I can remember vidily the day when I moved into my HBCU dorm at Voorhees College and the sadness my mom felt becuase she was becoming an empty nester. She assisted me with moving my things into my dorm and ensured I had everything I could think of and needed before she departed; just like all HBCU moms do. She checked on me daily, oftentimes twice a day, becuase the change was somehting new for the both of us. However, my start as a HBCU student is what also turned my mom into a proud HBCU Mom.
Like many HBCU Moms, memories andexpereinces comes along with this territory. Therefore, with Mother’s Day appoaching quickly, we are sharing 5 HBCU Mom Memories.
HBCU Mom: Tomesa Durant
HBCU Student: Decobie Durant; South Carolina State University
Q. Describe your fondest and most memeorable experiences of being a HBCU Mom.
- My son is an active member of the SCSU football team and I truly enjoy attending and supporting him during his athletic journey. Not only was he active in football, he did well academically. So many times I would travel to Orangeburg, SC for his pinning ceremony for academics and football games. These were the fondest experiences for me as a HBCU Mom but my most memorable experience would definitely be his graduation . Even though it was a bittersweet moment because of the challanges of the pandemic, I was super proud of him. Cobie always talked about doing many great things and watching this moment virtual was like a dream come true for the both of us.
Q. How did you adapt when your child left to attend their HBCU?
- Initially, I was overwhelmed with sadness and joy and of couse as time went on I became comfortable with the situation. My son showed me that he truly loved the college experience and everything SCSU has to offer so I becamed more comfortable with him leaving the nest. Despite him being a few hours away we continued the daily conversations. I was not able to physically see him in my presence so we had to rely on facetime calls and text messages. I have never been more grateful for facetime than this specific lifestyle change. It was hard to adapt to, but once I began to see him getting more acclimated to the school adapitliaty came naturally to me.
Q. What tip would you give to an HBCU Mom?
- I would tell every HBCU mom to support your child to the fullest. Never miss out on the moments that would prevent you from having a memory.
HBCU Mom: ShantaQuilette Carter
HBCU Student: Sanaa Williams; Xavier University of Louisiana
Nyaira Harris-Williams; Dillard University
Q. What were your fondest memories of being a HBCU Mom?
- The day we travelled down to New Orleans University moved her into her Dorm at Dillard University. I was so excited to see her walk into her purpose. Myself I always wanted to attend a HBCU, I guess I was living vicariously through her. Now, I have my youngest daughter headed to an HBCU as well.
Q. How did you adapt when your child left to attend their HBCU?
- The first three days, I cried because she was my first born and I could see her becoming an adult quickly. I had such mixed emotions about it. I am so proud of her and all the accomplishments, and she received a wonderful scholarship and will be able to attend a small, private school with very little of my money.
Q. Describe your experince as a HBCU Mom.
- How do you keep from clinging on to them and saying, “Don’t leave! You still need me!” How do you tell her all that you hope and wish for her as she walks into that dorm, out of your house, and so far from your home? It was memorable and I won’t forget it. It was upsetting that she didn’t get a traditional commencement due to Covid 19.
HBCU Mom: Marsha Barnes
HBCU Student: Travis Barnes; Clafin Univeristy
Q. What were your fondest memories of being a HBCU Mom?
- As a Mom of one, it was very hard to witness my Son transitioning from high school to college (although close, he was still out of state). My fondest memories was watching him embrace the journey at his HBCU. I’ll never forget the Sunday parting ceremony. I was a ball of tears, and he was a bit nervous and really excited. Most memorable was watching him thrive year over year academically, becoming part of organizations that were committed to serving the greater good, and simply being a witness to his personal and professional growth. It still makes me tear up thinking about it.
Q. How did you adapt when you became an empty nester?
- I’m still adapting YEARS later. Travis is a huge part of our lives even at his current age. It was a challenge finding my balance. I went from being the Mom that checked to make sure his homework and projects were complete, to the Mom that I had to figure out the best window of times to check in at college. In full transparency, I am still adapting. Send help!
Q. Describe your overall experience as a HBCU mom?
- When Travis left home, my emotions were all over the place. Who would watch him at campus? How did I know that he would get along well with his roommate? Will he wake up on time for class? My questions were endless. As I became more acquainted with the staff at his HBCU, my concerns began to subside. I knew that God was watching over him, his ancestors, and an entire campus of trusted individuals that were there to support him. The energy on campus when we would visit, his awards ceremony, his fraternity crossing, and even the moments that were heart wrenching have all been a part of our growth as his parents and most certainly for our kid.
HBCU Mom: Crystal Carter
HBCU Student: Carmen Carter
Q. What are your fondest memories of being a HBCU mom?
- My daughter Carmen Carter graduates in 2023 from Tennessee State University and as a first year student at TSU, I have a few fond memories I would like to share. One was packing up that Nissan Armada with no room to spare to move into her dorm. That was eventful. I would also like to mention attending Homecoming weekend and the athletics game with her was the best. We had a great time! Lastly, hearing about how well she was doing with her studies and making the Dean’s List her very first year is an achievement I will always brag about.
Q. How did you adapt when your child left to attend their HBCU?
- To be honest, I was more worried about me than her. Carmen has always been really responsible and I know the values and morals I instilled in her. I think for any parent you have to get used to them being out of the house. They have been with you their entire lives. Your children are your life and they are a big part of you. It is very hard to let go at first. I just had to stay prayerful.
Q. What advice would you give to an HBCU mom?
- My advice for new parents of an HBCU student is to always ask questions and never assume an answer. Don’t be afraid to ask for grants and scholarships. They have money available, but you have to ask! Also, apply for any outside scholarships or grants that you can; especially those that are renewable.
Mom Name: Nichelle Jamison
Students Name: Diamond Jamison & Cherisse Jamison
Q. What were your fondest memories of being a HBCU mom?
- Now it gives me great pleasure to tell everyone the joy it gave me to have two daughters that graduated from my alumni. But my fondest memory will always be the day my youngest daughter was crown Miss. Homecoming for Voorhees College. Now our great grand aunt was Miss Homecoming 60 years ago, and my daughter brought the crown back home. To be honest at first I didn’t want her to run, but other family members were saying why not. So she did. I watch a shy, humble, well mannered young lady blossom into an elegant, outspoken, courageous young llady ready for the world. I’m more than proud of my two daughters. I only pray for greatness in the years to come. Being the mother of two graduates of a HBCU, yes “for we love our dear old Voorhees, the White and the True Blue”
As you can see these HBCU Moms have a plethora of memories and experiences being HBCU Moms. Specifically for Mother’s Day we want to say thank you to these moms and other HBCU Moms around the world. Happy Mother’s Day! If you are an HBCU Mom tag us on social media @blacksoutherbelle or hashtag us #blacksouthernbelle.
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