To honor and celebrate the importance of historically black colleges & universities, Germanna hosted its HBCU Celebration Week September 11-14. The week consisted of various events, including a HBCU Spotlight Dinner, a HBCU Showcase and Transfer Fair, as well as a bus trip to Norfolk State University. These events gave the Germanna community insight into the rich history of HBCUs and allowed them to learn more about the HBCU experience.
HBCUs have played a major role in the African American community since they were established, as they served as the only places where African Americans could receive a quality education before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today, HBCUs are still an important part of Black culture and continue to educate and open doors for all students, regardless of race.
HBCU Celebration Week kicked off on September 12 with the HBCU Spotlight Dinner and Panel, moderated by Dr. Shashuna Gray, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development. As an HBCU graduate herself, she facilitated a discussion between other local HBCU graduates as they discussed the culture at each of their respective universities and answered audience questions.
The HBCU Showcase and Transfer Fair was held on the Fredericksburg Area Campus on September 13, giving students an inside look into their different HBCU transfer options. There were representatives from schools including Bowie State University, Virginia Union University, and Delaware State University, as well representation from black organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
To round out the week, Norfolk State University invited Germanna students and Early College students to tour the campus and learn more about the institution on September 14. Attendees had the opportunity to speak with current NSU students and explore the university’s offerings.