community service activities by volunteering for a program called “Books for Africa.”
At the hotel they stayed at in Atlanta, they were able to talk to a panel of HBCU graduates who talked to them about being successful in college.
Being able to talk to successful HBCU graduates had an impact on the BMHS students.
“Seeing other successful people makes you want to be successful,” said Myesha James, a senior.
“This was the best experience of my life, learning about my culture and seeing more people like me who are successful,” said Raej’ean Bradford, also a senior.
“I met three lawyers and a lady who owns her own business,” she said.
Both Mjesha and Raej’ean have chosen to attend Central State University, a HBCU in Wilberforce, Ohio.
“I know somebody there already,” Raej’ean said. “It’s not too far from home and I felt like it was meant for me to be there. I want to be a special education teacher.”
“I liked the vibe,” Mjesha said of why she chose Central State. “There are a lot of nice science classes there and it felt more like home.”
There are more than 100 HBCUs, most are in the East and the South. One-day trips to HBCUs nearer to Beloit are also offered in the fall each year, Michelle said.
Besides visiting institutions of higher learning and businesses, the group also went to church and participated in activities like rollerskating and going to Stone Mountain. Businesses gave them T-shirts and gift bags and were welcoming to the students, Michelle said.
“It was a successful trip and very well rounded. We did a lot and we were busy from 8 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m. every day,” Michelle said.
The group traveled from Beloit by bus, then by train east, then by chartered bus for the tours. They traveled home by plane. Cost was about $650 per student. Some funds came from fundraising efforts throughout the year, the rest from students and/or their parents.
Twenty Eight Students Futures Touched
Of the 28 students who participated, six are seniors and five are going on to college, Michelle said. Four have chosen HBCUs, one has chosen Beloit College.
Brenia Bolton
Diamond Lockhart
Shamyya Nixon
A’neya Frazier
Chezney VanGalder
Micheala Ward
Alissa Crawford
Xahria Grace
Spencer Listenbee
India Godwin-Dorsey
Tamari Boatner
Tamia Boatner
Erin Hudston
Shynia Summerville
Raej’ean Bradford
Sydnee Marshall
Kyesha James
Myesha James
Acacia Garrett
Lacey Cousins
Kristopher Anderson
Kaleb Pullam
Trayvon Fair
Devon Hereford
Zachary Perez
Austin Gibson
Ronald (RJ) Dixon
Gabriel Hudson
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