Drop Us A Line….

Building bridges that connect students to historically Black colleges and universities takes dedication, collaboration, and vision. This powerful conversation between Dr. Monique Robinson and board member Leon Frye unveils the critical work happening in San Antonio and beyond to create pathways for young scholars to discover HBCUs.

At the heart of their discussion is the formation of the South Texas HBCU Alumni Alliance – a collaborative initiative bringing together graduates and supporters from various institutions to amplify their collective impact. "It's more strength if more people have it," explains Dr. Robinson, highlighting how even smaller alumni chapters gain significant influence when working together. This alliance aims to move beyond social gatherings to create meaningful advocacy opportunities that directly benefit students.

The episode showcases the upcoming State Fair Classic weekend celebrating the 100th anniversary matchup between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M. This iconic event draws over 50,000 attendees annually and features concerts, the legendary Battle of the Bands, and networking opportunities. Leon details an all-inclusive bus trip package designed to bring San Antonio residents to experience this cultural touchstone while supporting HBCU advocacy efforts locally.

Perhaps most compelling is their honest conversation about the decreasing exposure many students have to HBCUs in their schools. "I got exposed to it because I had older cousins that went to Grambling or went to Southern," shares Leon, emphasizing how critical these personal connections are. The "Scholars on the Move" program addresses this gap by providing 7th-12th grade students with HBCU knowledge, financial literacy education, and mentorship throughout the academic year.

Ready to join this movement? Applications are open for the Scholars on the Move program, board positions are available for those wanting to contribute their expertise, and the State Fair Classic bus trip welcomes all who wish to experience HBCU culture firsthand. Connect with us through our social platforms or website to become part of this growing community dedicated to student success.

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Drop Us A Line….

The bittersweet milestone of college move-in day takes center stage as two remarkable HBCU freshmen share their first weeks on campus at North Carolina A&T and Florida A&M University. Through candid conversations with students and their parents, we witness the emotional journey of families embracing this transformative chapter.

Devon, now proudly wearing the blue and gold at NC A&T, offers a glimpse into authentic campus life - from the synchronized yellow shirts of marching band members to the cultural phenomenon of "Fried Chicken Wednesdays" where students showcase their best outfits while building community. His mother shares invaluable wisdom about navigating the application process, emphasizing the critical importance of meeting early action deadlines and staying organized with transcripts, essays, and scholarship applications.

Meanwhile, Ayden Glover brings a powerful legacy perspective as a fourth-generation FAMU Rattler with an astonishing 4.8 high school GPA. Having already achieved two childhood dreams - becoming a national cheer champion and class valedictorian - she's now pursuing her third goal: becoming the first female president. During move-in, her parents couldn't resist pointing out campus landmarks from their own college days, creating a beautiful continuity between generations.

Both students candidly discuss the universal freshman challenges of time management, navigating sprawling campuses, and establishing independence. From sprinting between classes with just 15 minutes to spare to figuring out meal schedules around academic commitments, they're learning valuable life skills alongside their formal education.

These inspiring young scholars are part of the Takisha A. Davis scholarship program's top 20 finalists. Want to help determine who advances to the final round? Cast your vote by September 5th to support these exceptional students as they continue their academic journeys at America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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Drop Us A Line….

The college transition marks a pivotal moment for students and their families—a bittersweet blend of excitement, anxiety, and profound change. In this heartfelt episode, we witness the beautiful, sometimes emotional journey of exceptional young scholars who've reached our scholarship competition's top 20 while simultaneously beginning their HBCU experiences across the country.

From Howard University's historic campus to "the highest of seven hills" at Florida A&M to Tuskegee's rich traditions, these students share their first impressions of college life with remarkable candor. We surprise them with virtual visits from their parents, creating touching moments that reveal the complex emotions behind this major life transition. One mother perfectly captures the parental challenge: "We've been the director of their lives forever. Right now we have to be part of the audience and let them create their own story."

The episode showcases the unique value of the HBCU experience through multiple perspectives. Legacy student Kaylee follows her mother's footsteps at Howard, while Mayanna seeks cultural connection after years at predominantly white schools. Meanwhile, Kamara brings her incredible academic achievements—four associate degrees earned during high school—to Tuskegee's accelerated program. Through their stories, we witness how these institutions provide not just education but belonging, tradition, and connection to a powerful legacy of Black excellence.

These scholars represent extraordinary potential. Whether adjusting to campus life 13 hours from home, navigating new academic challenges, or simply learning to handle the southern heat, they approach each obstacle with determination and optimism. Their parents' pride shines through every conversation, balancing natural worry with deep faith in their children's capabilities.

As our scholarship competition continues toward selecting our finalists, we invite you to support these remarkable young people by voting before September 5th. Their journeys are just beginning, but their futures—like the traditions of the institutions they've chosen—shine brilliantly with promise.

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Drop Us A Line….

We explore the journey of P. Smith as she prepares to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with her mother, Nashika Thomas, by her side, highlighting their experience in the scholarship competition and the college preparation process.

• P. Smith's has climbed from position #44 to #6 in the Takisha A Davis Scholarship Program
• Nashika describes managing scholarship applications, essays, and deadlines while Promys balanced cheerleading commitments
• Promys chose FAMU after participating in college tours during her freshman year, drawn to the cultural connection and community
• Summer program attendance helped Promys adjust to campus life before official move-in
• Promys moves to campus this Tuesday, with mom adjusting to the four-and-a-half-hour distance and different time zones
• Voting for the scholarship competition continues until September 5th, with Promys actively campaigning for support
• Applications for the 2025-26 programs will open soon, including the Scholars on the Move program for 7th-12th graders & South Texas HBCU Alliance

To vote for Promise or other scholarship finalists, visit the website shown at the bottom of the screen. Voting ends Sept. 5th.

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Drop Us A Line….

Four families prepare to send their HBCU-bound scholars to college in just six days, sharing their emotional journeys and hopes for the future as part of the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship competition.

• Aniya Williams heads to FAMU to pursue orthodontics after being accepted to 50 schools and earning over a million dollars in scholarships
• Paris Holiday, described as ambitious and a natural leader, chose Hampton University to prepare for a career in anesthesiology
• Ja'Sean Boyd selected Prairie View A&M University to study childhood psychology with music therapy, focusing on mental health for younger generations
• Alesha Kadiri, also Hampton-bound on a pre-med track, participated in a summer pre-college program to confirm her college choice
• Parents share the emotional preparation for sending their children to HBCUs and the importance of representation in fields like healthcare
• The families discuss how attending HBCUs provides unique support, community connections, and preparation for careers where Black professionals are underrepresented

Voting for your favorite scholar in the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship competition is now open. Visit the website or use the information scrolling at the bottom of the screen to support these exceptional students.

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Drop Us A Line….

"Every student deserves an opportunity, an opportunity for hope and a future," declares Dr. Monique Robinson as we dive into Round 3 of the Takisha A Davis Scholarship competition. Now in its fifth year, this scholarship program has transformed from a modest tribute to a late sister with a heart for young people into a significant platform celebrating exceptional student achievement.

The competition has narrowed dramatically from 70 initial applicants to the top 20 contenders, with only the top 10 vote-getters by September 5th remaining eligible for one of five scholarships. What makes this round particularly special is the participation of parents who offer deeper insights into their scholars' journeys and dreams.

We meet Morgan Miller's mother, who shares the family's multi-generational HBCU legacy that inspired Morgan's decision to attend Spelman College. Already a published author of two books at a young age, Morgan plans to major in English while continuing to develop her writing talents. Her mother eloquently describes how the close-knit HBCU community provides invaluable connections and experiences that last a lifetime.

In contrast, Dontrell Martin couldn't join the interview as he was already immersed in Southern University's prestigious band camp. His mother, Monica O'Brien, beams with pride as she describes how her independent son navigated the college application process largely on his own and has already "made cuts" in what's known as "The Best Band in the Land." She was particularly impressed by Southern's emphasis that "band is secondary, school comes first."

Both parents candidly discuss the financial challenges of college education and how the Takisha A Davis Scholarship would significantly impact their children's academic journeys. Their testimonies reveal not just accomplished students, but young people with character, determination, and purpose.

Ready to support these exceptional scholars? Visit our website or check our newsletter for voting information before the September 5th deadline. Your vote could help shape the future of a deserving student who represents the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

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Drop Us A Line….

Change might feel uncomfortable, but it's where our greatest growth happens. Dr. Monique Robinson knows this firsthand, having launched a non-profit organization, television show, and written multiple books during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What seemed like an impossible time became the fertile ground for her most meaningful work.

As founder and CEO of A Better Chance For You Futures Incorporated, Dr. Robinson's mission burns bright: helping minority scholars access historically Black colleges and universities with minimal debt. Her passion is palpable when she speaks about education as a liberation tool—not just for acquiring knowledge, but for instilling confidence and expanding horizons. When scholars reach out to share their acceptances, graduations, and achievements, it confirms that purpose isn't merely a career goal but the heartbeat of a life's mission.

For Black women entrepreneurs, Dr. Robinson offers a powerful reframing: the challenges you've faced aren't just obstacles—they're the very experiences that have forged your unique strengths. Your identity isn't something to downplay; it's your superpower. But perhaps her most urgent message centers on community-building among women in business. "We must learn to work together," she emphasizes, challenging listeners to change the narrative through simple acts of support—sharing information, promoting events, and lifting each other up. Through her affirmation books, educational anthologies, and community events including the African American History Fair and annual gala, Dr. Robinson demonstrates how purpose-driven entrepreneurship creates ripples of positive change. Ready to discover your purpose and embrace transformation as a blessing? Connect with Dr. Robinson's work and join a community focused on rising together.

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Drop Us A Line….

What happens when family traditions shape your college choice? Zemyria Jones, a top 20 finalist in the Takisha A. Davis Scholarship Competition, stands at this pivotal crossroads as she prepares to attend Tuskegee University while continuing her family's rich HBCU legacy.

This heartwarming conversation between host Monique Robinson and Zamyria's mother, Joletta Ellington, reveals the beautiful complexity of HBCU family traditions. As a first-generation college graduate herself, Joletta started the family's HBCU journey, which now continues through Zamyria's choice of Tuskegee over Alabama A&M (where other family members attended). Their story of "house divided" shirts during rivalry games and shared tailgating traditions showcases how these institutions foster both healthy competition and deep family bonds.

Beyond the campus experience, Zemyria's nursing aspirations reflect the service-minded values often cultivated at HBCUs. Her mother proudly shares how Zamyria will use her education to support their community, including helping her aging grandparents who live near campus. This powerful reminder of education's purpose - not just personal advancement but community upliftment - resonates throughout their conversation. Meanwhile, Joletta offers touching advice to other parents preparing for the empty nest: "Spend as much time as you can with your child while they're here with you."

As the scholarship competition enters its final voting phase (closing September 5th), this episode celebrates not just academic achievement, but the incredible support systems that help students thrive. Watch how the rigorous multi-stage process prepares students for real-world challenges while building essential skills in public speaking, interviewing, and self-advocacy. Cast your vote for Zemyria and other deserving finalists today and join us in supporting the next generation of HBCU excellence!

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