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Category: HBCU Pride

  • Tuskegee Homecoming: Where Style Meets STEM

    HBCU Homecomings are legendary, and Tuskegee University’s 2025 celebration was no exception! Known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and veterinary medicine, Tuskegee also knows how to turn it out in style. The university’s alumni and current students, affectionately known as ‘Skegee Stunners,’ returned to campus to slay and parlay, proving that academic excellence and fabulousness go hand-in-hand.

    A Legacy of Innovation and Style

    Nestled in Tuskegee, Alabama, this private institution, founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, has a rich history of fostering leadership, knowledge, and service. It’s the only HBCU with a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine and has produced incredible minds in STEM and beyond. Over the years, Tuskegee has transformed into a diverse learning environment committed to academic excellence.

    From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact

    Starting with just two buildings and minimal funding, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute grew rapidly, offering vital trade skills. Today, it’s a highly-ranked university dedicated to nurturing talent that requires unique support. This commitment has led to a remarkable roster of alumni, including icons like Lionel Richie, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Betty Shabazz, and many more who have made significant contributions to culture, science, and society.

    The Homecoming festivities were a testament to this legacy, with attendees showcasing their style and celebrating the vibrant community that Tuskegee cultivates. It’s a powerful reminder that these institutions are not just places of learning, but incubators for future leaders and innovators.

    • Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington.
    • Home to the only fully accredited HBCU College of Veterinary Medicine.
    • Known for strong STEM programs and developing leaders.
    • Notable alumni span music, entertainment, civil rights, and more.

    Have you ever experienced the magic of Tuskegee’s Homecoming? What makes HBCU Homecomings so special to you? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!

  • Avery Research Center Celebrates 160 Years of Black History

    Imagine a place dedicated to keeping the stories of an entire region’s Black community alive for generations. That’s exactly what the Avery Research Center in South Carolina’s Lowcountry has been doing for 160 years! It all started with the Avery Normal Institute, founded around 1865 to educate newly freed Black individuals in the area.

    From Schoolhouse to Historical Hub

    What began as a private school has evolved into a vital research center, now known as the Avery Institute of Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture at the College of Charleston. Its mission? To safeguard and share the incredible history and legacy of Black life in the Lowcountry. It’s a treasure trove for anyone looking to connect with their roots or simply learn more about this significant, often overlooked, part of American history.

    A Welcoming Space for Discovery

    Daron Lee Calhoun II, a key figure at the center, beautifully describes the atmosphere: “Whenever you come into the Avery, we’re always going to tell you welcome home.” It’s a place where visitors can truly find themselves, their families, and their history within its walls. The very building, with its original pillars, stands as a testament to the community that built it.

    The center’s vast archives have drawn esteemed visitors like writer W.E.B. Du Bois and civil rights activist Septima Clark, who was also an alumna of the original school. Clark even kept personal artifacts there, including notes from Langston Hughes! It’s a place where history isn’t just stored; it’s lived and shared.

    Celebrating a Legacy

    To commemorate its 160-year journey of preserving Black history in the Lowcountry, the Avery Research Center is hosting a special “Avery Family Reunion” on November 16, 2025. Expect a day filled with live music, traditional storytelling, and a celebration of the community’s enduring legacy. As Calhoun puts it, “We are not gatekeepers of history, but we are here to share the history with the world.”

    Have you ever visited the Avery Research Center or explored Black history in the Lowcountry? Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below!