Father’s Day, which is just a few days away, is a holiday for the paternal figures in our lives. Father’s are necessary in our lives because they make a difference to our upbringing, teach us lessons through action, and serve as a representation of who we will be like when we grow up. Oftentimes when many people think about fathers the bond between their Southern Belle or junior Southern Beau is what they are known for, which is what we want to feature today on Black Southern Belle.
Bonds between fathers and their children are significant because it is more than maternal instinct. Bonds between fathers and their children are impacted by similarities in schooling, sports, books, and much more. Specifically, we are featuring 4 HBCUs Fathers Daughter duos and their memories of the HBCU lifestyle.
HBCU Dad #1
Emmanuel Glaze is a 1996 HBCU graduate of Morris Brown College. He explains his experience was not like any other. As an individual who loved learning about our culture, seeing other African Americans strive to achieve their dreams and gaining a top notch education, Emmanuel made the best of his HBCU experience and even met his wife and lifelong friends at his HBCU.
Q: Describe your experience as an HBCU alumni and having a child to attend an HBCU?
Once my wife and I started having children one of my goals was to have my children attend an HBCU. My oldest daughter knew this and when it came down to choosing a school, her top 2 choices were HBCUs. When she chose Savannah State, I became one of the happiest people alive. She grew up around HBCU love and now she is experiencing HBCU love. I remember the 1st day I stepped on campus and the smile it gave me and I will always remember her 1st day at her HBCU and the smile it gave her.
Q: What advice would you give to Fathers who may have or will have a daughter or son attending an HBCU?
For any father who would have their child attend an HBCU know this: the love they receive will be abundant, the friends they connect with will be forever, and the education they receive will be top notch. You will not be disappointed!
Q: What was your fondest memory with your child regarding their HBCU experience?
My fondest memory with my child is when I went to her school and she sat in front of the sign of her school and took a picture. I get goosebumps thinking about it now. The sense of pride I felt at that moment was one that all parents should feel.
HBCU Dad #2
Alvin J. Green is a 1977 graduate of my alma mater, Voorhees College. Green enjoyed his time at the institution created by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright and was even more excited when his daughter Clarice Green graduated from the same HBCU in 2005. Below are two questions in which Green wanted to expand on for our Father’s Day HBCU Dad feature story.
Q:What advice did you give your daughter when she began to attend her HBCU?
The best advice I gave my daughter was that I reminded her that she was blessed to attend college, and for her to seize the opportunity.
Q: What was your fondest memory with your child regarding their HBCU experience?
My fondest memory and proudest moment was attending Clarice’s graduation in May 2005 and recognizing that she had: worked hard, applied herself, and graduated with honors. Witnessing her graduation was my fondest memory and proudest moment.
HBCU Dad #3
Jamie S. Jenkins is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University and an individual who enjoys everything track and field. He has been involved in sports his whole life, and was a XC (cross country) and track athlete in school, and continues to train and run road while also being a dedicated father.
Q: Describe your experience as an HBCU alumni and having a child to attend an HBCU?
My wife, Makeya and I attended Tennessee State University(TSU). Makeya for undergrad in Biology and was a scholarship track athlete. I attended TSU as a graduate student to earn my Doctor of Education Degree. Makeya also attended Meharry Medical College, earning her DDS degree. Having our daughter Jalyn attend Xavier University on a well-earned academic scholarship and running track and XC (cross-country) has been a real blessing. Seeing her blossom into a young professional at such an amazing school has already been an amazing experience. We are excited to see what the next 3 years will look like, post-COVID.
Q: What advice would you give to Fathers who may have or will have a daughter or son attending an HBCU?
The best advice I would give a dad is to stay connected, supportive, and involved. College is a great opportunity for your child to spread their wings, but they still need the guidance, advice, and visits from dad! I fly down to New Orleans several times a year to do just that.
Q: What was your fondest memory with your child regarding their HBCU experience?
This is her first year at Xavier, and a COVID year, but I have been able to visit her several times. The fondest memory to this point has been seeing her compete in XC and track. She was XC Conference Champ, and Conference champ in the 5K, 1500m, and 4x800m. Seeing her compete is always a joy. She also finished her first year with stellar grades, so I’m a proud and happy dad!
HBCU Dad #4
Michael Thomas is a second generation Grambling University graduate who has two daughters Anisa and Najma. Anisa attended Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and Najma attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Q. Describe your experience as an HBCU alumni and having a child to attend an HBCU?
As a second generation Grambling State University graduate, I couldn’t be more proud of my daughters attending HBCUs and flourishing because of the rich experience. Their choices were Spelman College & Hampton University. I’m sure that they both could do well at other PWI schools but it was tremendously important for them to be well grounded, supported, and never afraid to be BLACK! I’m so proud that they had the opportunity and the experience of seeing how diverse and how wide our culture is. They will have that knowledge and foundation for the rest of their lives and I hope that they will do the same for the next generation.
Q: What advice would you give to Fathers who may have or will have a daughter or son attending an HBCU?
My advice would be to find a school that fits your child’s personality and also one that can challenge them while being supportive. There are many schools to choose from but they all are systems that don’t treat them like a number. Also, if possible, move AWAY from home and grow! As a parent, be supportive and try to attend as many school events as you can.
Q: What was your fondest memory with your child regarding their HBCU experience?
My favorite experience was when my daughters expressed to me how grateful they were that I was their major HBCU advocate. “You will know when you know” is what I would tell them both growing up. My wife and I can’t tell you enough of how the show “A Different World” created a lasting impact on them.
These four HBCU Dads are individuals we enjoy sharing on Black SOuthern Belle and happy to feature for Father’s Day. We hope the fathers out there enjoy this weekend!
Happy Father’s Day!
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