Nine students went on a life-altering trip to tour Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) recently.
Led by Professors Dr. Louis Wright and Brother Shabazz, the students visited Virginia State University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, Lincoln University, Bowie State University, Hampton University and Howard University over spring break..
“It was really an amazing experience for our students,” said Prof. Wright. “The level of prestige and the networking from that particular experience, it has caused many of the students to reconsider what they want to do.”
Nefertari Deschamps, a psychology major, was one of the fortunate students to attend the trip.
“I got to meet judges who served under seven presidents,” Deschamps said. “I’ve gotten to meet accomplished lawyers, business women, entrepreneurs, African-American people from all over the world. I had a great experience overall.”
For Trinity Johnson, an art and studio major, the HBCU trip was extremely inspiring.
“I loved it,” she said. “As a Black young adult, I have never been surrounded by as much Black education. It was not only historical, it was very modern, very progressive. It allowed me to believe that there was so much Black excellence in America that I never knew about.”
In 2021, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office awarded a five-year grant that supports the continuation of the HBCU Transfer Agreement Project. This grant’s overarching objective is to provide for additional transfer pathways and improved outcomes for Black/African American students, and is closely aligned with the Board of Governors adopted Vision for Success goals to increase transfer and reduce equity gaps.
Wright said the trip has made lasting impressions.
“Our students are getting a plethora of knowledge by being at Southwestern College,” Wright said. “And hopefully they can take that into spaces where we are few in those areas, and spread the love about Black excellence.”
