✍🏾: @tiff.chey
Ashley Christopher ( @achristopher_esq ), double HBCU grad and founder of HBCU Week and the HBCU Week Foundation, says she wants every student of color to feel the way she did in college as her experiences instilled the necessary confidence for future success.
“The academic and familial experience offered by HBCUs go beyond the classroom,” Christopher said.
“The cultural benefits that make HBCUs unique, from mentorships to celebrating traditions, can only be found on HBCU campuses.”
Christopher launched HBCU Week in 2017 under the leadership of Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki. Since its inception, the week’s college fair has resulted in more than 3,500 on-the-spot college acceptances and more than $23 million in scholarship awards.
HBCU Week, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has kicked off with a happy hour at DECO Wilmington, followed by a concert downtown at The Queen featuring hip-hop artist Rick Ross and singer/actress Mya. These events that take place annually provide an HBCU-like atmosphere for families in Wilmington, allowing them to attend a concert, panel discussion, comedy show, college fair, and the battle of the bands, among other events. The week invites all students to participate in opportunities for scholarships, internships, and on-the-spot admissions, providing a fantastic opportunity to secure an early connection to college, community, and culture at an HBCU.
“Our goal with HBCU Week is to provide Black and Brown students with the chance to experience what life is like at an HBCU, a clear path to enrollment, scholarships, and the connections to confidently own their power throughout their careers,” said Christopher.
HBCU Week has gained a growing audience as they gain relationships and assistance from corporate representatives from the National Football League, the Gucci Changemakers, the NAACP, and Wilmington’s HBCU ambassador Stephen A. Smith allowing bigger audiences to be informed and bring light to the importance of Black youth attending HBCUs. #BWLM💕
