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I Better Not Hear Anyone Complaining About Their HBCU Experience (Appreciate What You Have Before It’s Gone)

By
Randall Barnes
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It’s simple human nature to not appreciate something until you don’t have it anymore. We see this happen with people, objects, relationships and experiences. The feeling of not appreciating something until it’s gone is something that new college graduates often feel. We miss being on the yard. We miss the ups-and-downs of our HBCU experience. However, the predicament that this COVID-19 pandemic has us all in the same place. We all are deprived of our HBCU experience, alumni and students included. And, truthfully, we don’t know when we’ll return. “The idea of having treatments available or a vaccine to facilitate the reentry of students into the fall term would be something that would be a bit of a bridge too far,” says Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

It’s very possible that we won’t see a semblance of the collegiate life that we remember from before March 2020. Classes might stay online. Campuses might open up, serving almost as apartment facilities with online hybrid classes in effect. Maybe a vaccine or treatment can be determined before the Fall starts, sparking the debate on if the vaccine should be required for readmittance back into your institution. If not a required vaccine/treatment, what about required daily, weekly or monthly testing?

The largest casualty of the continuance of this pandemic is the possibility that the social customs of our HBCUs could be altered. No Welcome Week for the freshman that introduces them to HBCU life. No yard shows or Fall probates. No schoolwide or national pageants or rivalry football games. And, God forbid, no homecoming. I’ve been in conversation with several newly-elected HBCU SGA Presidents and I’ve discussed with them the possibilities of how an online homecoming would look. We all agree that it wouldn’t be the same. 

This is the reality of where we are in the world. It’s not negative to speak about the news of the day. We’re not speaking into existence something that doesn’t already exist. We’re reliant on individuals in leadership that are either inept at their jobs or don’t look at every aspect of the situation before making a decision. The only thing that we can do is sit tight, gather enough information to develop informed opinions and count our blessings. It’s important to count our blessings. We’re alive. We’re able to shelter in our homes with access to technology and internet. And we have our memories. We have memories of how things used to be. Our memories shape expectations of how things will be once we’ve moved past this. 

As we muse on our expectations, the biggest expectation is for us to appreciate our experiences at our institutions. I shouldn’t hear or see anyone complaining about their HBCU experience once we rebound from this pandemic. I shouldn’t hear anyone talking about how they don’t want to get dressed and go to class. The walk I took from Wildcat Commons 1 to Founders Hall at Fort Valley in the hot September sun seems worth it. I long for it now. I should see every event packed to capacity once we jump back to our semi-regular lives. I expect to see SGA Presidents and other SGA leaders engaging their leadership directly on issues and students to better mobilize instead of needlessly complaining on Twitter. I expect to see Royal Court members actively engaging both in-person and on social media the same ways that they’ve been doing as this pandemic has raged on. And, most importantly, I don’t want to hear anyone complain about how “lame” homecoming is.

I don’t care if your SGA books Barney The Dinosaur and Doc McStuffins like its a four-year old’s birthday party. That venue better be packed. There’s nothing wrong with pressing our leadership to to better for us or even laying out what we want and demand. It’s what’s worked for us so far during this pandemic as we’ve pressed our institutional, local, statewide and national leaders to act. However, this needless complaining just to complain must stop. What this pandemic should teach us is that nothing is promised. Something has to bring a level of appreciation for how good we’ve had it. 

Look around and count your blessings. Take solace in the good times. That’s what we need for the weeks and months ahead. And, once we do get the opportunity to see each other again, every day of our shared HBCU experience should be the best party/cookout of our lives. I can’t wait for that day. 

 

The Pressure To Be Successful: The Post Graduation Dilemma 

By
Randall Barnes
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Graduation is a joyous occasion. It’s the culmination of nearly two decades of work within America’s education system. Our diplomas are the prize that make the blood, sweat, tears, long nights doing homework and (for Spring 2020 graduates) a seemingly never-ending Spring Semester forever shifted because of an international pandemic. Graduates should be proud. Graduation season is an emotional roller coaster. Graduating gives you a shot of euphoria but you find yourself tearing up at the reality of the tact that this four-year ride at your beloved institution is really over. I know it all too well. I even wrote about the feeling a couple of hours before I graduated this past December. 

As college graduates, especially in this day and age, we have a huge dilemma. What’s the next move? What’s the new game plan? We’ve conquered four years of undergrad so what now? Some of us come out of our universities with big-time job offers from Fortune 500 companies or places where we interned. Others are commissioned  to go into the service and defend our country. But, what about the new graduates that don’t know the answer to the question of “What now?” Even moreso, what about the students that thought long and hard their last semester about what they wanted to do post-graduation and it didn’t offer a plan of microwave success that is seemingly an expectation once our degrees are conferred?

There’s a sense of pressure that comes with our graduation. That pressure is the expectation that now that we’ve finished with college that we can automatically function as successful, gainful, self-sufficient adults. It’s almost unfair. It’s unfair that our parents start conversations with “When I was your age I was….” Saying that discounts the fact that the world is different than it was 20-30 years ago. Jobs aren’t at a surplus anymore. You can make money “being on social media all day”. There wasn’t a pandemic that’s crippled the national economy and job force. We don’t even get the real chance to celebrate our success because the weight of the expectation to be just as good, if not better, than previous generations.

Social media doesn’t make things any better. It provides an even larger pressure to have things together. Seeing all of your friends putting together a lucrative post-graduation life makes you wonder if the grass is even green on your side of the fence. We have such an expectation to promote ourselves and our achievements that we have a high to announce of every move to be successful. It’s not a life update. It’s a “get like me” challenge. We’re all rushing to our Instagram and Twitter feeds to show our brand new internship, job offer or grad school announcement to continue to write our personal narrative of being young, black and educated. Of course, everyone doesn’t play into this category. But, enough of us do. So, it deserves to be mentioned. 

New graduates, it’s ok not to have everything together right after you graduate. It’s ok to not have job offers lined up in your Gmail inbox. It’s ok to take a couple of months and figure out who you are and what direction you’re heading in life. That’s how we can develop more young alumni that yield successful lives post graduation. Simply put, just leave new graduates alone. Let us be and allow us to take life at our pace. 

The community needs to embrace this philosophy. Just let the graduates develop at our own pace. At the very least, give us a year. Give us a year to figure things out and get things together. Don’t push us out the house. Don’t pressure us to get our lives together on a hyper time scale. Let us put the puzzle pieces together ourselves. The aforementioned statements definitely should be stressed as the COVID-19 quarantine rages on. 

New graduates have an even larger hurdle to cross with the Coronavirus pandemic. Life as we know it has changed. Just packing up and moving out the house to start your life isn’t realistic anymore. Tens of millions of people are unemployed as well as several jobs (many that correlate with our majors) aren’t hiring. Spring 2020 graduates even had to deal with suddenly ending their college careers and transitioning to online learning. It’s such a mental toll that they conquered. Allow these graduates time to decompress. When the nation opens up and we get to a semblance of normalcy keep this energy. Peace of mind is the greatest gift that you can afford a new graduate.

Graduates, take your time. Success is a marathon and not a sprint. Take it from someone that’s running along right beside you. You will miss college life. It is true that you won’t be around as many people that look like you going through the same trials and tribulations in your life ever again. But, it will get better. And you will be successful alumni ready to change a world that’s in desperate need of new leadership and shift from the norm.

The HBCU Experience: Ashlee Brooks, Tax Accountant, Tennessee State University

By
Randall Barnes
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In anticipation for “The HBCU Experience: Tennessee State University” book, we got the chance to interview TSU alumnus and Tax Accountant Ashlee Brooks. Check it out!

Randall: Tell us about yourself! 

Ashlee Brooks: A native of Memphis, TN – I am a proud of alum of the Tennessee State University. After working in the Aerospace Industry for five years, I pivoted my career into my personal passion of Accounting. By day I am a Tax Accountant who I works with a diverse group of individuals educating each on their path to building and maximizing wealth. By night I am a full-time mom of two toddlers. 

 

Randall: How did you end up at Tennessee State University? 

Ashlee Brooks: After graduating high school I had my sights set on relocating to Atlanta, GA. My godfather asked me to consider Tennessee State University as it was far from home, but still close.  He provided me tons of TSU information to review and after learning he was an alumni of Tennessee State University, I became intrigued. My parents accompanied me on a campus tour and when I received a full scholarship, the rest was history.

 

Randall: What did you get your degree in? Did it support what you are doing now? 

Ashlee Brooks: I received my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I have loved this field since I as a senior in high school. Luckily for me, my personal and professional passions aligned. In my current role, I am a Tax Accountant at a public CPA firm in the area of Franklin, TN. I prepare taxes and provide tax strategy to individual and small business clients. 

 

Randall: Can you give me a quick description of your years in college? 

Ashlee Brooks: Freshman year, I thought I knew it all and college was a breeze. My classes were similar to my high school courses and outside of class I hung with my high school friends who also decided to attend Tennessee State University. I came into TSU thinking all people who looked like me were the same. However, by the end of my 1st year at TSU, I realized we all come from different backgrounds and have different philosophies and goals in life. 

 

My sophomore year, I felt like a “real” adult. I went to classes in the morning and worked in the afternoons. I thought I could balance everything and had it all together. By my junior year, I was like a fish out of water. Everything I thought I knew, I realized I did not. I got a rude awakening. Working, attending classes full-time and participating in numerous extracurricular activities began to take a toll both physically and academically. I spent my senior year catching up on my academics, chasing internships and juggling leading my sorority of 70+ members. After self-reflection and a few “come to Jesus” conversations with my mentors, I decided to stay a 5th to regain my focus, increase my gpa and obtain a position that would start my career. I graduated accomplishing my goal of improving my gpa to a 3.7, accepted an with a Fortune 500 company in the Aerospace Industry and moved across country to Tucson, AZ.

 

Randall: What year would you consider as your success year? 

Ashlee Brooks: One year I would consider as a huge success was my last year in graduate school. During the two years, I attended Virginia Commonwealth University, I struggled, academically, spiritually, financially and the list goes on and on. At one point, I questioned my self-worth and if I graduate school was for me. This feeling did not last long as I had a good support system that worked hard to get me out of a rut. On graduation day, I had gained so much exposure mentally and academically, I felt I could accomplish anything. Like TSU, I again went into graduate school thinking I knew everything and life decided to give me a quick awakening. My take away was – just when you think you know everything…there’s always room to learn more. Never limit yourself or your ability. This was the year of being open to new people, places and things.

 

Randall: How did you start working in your current position? 

Ashlee Brooks: My motto is never be afraid to ask. All someone can tell you is either yes or no. When I decided to expand my career, I blindly contacted every CPA firm I could find. I reached out directly to every hiring manager and partner. Some I heard back from, some I did not. After receiving a response from one firm, I was able to secure an interview. I believe in being your authentic self when speaking before a group of people. After telling my story, I received a job offer on the spot. Three years later, I am still learning and continuing to hone my craft in tax and small business consulting. 

 

Randall: Did you expect to be in the position you are in today? 

Ashlee Brooks: The honest answer is no. The accounting field is an extremely challenging, high-pressure, and fast paced environment. You are expected to know advanced concepts on day one and at times this can be intimidating and a blow to your confidence. What keeps me in this role is my over-the-top determination, passion and desire to build client relationships while providing tax education which helps with the overall wealth of client. 

 

Randall: How do you feel your HBCU experience at TSU aid you in your success?

Ashlee Brooks: I did not understand the power of networking until I left Tennessee State University. The various organizations I was a member of instilled in me the importance of relationships. I have lived in Arizona, Virginia, Texas and Tennessee and through each move I never met a stranger. My TSU network would always put me in contact with other TSU alums in the area. In meeting my fellow Tigers, I continued to be welcomed as another part of their family. This strong sense of relationship building overflows into my profession. I continue to find ways to increase my clientele base because of the importance I place on making each individual feel valued. This key component is something that was instilled in me at my HBCU and I continue to pay it forward. 

 

Randall: What’s next on your journey? 

Ashlee Brooks: After obtaining a few more years in public accounting, I will branch off  to start my own business focusing on individual taxation, small business consulting and offering other accounting services. I plan to continue presenting on various panels to provide tax and small business education while partnering with my beloved alma mater to provide financial literacy seminars to my future TSU alums.

 

Randall:  Tell us about your book? 

Ashlee Brooks: As the Lead Author of the HBCU Experience – TSU Edition, I am so excited to present a collaborative series of stories told from the perspective of my fellow TSU alumni. The book will highlight the TSU experience from various walks of life and how those experience molded them on their professional journey. Although each author’s reason for attending Tennessee State University is unique, the common thread will be the Big Blue family we each leave with.  

Randall: Where can we find you? 

Ashlee Brooks: Residing in Nashville, TN, I can be found volunteering at various TSU alumni events or sharing tons of tax and financial literacy content on my social media platforms. Instagram: @sweet14sassy

LinkedIn: Ashlee Brooks

 

FVSU SGA President Alexander Lowe’s 5 Phase Plan For Administration

By
Alexander Lowe
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Tonight I address you with an intense level of importance, our beloved institution Fort Valley State University needs every single one of us to ensure its success. While Fort Valley is more than the place to be, I think we all have become acutely aware of the challenges we face.

This is our time, this is our year. In history, the biggest changes come from our age group. We live in a realm of so much possibility. We have reached a point in our lives where we make decisions that affect many people around us and can further propel our own lives into a direction never matched before. We control the atmosphere and the tone on campus. We are the ones to make the voices of the student body heard.

I challenge us to turn our ideas into action, motivate each other, and engage with ALL of Fort Valley State University. I ask nothing short of something monumentous from us, but I have full faith in the intentionality of our administration.

Currently, we have a Five Phase plan. We have reached the final actions of Phase 1, getting all the positions together and defining a tentative homecoming schedule before the summer.

As we transition into the summer we step into Phase 2, increasing our social media engagement and network. We will be putting together bios of all our leaders and reinvigorating our Twitter and Instagram to readily connect with the student body. Featuring information such as events, state of affairs, what each committee is working on, exploits of the Royal Court, and so much more.

Phase 3, facilitating an active and engaged campus. A President’s Round table focused on the collaboration of ALL Registered Student Organizations across the institution. A consistent structure of Senate meetings, polling the student body, working in committees, and taking care of business.

In Phase 4, we will bring a unique focus to entrepreneurship. The creation of the FVSU Student Chamber of Commerce will educate students on how to build businesses and create revenue streams that will alter the trajectory of their lives. These students would then be able to vend at a recurring event of the working title, Hustle Fridays. Hustle Fridays will be a time of cultural celebration uniting the entire campus for food, fun, and much more.

Lastly, Phase 5, we must cement our work forever in history and ensure the success of the administrations to come. Everyone must take part in educating the next student leaders, as well as documenting all ideas, challenges, and successes.

WE will be a different Taste in the Valley. An administration focusing on moving Froward. A Forward Administration. Again thank you for your committment I am excited for the year as we move Forward to the Future!

The HBCU Experience: Chris Smith, National Democratic Strategist, Tennessee State University

By
Randall Barnes
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In anticipation for “The HBCU Experience: Tennessee State University” book, we got the chance to interview TSU alumnus and change agent Chris Smith. Check it out!

 

Randall: Tell us about yourself!

Chris Smith: I am Chris Smith, a national democratic strategist and president of Campaign Engineers. I have worked for some of the biggest campaigns in the past few years including serving as Deputy Campaign Manager for Stacey Abrams and Senior Advisor for Andrew Gillum’s primary governor’s races. I have worked in all 50 states and my client list includes Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Harry Reid, Congressman Chuy Garcia and numerous state and local candidates.   

Randall: How did you end up at your University/College?

Chris Smith: I was recruited to Tennessee State University on a track scholarship and passed up offers from other ACC and SEC universities after my visit to my university.

Randall: What did you get your degree in? Did it support what you are doing now?

Chris Smith: I received my degree in Political Science but spent my initial years engineering. Major. I believe both disciplines had great impact on the work that I am doing now.

Randall: Can you give me a quick description of your years in college? (Freshman-Senior)

Freshman Year – Spent most of my time on the track and Greek weeks

Sophomore Year – I served as Mr. Honors Program. I was able to serve as an ambassador for the university getting to meet many people who would influence my college career such as Julian Bond, VP Al Gore and Congressman John Lewis. 

Junior Year – I became very involved in organizations at the University including the SEC, the group that ran all student elections.

Senior Year – Pledged Alpha Theta Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.

Randall: What year would you consider as your success year?

Chris Smith: I think my success year was probably my spring of sophomore year that allowed me to really understand that there were many opportunities to take advantage of if you just got involved and networked with other students as well as university programs.  

Randall: How did you start working in your current position?

Chris Smith: I started working in politics by accident. I was at a very low level role knocking doors during the Gore election and had a chance encounter with Donna Brazile and she connected me to my first role as a college organizer. 

Randall: Did you expect to be in the position you are in today? 

Chris Smith: I never saw myself running National campaigns, I assumed I would be working at NASA as an engineer. I am not sure many people are even aware that this can be a pretty well-paid career and part of my mission is to create a pipeline of trained operatives of color. I am exited to have mentored many young black operatives including CNN Commentator and Biden 2020 senior advisor Symone Sanders.

Randall: How do you feel your HBCU experience at……. aid you in your success?

Chris Smith: My HBCU, The Tennessee State University is my community and extended family. I can always count on my TSU alum to support me and my projects. The university also created an ability to succeed in spite whatever obstacles might be present. It also provided plenty of success stories so that I could see examples like myself come from the same background as I and still succeed.  

Randall: What’s next on your journey?

Chris Smith: My next journey will be focused on taking all the “Campaign Lessons” from national operatives and sharing masterclass lessons with organizers, movement workers and volunteers of any campaign or issue. 

Randall: Tell us about “The HBCU Experience: Tennessee State University”?

Our book is a collection of stories that share the impact and influence of Tennessee State University from some of its successful alum from different eras. 

Randall: Where can we find you on social media?

@CSmithATL  – IG

@Cmith0206 – Twitter

I can reached at www.campaignengineers.com and somewhere influencing this 2020 presidential election cycle making sure that communities of color are not left out of the process.  

 

  

 

 

Why CDK On The Mic Is The Top HBCU Host In The Country

By
Randall Barnes
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HBCU Buzz recently did a Top HBCU Hosts Competition, a sequel of sorts to their acclaimed Top HBCU DJ’s Competition that’s done at the start of the year. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Christian Daniel Kornegay, better known as CDK On The Mic, would be a fixture of this competition. His communication skills are out of this world and his ability to network and light up a room is legendary in itself. He has an intensive hosting resume and a strong base of fans, especially at his HBCU North Carolina A&T State University. 

CDK was already a well-regarded HBCU Host, expanding his reach to other schools such as Alabama State and North Carolina Central. However, his campaign during the top host competition showcased why CDK is indeed the top host in the nation. Regardless of any list, CDK has cemented himself as a star and as a future legend in this media game.

One of the biggest fixtures of CDK’s rise to becoming the top HBCU host in the country is how he connects with his supporters. CDK has a deep connection with each person that he comes in contact with, finding a way to establish common ground with them. He’ll speak to every person as he walks in a room and has an inviting energy. Speaking of energy, CDK is always on ten. He took the attention of several social media onlookers as he used TikTok as a way of expression and social media engagement. How you treat your supporters is important. It’s what separates you from barely making it to being a superstar. CDK’s supporters are an extension of him and you can tell that they are huge advocates for his success. 

 CDK paid his dues on his way to being the top HBCU host in the nation. Attending North Carolina A&T, he stands in the shadows of great hosts and entertainers before him. Terrence J and Darren Brand are two that immediately come to mind. CDK was able to secure support from them on his journey and even co-signs. He worked his way up from an intern to on-air personality for 102 Jamz, a flagship Hip-Hop station in the Greensboro area. He worked on his craft and has even been able to rub shoulders with celebrities such as Floyd Mayweather Jr. CDK trusted the process and continued to put his heart into his hustle and made things happen. 

 But, CDK’s biggest strength has to be his networking ability. He knows everyone. He’s familiar with nearly every host and DJ that’s about their business. He makes it a priority to take every opportunity to make a connection, on the off chance that it could lead him to something greater in the future. He’s fearless in his approach, entertaining every encounter with the thought process that no is only a delayed yes or a repositioning of his journey to the top. Just look at who he’s secured to endorse him for this competition. Princeton from Mindless Behavior. Darren Brand, B Daht and Osama Bin Drankin’ randomly on an Instagram Live. Kurt Angle. Yes, WWE legend Kurt Angle endorsed CDK. Even Pretty Vee during her appearance on HBCU Pulse playfully showed CDK love. His spirit and hustle is infectious.

 All of these factors play into his overall brand. The brand of CDK On The Mic is becoming solid in HBCU circles. How he campaigned in this competition only solidified things even more. The pictures of his face on different celebrity’s bodies, the social media engagement tactics he used to garner support. All of that is a fixture of a greater brand that he’s creating for himself. This type of work ethic, drive, creativity and patience is what breeds successful alumni. Soon you will say that name of CDK with the likes of Terrence J and Darren Brand. Honestly, he’s already there.

The Weight Of The Crown: It’s Time We Take Royal Court More Seriously

By
Randall Barnes
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When I first enrolled at Fort Valley State University I never would’ve envisioned myself having such a vested interest in Royal Court. I was always the SGA guy. When I was in high school I was an FBLA Public Speaking champion vying to be the President of my high school’s chapter. I wanted to dress nice with the trends of the early 2010’s but I dreaded dressing up. I was an escort in the cotillion twice, once because I was talked into it by a family friend. I wasn’t even on the Royal Court when I was at FVSU! I served two years on the executive branch and flirted with the idea of running a bid to be SGA President but didn’t. Why am I so enthralled with the Royal Court?

It’s the culture of HBCU life that made me fall in love with Royal Court, especially in my last year at FVSU and post-graduation. The responsibility that elected Kings & Queens have is so powerful. They serve as the faces of the institution, proving the age old saying that representation matters. They’re tasked with recruitment and service in the community. They are thrown coronation celebrations that marvel that of what occurs in some movies. They’re real life King and Queens, devoid of a fairy tale story. Life isn’t always a picture perfect Disney story and the way that these young men and women secure their crowns are a testament of this. 

As I rose in the ranks of national HBCU student leadership and HBCU Pulse became a safe space for student leaders I became close with several of the HBCU Queens. I marveled at their beauty but respected their journey to get where they are. I also listened to their problems and the issues that they face on a daily basis. I’ve heard about the clashes with advisors, the rivalries that stem from the variance of personalities on a court, the constant battle to be everything to everybody and the juggle of the responsibilities of the crown and school work. But, most importantly, I heard about the deeper aspects of what it meant to be a Queen. I heard of the battle of finding yourself in the spotlight. The pressure to keep everything together and be perfect when on the inside you’re hurting. Having to keep everything bottled in because no one understands your pain. That’s why I created the “A Queen’s Pain” book. I wanted to help our HBCU Queens confront how they feel.

The Kings have even more of a responsibility. They want to be more than glorified escorts. They want to reign just like the Queens are able to. Kings are often castigated because of the popularity that they have on campus. Their ideas are often stifled. They’re given the instructions to tone down so they don’t “outshine the Queen”. The dichotomy of this is awe-inspiring. 

Even moreso, these titles come with a tremendous wealth of power. Campus Kings & Queens have the power to make elementary, middle and high school kids fall in love with HBCUs. They’re the exemplification of what a professional black man and woman are supposed to be. They have the opportunity to impact their campuses and leave an impact that is felt for years to come. 

Roland Reynolds (Mister Bowie State University) winning Mister HBCU was more than a symbolic victory. He was the exemplification of hope for his institution. He’s the first that ignites the spark of his HBCU. Taylor Walker (Miss Winston-Salem State University) becoming the International Miss Black & Gold for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was more than just a pageant win. She showed that HBCU students can perform just as well as those at PWI’s. She showed grace and poise, placing in every competition she was entered in as Miss Winston-Salem State University (4th runner up in the NBCA Hall of Fame Competition of Queens, 1st runner up in the Miss CIAA Competition). Rachel Osinuga (Miss Texas Southern) publishing a book, speaking at the Joe Biden event held at Texas Southern a couple of months ago and being a face of the HBCUs For Joe Biden cohort is more than just a move for her. It’s a showcase of where the crown can take you.

The story of Rachel is something that means so much in such a politically charged time.  As onlookers to the Royal Court culture we do a disservice when we act as if our Royal Court members are walking Macy’s mannequins. Their responsibility is immense. These Kings & Queens of this cohort have the power to change the face of the nation. They have the power to drive voter turnout in the upcoming elections. They have the ability to start productive conversations that yield tangible solutions. Minimizing the roles of Kings & Queens as “Walking around with a sash and waving” is a disservice to the weight that the crown holds. 

However, if we should not diminish the weight of the crown the members of the Royal Court must showcase that they can shoulder this tremendous responsibility. If Royal Court is more than fly outfits and waving at Football games you must show us. Show us the capacity to make a change and don’t settle. Be uncompromising. Utilize your platform to affect each and every student at your institution. Challenge the issues that face our community. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Make it happen. We’re here for you. 

Sign Up For The HBCU Pulse Student Leadership Academy here.

Getting Out Of My Head: The Fight To Be Happy (My Personal Narrative)

By
Randall Barnes
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Happiness is something that can’t be given. It can’t be bought or acquired. It has to come from within you. We all seem to know that. Yet, we still walk around unhappy. I still walk around unhappy. It’s almost as if we overlook the great things going on in our lives. The success, the good health, the friendships, the positivity. But, what do you do when that doesn’t bring you joy? What happens when stress overwhelms you? What happens when the negative thoughts in your head speak so loudly that it causes you to go blind to the light at the end of the tunnel. 

I often feel this way. I’m not afraid to speak on it. Throughout all this success, adulation and productivity I often find myself unhappy. It feels sometimes as if I don’t have genuine connections in people. They know “HBCU Pulse” but not Randall Barnes. People often never contact me to check on me or have friendly conversation or to even network. It’s always something that people want. They want to be posted on the page, want to be a client, want to figure out how to get money, etc. It gets upsetting often. It feels as if I’m a tool and not a person. It hurts often. 

The hurt comes from a need for validation. We all feel it. Our generation thrives on likes, retweets, shares and follows. Hitting high amounts of story views gives us a high that we continue to search for. We become addicts for the attention. My story is different though. I’m not an addict. Far from it. I’m numb. And it’s a perpetual numbness that I feel. Pulse has gone viral multiple times. We hit 2,000+ followers in under two months and are creeping closer and closer to 23K. We’re hosting celebrities like Pretty Vee on our live and our interaction is through the roof. Yet, I’m not happy. I’m not satisfied. This success doesn’t cover how I feel. 

I often feel alone. Sure, this feeling can be perpetuated by this quarantine but I’ve felt this way for a minute. Weeks on end I tried to find the answer to why I was unhappy. This flare up happened back in November as my graduation loomed. I went on the story and spoke my piece on how I felt and several people reached out. I felt better. I felt affirmed. Yet, I slipped right back into the same place I was in multiple times as 2020 loomed. It was the craziest feeling. I’m going to schools like North Carolina A&T and Tennessee State University. I’m attending a CIAA basketball game at Fayetteville State and covering the Mister HBCU competition, being treated as if I was a celebrity. I was around more people than I ever been in my life. Yet, I still felt alone. 

The feeling is easy to explain. Sure, I was around a bunch of people but I didn’t truly feel connected to them. I long for the moments where I could go out to eat, go bowling, go to the movies or do something that isn’t in the veil of work. My relationships have seemed so transactional. They often don’t feel authentic. They don’t feel transactional. Maybe it’s me. Sometimes I don’t know. Maybe I should express how I feel. Maybe I’m doing it now. This is the prime example of being in my head and I’m forcing my way out.

It’s several reasons why I’m always in my head. I never have the time to address my problems. I’m always there for everyone else. I’m always leading people in the right direction and assisting in unlocking the greatness inside of them. I’m always crafting posts on Pulse that can aid me in continuing to chase my dream of being the Millennial Tom Joyner. I’m quarterbacking a team of talented people and trying to ensure that I’m disseminating my vision for where we’re going. I try to be perfect sometimes. 

Even in my moments of authenticity and human nature I’m striving for perfection. The pressure intensifies. I often wonder how I can be a leader and have people look up to me and look to me for guidance and wisdom. The pressure intensifies even more. How can I make connections with people if we go through the same song and dance of a 2-3 hour conversation then don’t talk for months again? The pressure intensifies so much that I start to break. 

I realize that validation is my problem. I want to hear that I’m great. I want to feel the change that I’m making. I want to see the happiness that I provide people. When I don’t feel it, I spiral back into this cloud of unhappiness. The only way I can confront this is to find solace within myself. I have to be my own source of validation. I’ve been told this. I have to listen to others just as much as I fight to be listened to. I have to look out for myself for once. I have to get out of my head. 

That’s why I decided to step back from HBCU Pulse for 4 days. As you’re reading this, I’m back in the driver’s seat of this rapidly growing monster. But, I took a hiatus. I had to find myself. I had to get myself back together mentally. I had to retreat to the one thing that always has brought me happiness: writing. I feel better right now. I want to keep this feeling. I will keep this feeling. 

I wrote this to make myself feel better. Maybe people will hear me. Maybe they’ll look within themselves and confront how they feel. Maybe I can inspire people to create real relationships with each other and not be so segmented and cliquish amongst ourselves. But, this one was for me. I’m reading this article just as you are. I’m reminding myself that I have to get out of my head and get out of my own way. From there, happiness will be plentiful.

Do You Care Or Nah: The Lack Of Empathy In The HBCU Community

By
Randall Barnes
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0

“Do you care or nah?”

That’s a real question that I want answers to. It seems as if rampid selfishness has dominated the HBCU Community. We flat out don’t care about how each other feel. We see it all the time through the veil of students and their interaction with advisors, administrators, faculty and staff. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken this issue to a whole new level. Students are still fighting to hold onto their graduation and they aren’t being heard. Candidates vying for titles in their institution’s student elections are pushing to hold digital elections in the Spring instead of waiting until the Fall for what could be the reopening of America and a return of our “normal lives.” Instead, they’re kept in a state of limbo. One email could mean that they’re campaigning tomorrow and aren’t prepared or have to delay their dreams for 4 months. Total lack of communication. 

There’s so many examples of a lack of empathy and communication within the HBCU community. However: I want to pinpoint a particular subsect of our community that don’t often practice empathy and communication. Students. Some within our cohort don’t aspire to be empathetic and don’t care to. Some don’t care to communicate well and will get offended if you bring it up to them. This trend is frustrating and it must be called out. It must be spoken upon. Maybe then we can truly see change. 

Let’s start with what empathy means. Merrium-Webster defines the word “empathy” as “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present” Psychologist report that there are three areas of empathy: emotional, cognitive and compassionate. The level of compassionate empathy is interesting to me because I feel as if it’s what we lack. Psychologist Daniel Goleman, when spotlighted by Heartmanity’s Blog defined “compassionate empathy”by saying: “With this kind of empathy we not only understand a person’s predicament and feel with them, but are spontaneously moved to help, if needed.” 

We see this lack of empathy through our interpersonal communication. We don’t know how to form true bonds anymore. We don’t know how to effectively communicate. We feel as if stepping back and ghosting people we have disagreements with is a suitable point of closure. We applaud ourselves for not being good communicators, boasting not texting or replying back as some level of being popping. Where have we gone in our generation? 

The problem in our discourse is that we are selfish. We’ve taken the notion of “being selfish” way too far. Sure, focus on affirming yourself first and look out for yourself before anyone else. That’s law. However, you can’t purport to be a part of a community or be a leader with no basic level or empathy or communication. People are really out here speeding past the process of building genuine relationships with people to fulfill their selfish desire. They want a shout out, endorsement video or some level or information that benefits them but don’t even placate your ego. Do we have to teach people how even properly be manipulative people at this point? The laziness of where we are in our personal communication is apparent. 

I spoke about it in my article from January entitled, “Why Kobe Bryant’s Passing Hits Me Differently”

“We aim to inspire those in the world yet our friends and family are often times neglected. The passing of Kobe brought me to deep reflection about life and how precious every moment we have with each other is important. You never know the impact that you’re making, even on the people you see in your daily life. Check on your people man. You don’t know how important a FaceTime call or random pop-up means to someone. You don’t owe anyone anything, especially strangers. But, what about the people we care about? What about the people we’re inspired by? Why wouldn’t you cherish the time with the people you love and make time for them? Life is too short and you don’t know what people are going through. We gotta communicate. You never know when our time will come and you’ll miss the opportunity to build with the people important to your life.” 

What I detailed was a level of empathy. We’re often so worried about inspiring and being there for our followers and maintaining a base of people that follow, like and comment on our pictures that we don’t maintain our own personal relationships. We are so one-sided in how we feel that we don’t even allow ourselves the opportunity to see things from another viewpoint. Isn’t that what we hate Donald Trump for? Why are we operating like this in 2020? It’s childish. 

I really wish that we’d collectively get it together. We’d be stronger as a community as well as we’d be happier. We have step outside of ourselves and reach out to others. But are we willing to? Do you care or nah? You don’t even have to answer that question. Actions speak louder than words. 

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How The “FAMU First” Campaign Redefined The Endorsement Strategy

By
Randall Barnes
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0

I HATE campaign endorsements and the importance that student leaders campaigns place upon them. I have to start off the article by saying this. It doesn’t matter who vouches for your or says great things about you because you randomly asked them. What matters is you: your campaign strategy to engage your voters, your plan for the school, your work ethic and personal brand. Those aforementioned qualities speak louder than words ever could. However, we saw a definitive reinvention of the wheel when it comes to HBCU Elections. And, of course, it’s been ushered in by FAMU.

FAMU has always been the gold standard for campaign season. From the breathtaking graphics and cutting-edge events to the out-the-box campaign themes and unheard of campaign strategies, FAMU clearly sets the tone for how elections are run. And, a definitive standard was set by SGA President and VP Elects Xavier Mcclinton and Carrington Whigham. Many factors of their campaign are noteworthy, but the way they utilized endorsements and celebrity to get their point across was brilliant. All student leaders aspiring to run for positions and those that are running in the fall due to COVID-19 should take heed to what they did. 

One of the noteworthy aspects of the “FAMU First” campaign was the Homecoming & Events Plan graphic that they released. Within the graphic you saw a breakdown of what was an outlook on their ideas to utilize their resources to ensure that FAMU’s homecoming was quality as well as other factors of the year. A portion of their Homecoming plan truly stuck out to me. The list of artists for a possible homecoming concert was noteworthy, as they polled students on what artist they wanted to see and put it out for public consumption so their pool of voters could see the thought going into their planning. 

“Honestly, we’ve started planning (homecoming),” VP Elect Whigham said in response to notable FAMU social media influencer Hollywood on an unofficial Presidential Debate Instagram Live, “We actually sent out a survey like ‘what we want, what we like, what would you like to see, and who would you like to see in what form or fashion and in what way?’ So, we are ready.”

The move was brilliant, answering one of the burning questions that exists in the mind of most HBCU students and showing a capacity to do the job effectively. But, only looking at the homecoming side of the graphic doesn’t tell the whole story. On the right side of the graphic it says:

“Establish a FAMU Guest Series with major celebrities.”

This, ladies and gentleman, is where history started to happen. 

The FAMU First campaign dropped their first surprise guest on Friday, April 17th. They announced that Keke Palmer would be joining in on their IG Live on what was coined the “Orange Table Talk”. During the talk, Palmer would interview them about their time at FAMU as well as generally interact with them. The moment was surreal. The HBCU community at that moment was put on notice about Mcclinton and Whigham’s campaign. Palmer even said to the 1,000+ viewers of the live, “In the words of ‘True Jackson VP’: let’s welcome the new VP and President!”

Both Mcclinton and Whigham forewarned that Palmer wasn’t the only celebrity that they’d be interfacing with. To start off the week and the last phase of campaigning, they announced that NBA and Florida legend Dwayne Wade would be joining them for their “Hot Ones” Instagram Live. The moment itself was out of left-field and totally unpredictable. All eyes were on the SGA duo. They used the moment to tell more of their story and even speak in a more elongated fashion about their homecoming plans. 

“For student body president y’all have my vote, but as future leaders outside of college y’all have my vote.” Wade said after listening to their plans for homecoming and student events. The live was viewed by 48,000+ people. These soundbites from Keke Palmer and Dwayne Wade meant more than an endorsement from 20 student leaders. 

Both of these occurrences signaled an amazing strategy, one that was more valuable than asking them to do a one off fifteen second rushed endorsement video as their escape from quarantine. They were able to engage with these notable influencers within our community. It was almost as if we were a fly on the wall for how both Mcclinton and Whigham would approach a celebrity speaker for their intended Guest Lecturer series. We saw them win over the adulation of Keke Palmer and Dwayne Wade.

But, more than anything, it showed that they could do the job. Look at it like this: they were able to secure two celebrities to talk on their IG Live. Imagine them with time, a venue and a budget. What amazing things could they make happen? Actions speak louder than words and the ways that they were able to use their resources and connections to make these moments happen validated them. It showcased their clear electability. It showed promise for what a “FAMU First” tenure would look like. 

This moment cemented them as one of the top campaigns in HBCU History. There’s only so many ways you can reinvent the wheel. The FAMU First campaign did more than that though. They destroyed the notion of what an endorsement is supposed to be and recreated it to fit into their election strategy. Now, they sit on top of the highest of the seven hills as the two most powerful student leaders.

Student leaders, please take heed to the “FAMU First” campaign. They were about that action and not just words. They were strategic about their moves and used every situation that they could to tell their story. And, properly telling the story about how you’re fit to serve will always bring you dividends. 

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