Drop Us A Line….

The profound impact of HBCUs stretches far beyond education, creating generational bonds and cultural legacies that shape families for decades. This heartwarming conversation between Howard alumna Marlena Powell and her daughter Sinclair, who's heading to North Carolina Central University, beautifully illustrates how the HBCU experience ripples through time.
Sinclair's journey to NCCU wasn't just influenced by her mother's Howard connection but by witnessing the deep, decades-long friendships her parents maintained with fellow HBCU graduates. These relationships created an extended family of "play cousins" that showed Sinclair firsthand what makes the HBCU community special. Though Howard was naturally considered, Sinclair ultimately chose NCCU because it "felt like home" – a reminder that each student must find their own perfect fit.
As a jazz drummer who's studied since age eight, Sinclair's decision was particularly meaningful. Jazz, as her mother eloquently explained, is "a Black American art form that we created," making an HBCU the ideal environment for Sinclair to develop her craft under the guidance of Black professors who understand not just the music, but its cultural significance. For a young Black woman in jazz, having mentors who can help her understand her place within this rich artistic legacy offers something no other educational setting could match.
The conversation takes a heartwarming turn when Marlena shares profound advice for parents sending children to college: "We are not the pilot of the plane anymore... we're now the co-captain or the first mate." Her wisdom about allowing young adults space to make mistakes, solve problems, and discover their strength resonates deeply for any parent navigating this transition. As Marlena puts it, "If you're never making mistakes and we're always here to catch them, they'll never learn their strength."
Ready to support the next generation of HBCU students? Vote for our scholars before September 5th by texting or scanning the QR code shown during the program. Your vote helps these talented young people continue the powerful legacy of excellence at HBCUs across the country.

Support the show