What Happens When We Keep HBCU Memories Alive

A Scholarship Finalist’s Journey To Morgan State And Marine Science

A teenager goes from years of homelessness to working hands-on in STEM labs and aircraft hangars, and she can explain every step that got her there. We sit down with Donna Lee Dawes from Point and Beach, Florida, a standout in the Takisha A. Davis Scholarship Stipend contest, as she shares the story behind her decision to attend Morgan State University and major in coastal science and policy with a minor in computer science. Donna reads her scholarship essay in full, reflecting on her Jamaican upbringing, her parents’ immigration journey, and the instability of moving between shelters, couches, cars, motels, and temporary housing. She doesn’t soften the hard parts, but she also names the moments that built her: a mother who spoke affirmations, “little adventures” that sparked a love of the natural world, and a choice in high school to chase opportunities that once felt out of reach. We also dig into the practical path of building a real STEM career early: interning at Loggerhead Marine Life Center, leading at the Boeing Aerospace Science Academy as the first Black female choice program president and student director, earning awards, completing dual enrollment, and interning at Gulfstream Aerospace at 17. Finally, Donna explains how she plans to leave her mark at Morgan State by building community, creating programs for students with similar backgrounds, and mentoring the next generation of Black leaders in STEM, marine conservation, and environmental science. Subscribe for more student stories with real stakes, share this with someone who needs momentum, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/support]

Young Voices Rising

We welcome two powerful student voices for day two of the Takisha A. Davis Scholarship Stipend essay reading and hear how they turn family, faith, and discipline into real college plans. We also share ways to support HBCU-bound scholars through voting, donations, and the upcoming South Texas HBCU Summer Send-Off.  • day two format for the scholarship essay reading and why the competition feels tough  • South Texas HBCU Summer Send-Off details in San Antonio and what support students need  • Common Black College Application overview and why it helps students apply to multiple HBCUs  • Gregorio Armand’s essay on pushing forward through hard work, creativity, and relationships  • cybersecurity motivation rooted in protecting people after seeing a family hack  • choosing St. Philip’s College as an HBCU option close to home and financially practical  • Mariell Curb’s essay on breaking generational cycles through education and mechanical engineering  • Tuskegee preparation through internships and a summer bridge program for engineering students  • leaving a mark on campus through clubs, mentoring, leadership, and showing up  • why each contestant believes they deserve your vote  Please remember to vote, and if you have already voted or have tried to vote, the voting link is actually not active right now, but on Sunday or Monday, it will be back up. If you are interested in being a vendor or interested in supporting our scholars, use that link up to the top of the screen, or just send me a DM and I will gladly tell you how you can support.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/support]

HBCU Dreams In Their Own Words

Scholarship season is here, and we’re kicking off the Takeisha A. Davis Annual Competition with three unforgettable voices and three very different reasons for choosing an HBCU. What starts with quick announcements about our HBCU summer send-off celebration and ways to support college-bound students turns into something deeper: a front-row seat to how young scholars think about belonging, purpose, and the future they’re determined to build. First, we meet a Chicago student heading to Tuskegee University who reads an essay about breaking generational cycles through education. She connects her lived experience to mentorship, explains why physical therapy is her path, and makes a clear case for accessible healthcare and support that actually reaches underserved communities. Then we welcome two more round-two contestants Vivian and Alexandria, who share what pulled them toward an HBCU, from family legacy and an HBCU tour to a counselor’s advice about finally getting four years of true belonging. The essays and follow-up questions take us into identity, culture, and resilience. Vivian describes being Nigerian and Black American as a “remix,” refusing to stay stagnant while learning to hold both worlds with pride. Alexandria shares how a family medical crisis pushed her to grow up fast, how scuba diving helped her face fear with knowledge, and why she’s aiming for cardiology at Howard University. Along the way, we also highlight tools like the Common Black College Application and community support options for students and families. If you care about HBCU culture, Black student success, scholarship opportunities, STEM pathways, and real stories from future healthcare leaders, press play. Subscribe, share with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review then tell us which essay you’re voting for. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/support]

What Happens When Representation Becomes The Program

You can feel it when a city decides to stop “talking about” Black excellence and actually programs it. We’re counting down to HBCU weekend in San Antonio, and we’re doing things differently this year with a real run-of-show that centers culture, family, and students not just a room full of tables. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make an HBCU celebration feel meaningful, organized, and alive, this conversation gives you the behind-the-scenes. We’re joined by powerhouse performer and creative leader Devon Matthews, who breaks down her work as founder and artistic director of Art Noir Productions, an all-Black performing arts organization built to fix a representation gap across dance, theater, spoken word, and more. She shares why training and stage opportunities matter, how young people grow when the standard is high, and why she’s bringing a tribute that honors Black culture and HBCU pride. We also welcome Anthony Harris Brown back as we talk program upgrades, why youth performers belong on an education-centered weekend, and how quickly people underestimate Black kids until the talent hits the mic. Then the energy shifts to pure community fun with Rod Eckles and the fashion talk, plus a reminder that tickets are moving and the door price jumps if you wait. We also shout out honorees and resources that support college-bound students, including tools like the Common Black College App and HBCU trivia that keeps the history close. Listen, share this with someone coming to the weekend, and then subscribe and leave a review so more people find the show. What part of an HBCU weekend matters most to you: the awards, the performances, the networking, or the student spotlight? Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/support]

What If Your Purpose Has No Deadline

Graduation season brings a lot of applause, but I want to talk about what happens after the caps come off. I share a message I originally delivered as a school speech, built around one idea that changed how I see education, success, and purpose: graduation is only a concept, and in real life we graduate every single day. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re enough, worried your dreams are too big for your circumstances, or felt behind because of someone else’s timeline, this conversation is for you. I get personal about not starting at the top, making mistakes, and learning the kind of lessons no classroom can teach. We unpack what it really means to “shrink yourself” and why I keep repeating this line: do not dim your light so others can shine. We talk self-worth, confidence, and how social media comparison can steal joy, especially for students and young professionals trying to figure out who they are. You’ll also hear a clear reminder that titles, awards, and recognition can be nice, but they’re not your value. Then we zoom out to community and opportunity, with a spotlight on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and why they matter for culture, connection, mentorship, and lifelong belonging. We share community voices connected to the HBCU Community Icon Awards and the bigger mission of supporting student scholars, connecting alumni with students, and building real networks that pay off later. If you care about education, mentorship, scholarships, and helping the next generation lead without apology, press play and stay with us. Subscribe for more, share this with someone who needs the reminder, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. What’s one way you’re ready to stop shrinking and show up fully? Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404105/support]