NeoSoulBrotha wrote:

I think that although many Whites are not as familiar with HBCU's, those who have visited one or come into contact with graduates are almost always impressed. Considering that the academic and social environment at HBCU's are almost always very different than PWI's. While many PWI's focus on providing a comfortable student atmosphere, most HBCU's are focused strictly on academics. That is why there is generally a more disciplined and serious atmosphere at HBCU campuses as opposed to elsewhere, where the student body is more concerned with tapping the keg than going to class. We can hold it down at the club, but the classroom always comes first. I don't think that the colleague that you were speaking with was trying to be demeaning toward HBCU's, but rather recognizing that you are an alumni of one of the more well-known schools. Similar to comparing Michigan or MIT against, lets say Towson. If I told an employer I had a degree in computer science from MIT, they would probably make a similar comment, not saying that Towson is an inferior school. Unfortunately, most people don't always get an inside look at HBCU's, and those that do usually are best informed about the Big Five (Howard, Hampton, Morehouse, Spelman, and FAMU or Clark). There are equally great things going on at Virginia Union, Norfolk State, Savannah State, and lots of other schools that don't get the same kinds of publicity or attention. We have to continue to represent our institutions well and command respect. Holla!