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I chose to attend an HBCU for the culture and for the unique experience that I couldn’t get at another college. I knew that coming to an HBCU would help me to come out of my shell and find out things about myself that I could only discover at an HBCU. At Talladega College, I learned that I am a leader and an outstanding public speaker. I discovered that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined. At Talladega, I have the unique and special opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with faculty, staff and administrators who constantly encourage me to thrive. This opportunity is not given to me because of who I am, but because of the college I chose to attend. The environment is helping me reach my full potential.

Before I came to Talladega College, the president of the college, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins, called me on the phone and encouraged me to come. This type of experience is almost unheard of at most institutions, yet it happens at HBCUs. Two of my cousins are graduates of Talladega College. so I knew before I arrived on campus that I would be surrounded by administrators, faculty and staff who had a vested interest in my success. What I found at Talladega College is that, when I win, everyone cheers for me. When things don’t go well, they surround me, comfort me and motivate me to get back up, dust myself off and soar. I am surrounded by people who want me to be the very best version of myself.

Last fall, my grandmother had a stroke and was diagnosed with dementia. Staff members let me know that they were there to support me and wanted to make sure that I was OK. I didn’t have to reach out to them. They reached out to me. I feel as though by being here, at Talladega College, I am a part of an extended family that cares sincerely and deeply about me, and wants to see me excel in every aspect of my life. I also feel that I am helping to keep history alive by attending an HBCU.

While there are many personal benefits to being at an HBCU, it’s important for people to understand how HBCUs impact our entire nation. HBCUs award 17% of African American baccalaureate degrees and produce over 80% of African American doctors and dentists practicing in the United States. In addition, the total economic impact of HBCU spending in the United States is about $15 billion annually.

Unfortunately, HBCUs are underfunded and many struggle to survive. Taking away a significant source of funding will cripple our institutions and deter students from coming. This is detrimental to our entire nation.

Because of proper funding, I was awarded the opportunity to receive scholarships that I didn’t need to apply for. I was able to travel with the choir and attend conferences and other events that helped shape me into the person I am today and prepare me for graduate school and beyond. I want other students to have the opportunities I had. Unfortunately, while many deserving students can get into an institution of higher education, without adequate funding they won’t be able to remain in college and graduate.

At the end of September, Congress allowed funding for HBCUs and all other minority-serving institutions to expire. That funding — $255 million every year — makes up nearly half of all federal funding that HBCUs receive. Senator Doug Jones has introduced legislation to renew this funding and it has received bipartisan support, but unfortunately, certain politicians are blocking the bill from getting a vote. Because of the FUTURE Act, many students who might otherwise have been a product of their environment will have an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives. The House has already passed the FUTURE Act unanimously. It’s time for the Senate to act, too. We need a vote on the FUTURE Act to protect our HBCUs and make sure that future students can continue to benefit from the outstanding education and experiences these historic institutions provide.

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Amani Myers is a senior accounting major at Talladega College.

Amani Myers

Writing since November 2019 · 1 story contributed