I was probably destined to go to a women’s college. My mother attended Hunter College in New York when it was a women’s college. (It’s now fully co-ed).
A cousin I admire greatly graduated from Barnard College. She was one of the first Black women to fully integrate the college. As a dedicated alumna she continues to be recognized for her ongoing service with the Board of Trustees, alumnae association and much more.
My teachers at a Massachusetts elementary school often encouraged me to attend a seven sisters school when I grew up. One in particular kept saying I could go to Radcliffe College like she did. That became my target.
And then I moved down south
My target shifted to HBCUs once we moved to North Carolina. There are only two HBCUs dedicated to educating women; I chose Bennett College.
I love that a much younger cousin and I share Bennett College as our Alma Mater because it shows there is still very much a place for women’s colleges in the world today. In her I see how Bennett encouraged her volunteerism, leadership and interest in the world beyond US borders. It also supported her interests in community activism and social justice.
“True to thee while life shall last”
Bennett celebrated 150 years of sisterhood in 2023! I’m proud to be a part of that history, albeit a small one. While my Alma Mater is a lot different now than when I attended, I hope that it continues to be a unique gem for phenomenal Black women to learn and grow.
Pinkpodster Ponders 