A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the Winter Issue of the illustrious HBCU Times Magazine!
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his is the Winter 2019 edition of HBCU Times Magazine! Our exciting theme for this special edition is, “HBCU Excellence, HBCUs Matter.” It is a new year, so that means all new amazing stories celebrating HBCUs and Black Excellence in its various forms. This year is all about achieving your greatest potential, taking on new challenges, and remembering the legacies of those who, not only accomplished goals they set for themselves, but made incredible strides towards institutional change for marginalized communities. Inside, we have a truly inspirational article by Ashley Elliot, on former International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Dorothy Buchanan Wilson. In addition to serving one of the premier black sororities for over 40 years, Dr. Buchanan is the longest serving board member in the history of the organization. In the article, she discusses helping over 500,000 families through community service efforts within the organization by implementing clothing, food, and health education programs. As a proud graduate of Benedict College and Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Wilson continues to promote HBCUs and also shares the success of her “ThinkHBCU” initiative, which raised over $12 million in a four-year period for student chapter scholarships. This issue also includes an article by Kimberlei Davis, “Claflinite and Visionary: Cecil Williams” In this timeless piece on Cecil Williams, the Claflin University graduate and notable photographer, shares all things “faith, family, and photography.” He reflects on major moments in his career, from capturing photos of powerful black figures like Rev. Jesse Jackson and Muhammad Ali, to being the last living photographer present during the Orangeburg Massacre in 1968. He even shares some words of wisdom on the city of Orangeburg and his hopes for true social change within the community. Now for the young people who are searching for the ultimate #relationshipgoals, look no further than Davis’ article, “Grant Us This Day: Millennial Power Couple” on Hamilton and Alana Grant. This married couple is redefining what it means to be in a strong and happy marriage. As they ironically reconnected as a result of a tragic loss, the Grants share their testimony of supporting one another no matter the circumstances, and collectively reaching personal and professional success. As HBCU graduates, the pair reveals how they are currently supporting HBCUs and how they believe their institutions shaped them into the empowered individuals they are today. Finally, you are going to be blown away by “Eating Well and Growing Strong: HBCUs and the American Dream” by Spelman alum, Kathryn Stanley. The English educator craftily utilizes Langston Hughes poem, “I, Too” to discuss the place where blacks, historically developed and matured within white America. She lables HBCUs, along with other black spaces as “kitchen institutions,”places for black people to receive nourishment in more ways than one. Stanley shares the personal intergenerational stories of her grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. She reveals how in these kitchen institutions, her family grew into leaders, educators, and advocates. These products of HBCUs are continuously changing the narrative into one which exemplifies excellence. As the new year takes off, so does the success of HBCU graduates and black professionals all over the world. HBCU Times Magazine is just trying to keep up with the pace of all these pioneers who are changing the world and celebrate their actions of excellence.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Staten Dr. David Staten Editor in Cheif
4HBCU HBCU Times4Winter 2019 Issue Times | November