Phew, I have not been on Tumblr in so damn long y’all. I thought the end of my short lived life on here was back in 2017, but now I know I need to find a community for my endeavors in life and to build up my activity in the areas of my interests/pursuits!
This blog is just gonna be about me, my life, my writing, and my practice in Hoodoo. I’d love to make some friends though!
My bio will tell you most of my identities and the gist of my life, but I can’t wait to start sharing my journey to begin an author and my progression into practicing Hoodoo now that I’ve been soaking up knowledge and communing with those older than me for two years now. Feel free to talk to me cause I wasn’t on tumblr last time long enough to understand how it works completely lmfao. That’s it from me, see yall!
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Your PWI is not an HBCU ... & That's Okay
It’s an age-old debate, PWI vs. HBCU.
For reference:
PWI = Predominantly White Institution
HBCU = Historically Black Colleges & Universities
This discussion has sparked so much tension across every social media platform from Twitter to TikTok. Seeing Black students at PWIs refer to their schools as “basically HBCUs” because of surface-level observations, like parties or them having a higher Black enrollment on their campus. Adversely, seeing Black students at HBCUs degrade PWI students for their decision is equally damaging. We hurt each other so much by trying to prove a point — there is ignorance on both sides. All schools have highs and lows, but our struggles from this argument are in different fonts. Serif & Script to be exact.
Let me tell you something, the HBCU experience is more than what could ever be shown through a screen. It’s an experience of highs and lows, yes and no’s, but it is definitely more than the outside eye can simply observe. That’s why it’s disturbing to see the comparisons as most of them are simply surface level & elementary. Rarely do y’all mention how HBCUs produce the top Black doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. Rarely do you mention the alumni connection & help with networking. Rarely do you mention the general comradery we gain going through whatever B.S. administration puts us through that week. Y’all simply mention the parties. (We do be lit though.)
But as much as I love my HBCU, we still have our faults. (Trust me.)
There are some structural hurdles (housing, financial aid, staffing, etc.) that I go through at my HBCU that I know is unheard of at PWI’s, but I chose my battle after high school.
Personally, I’ve had my share of a PWI experience in my majority white K-12 school experience I had in adolescence. (A stage I recommend everybody skip.) It was from that experience that I decided I’d rather fight the HBCU battle, and I’ve been a frontline soldier ever since.
So, to the Black PWI students, I know the battles you face on your campus are momentous as well. I remember the race debates, the feelings of outcast, and forcing your way in a school that wasn’t made for you. I especially applaud you in navigating that environment as we all grow into adulthood, but comparing your PWI to my HBCU is not the answer. Your battles are in a different category, but still valid nonetheless.
The problem comes when you compare my battles to your battles. This does nothing except create an unnecessary third battle… Black PWI vs. HBCU.
Ain’t that some exhausting sh*t.
A self-induced battle for Black college students, like we all aren’t fighting personal, social, and institutional attacks as it is now. Hell, we all know the ongoing battles Black people face in the world. The last thing Black students need is another battle. There are so many needs to organize Black students period, regardless of the institution. The common goal is higher education, something we can all be proud of.
We collectively beat statistics, just attending college. Why not use these platforms for a common goal?
Personally, I’ve started these discussions around organizing with some of my PWI friends, and we have a couple ideas. I recommend you do the same!
Your PWI will never be my HBCU… and that’s okay. It was never meant to be. My institution was forced through burdensome situations, much like the inaugural Black students of your institutions were. Our battles are different, but still valid.
Let’s help each other, and stop looking for reasons to polarize.
a blog from grace
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