Johnetra is an HBCU Belle who simultaneously fell in love with Dillard University and the man of her dreams. Meeting Jerome on the first day of class, she never expected he would one day become her husband or that Dillard would have such an impact on her life. This BSB who currently lives in Houston gives us an inside scoop on this charming New Orleans HBCU and how it is transforming the minds and hearts of southern belles like herself everyday.
The Oaks
Dillard is one of the most beautiful and picturesque campuses on the planet. The spirit of the school takes you in as you walk on The Oaks. There is so much southern charm and rich history along the Rosa Freeman Keller Avenue of the Oaks. You can relax your mind and imagine your future when sitting on the benches.
Family
Dillard University is so family oriented and tight knit. When we visit campus, everybody speaks to us. The cafeteria ladies still know our orders (shout out to red beans and rice Mondays!). Students and administrators welcome us with huge hugs and smiles. They love us and we love them. Visiting New Orleans and Dillard is as much of a requirement in our lives as visiting family back home.
Location
Who can beat going to college in New Orleans? The school is located just far enough from the city for you to focus on getting schoolwork done but still close enough to escape to the beautiful quarters of the city at any given moment. I appreciate the beauty of the campus. Being in a hub like New Orleans, well known speakers and visitors always come to campus and to the city.
Campus Individuality
Dillard stands alone with many rich traditions. The rich campus history is rooted in New Orleans and Black history. Because of Dillard’s small size and uniqueness, you can make your experience what you want it to be. That’s what we did. That’s how we met each other and that’s how Dillard changed our lives.
Memories
We’ve developed so many memories and relationships. With a campus that small you’re going to get to know everyone and those relationships have lasted a lifetime. We were also Mister and Miss Dillard University. How cool is that? The memory we cherish the most is meeting each other on the first day of class. Our love story was birthed on this campus and we cherish every memory of it.
Vendors:
Photographer: 63 Films @63films
Stylist: Yashid Joseph @shids_closet
Locations: Dillard University and Louisiana Music Factory on the historic Frenchman Street New Orleans, Louisiana
Bride: Johnetra Trotter
Occupation: Makeup Artist
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Current City: Houston,TX
Groom: Jerome Bailey
Occupation: Multimedia Journalist
Hometown & Current City: Houston, TX
FULL GALLERY
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
My husband and I are also Dillard Alumni and we share a similar story as we fell in love at Dillard as well. We have been together 30 years and just celebrated out 25th Wedding Anniversary. Our eldest child currently attends Dillard. Would love to share our story.
DU Class of 1988 (Trina) and 1989 (Brian)