THE HOWARD

By: Emily Nichols, Class of 2019

Howard University brings to mind images of fabulous homecomings, vibrant Greek life, and the celebration of Black higher education. Howard also conjures visions of distinguished alumni like Thurgood Marshall, Taraji P. Henson, and Chadwick Boseman. In fall 2018, fve Fellows embarked for Howard hoping to become part of the school’s storied narrative. Affectionately dubbed “The Howard Five,” Myles Gordon, Christalyn Hill, Jeanette Jackson, Malik Johnson, and Donovan Thomas have begun their journeys of fostering change in the world at The Howard University!

Starting freshman year, each of The Five wondered, “Will I have friends?...Thrive hundreds of miles away from home?... Receive the support I need for academic success?” Those fears were quelled from the moment they arrived on campus and experienced Howard’s rich learning environment and engaging instruction.

Myles complimented the university’s small classes and professors’ instructional techniques saying, “My professors ask a lot of questions, and we get to have a lot of discussions. They keep the students engaged.” He echoes the sentiments of thousands of students attending historically-Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, who appreciate the intimate and captivating environment. Many have noted that smaller class sizes allow for dialogue that prompts students to consider a wide range of perspectives, preparing them to become impactful citizens post-college.

These College Fellows have also been moved by their peers. “Hearing what other people have accomplished pushes you to go out and try new stuff to build your character, résumé, and knowledge,” Christalyn said. “Everybody has been president of something or established their own club. It makes you feel like you’re not doing enough, but it pushes you as well.”

The Howard Five have also been inspired and supported by the two College Fellows in Howard’s Class of 2021, Armani Brown and Markelle Dunn. When asked about her experience attending one of the most highly regarded HBCUs in the nation, Armani said, “Going to an HBCU gives you the space to defne and truly embody Black excellence. It’s almost like going to a cookout, but before the cookout, you have class.”

For its prestige and impressive students and faculty, Howard has been compared to Ivy League schools, but there is a key difference. HBCUs — like Southern, Spelman, BethuneCookman, Howard, and many others — remind us that Black Americans had to fght and die for equal access to postsecondary education, and in so many ways that fght continues today. These institutions bring Black history and culture into focus and create spaces where students who are used to feeling marginalized feel valued and united. HBCUs highlight the incredible diversity among Black people while celebrating the intellectual and cultural power that bonds us. The Howard Five attest to being reminded of their strength as Black individuals and have been inspired to pave the way for future students, as alumni have for them.

We look forward to seeing the impact The Howard Five will make as they join a legacy of College Fellows and Alumni who attend and have graduated from HBCUs across the country. More than that, we look for them to strengthen a tradition of Black postsecondary education that prepares students not just for professional excellence but also to become full participants in society.

By: Ivori Teasette, Class of 2019

WhenI hear the phrase “A Man of Morehouse,” College Fellow JaMarcus Spears’ smiling face and effervescent personality come to mind. The oldest of six siblings, he sets a great example, at home and beyond. At Central High School, JaMarcus was an athletic trainer for the football and volleyball teams and also served as a student ambassador. His junior year, he was dead set on attending Howard University, but he ultimately landed at Morehouse, a top historically Black college, where he is majoring in biology with dreams of becoming a sports medicine physician for an NFL team.

Although a departure from Howard, Morehouse fts JaMarcus well. An all-male college, Morehouse has a rich legacy and unique campus environment which JaMarcus says he feels welcomed and at home in. Adapting to campus has not been a problem, as he did plenty of research before moving in.

I learned JaMarcus won’t become a “Morehouse Man” until he graduates. “I can’t tell you what it means to be a ‘Morehouse Man’ because I am not one yet,” JaMarcus said. “I am a ‘Man of Morehouse.’ Being a ‘Man of Morehouse’ means representing yourself very well and holding yourself to high standards. We don’t settle, and we don’t give up. As a ‘Man of Morehouse’, it is our mission to become active, ethical leaders in our communities while uplifting the people around us.”

JaMarcus gives BRYC a lot of credit for his personal development despite joining in 2017 at the beginning of his senior year, later in high school than most Fellows do. That year his schedule allowed him to be fully committed to the program’s heavy demands. He said BRYC gave him a space where he could learn to be himself at all times, which came in handy when he learned he would not be progressing as a fnalist for the Gates Scholarship. When he found out he would not advance, his frst reaction was sadness, of course, but he later realized God had better things in store for him and that it was not the end of the world. With the BRYC Team and Fellows there to comfort him, he kept pushing forward, remembering setbacks are necessary parts of pursuing greatness.

Jermaine and Jada are the next Spearses to be Fellows, joining an organization whose value JaMarcus very much believes in. “It is very important for students to begin to get invested in programs like BRYC because that investment is an investment in your life. BRYC is here for our betterment, not just academically but physically and mentally as well. The amount of resources that BRYC offers is needed in the world today for our youth.”

BRYC has made such a strong impression on JaMarcus that he wants to launch a similar initiative one day. It’s no surprise he is one of our most engaged College Fellows, a special person I expect will accomplish big things in the future.

You never know what someone has overcome. That’s an understatement for College Fellow Garrinecia Singleton, who suffered an abusive childhood at the hands of a family member. Instead of derailing her, her challenging experience drives her to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and support defenseless adolescents while spreading awareness of predatory behavior. She’s on her way. Garrinecia graduated from Scotlandville Magnet High School in May 2018 and now attends a top liberal arts school, Rhodes College, in Memphis, Tenn. on a scholarship worth more than $250,000.

Garrinecia was part of BRYC’s frst class of four-year Fellows. While achieving near-perfect grades in high school, she was active in BRYC and other activities, like track, Youth Leadership Council, and Robotics Club. For her courage and perseverance in the face of sexual violence, she was named a 2018 Louisiana Public Broadcasting “Young Hero,” and for her academic excellence, she was named a Gates Scholarship fnalist — meaning that, of an applicant pool of tens of thousands, she was among 600 fnal candidates.

Her persistence is something to marvel at. In the face of a deeply traumatic experience, Garrinecia survived and much more. She remained driven to attend college so she could fulfll her long-term goal of supporting other vulnerable youth. Though extremely diffcult, she channeled her energy into school, sports, and telling her story through beautiful, heartfelt college essays that moved the Rhodes’ admissions team. I know they inspired me.

For anyone going through any type of trauma who is afraid to speak up, find that one person in this world who you trust more than anyone, no matter who it is. As a victim, I know it’s not easy to just come out and say it, but having that one person you could go to for anything will be your main anchor for everything. For those who feel they do not have that connection with anyone — write. Writing will help you register and release some of those confusing emotions you may be feeling. Know that you do not deserve to be going through anything you may be facing no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

- Garrinecia Singleton

By: Ashlei Smith, Class of 2020

Garrinecia credits BRYC with helping to keep her motivated during the toughest times, but the credit is really hers.

Garrinecia says her experience at Rhodes so far has been amazing. While adjusting to new people and cuisines, she’s staying opened-minded about all college has to offer, in and outside the classroom. She’s also taking care of herself. Garrinecia sees a counselor on campus weekly, attends group sessions, and has been catching up on all the sleep she missed during high school. Her career aspiration remains supporting sexual assault survivors, both through counseling and educating young people on healthy relationships. To that end, she is majoring in psychology and intends to volunteer in the community at organizations focused on reproductive rights, like Sister Reach and Planned Parenthood.

There was a time Garrinecia dreamed of becoming an aerospace engineer but later realized she felt no passion toward it. Now she’s driven by a greater purpose, to leverage her experience and education in service of others. There were many times she wanted to give up, but her longterm vision wouldn’t let her. She urges Fellows to operate with the same tenacity and take advantage of all BRYC provides, especially its supportive community. “BRYC’s loving environment never hesitated to be honest with me and push me to try new things,” Garrinecia said. Speaking as a Fellow, Garrinecia pushes me, and I can’t wait to see all she achieves.