My Parents Were Hesitant When I Didn't Choose An HBCU | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Race

My Parents Were Hesitant When I Chose The University Of Tennessee Instead Of An HBCU, But I Belong Here

Go Vols... or whatever....

269
My Parents Were Hesitant When I Chose The University Of Tennessee Instead Of An HBCU, But I Belong Here

I remember the day when I announced to my family that I wasn't considering the family alma mater. My family, proud Tennessee State alums, were confused but not surprised when I told them their alma mater was nowhere near on my list for college. It was fall break of my senior year in college and when I showed my mother my short list, she noticed something was off.

"There's not many HBCUs on here."

Oh damn, she was right.

For some reasons I didn't consider any, in fact, I completely forgot about them. My sights were set on a small liberal arts college in Jackson, Mississippi. It was perfect, despite it being small as all get out, I loved it, but my wallet didn't. I was eyeing several liberal arts schools and of course a few state schools, mainly in the South. I was OK with going out of state but not too far, considering I didn't know how to drive (still don't, I know pathetic) but also did not want to stay home. I'm talking I refused to stay home.

So, I began my search a little late in the game. I didn't actually start looking for colleges until August of senior year (fight me, I was worried about other things, like making sure I made it out of my high school alive and making sure my mental health was somewhat intact).

I had never visited the University of Tennessee ever, I had never been to Knoxville. I had no reason to, until now.

My very first encounter with UT was interesting. It was a random spring weekend during my junior year of high school. My parents got lost while trying to find parking and they proceeded to groan as usual. Once we finally got through that, we reached the rec center where the open house was meeting. My parents noticed something. Out of all the families huddled in the rec center, only 10 were Black. Ten. My parents pushed past this and let me have my moment. I loved the campus and I fell in love with the possibility of working in student media, theatre programs and more.

We were sitting in our hotel room, reflecting on the day and my dad finally spoke up.

"Why here of all places?"

I was thrown off. I liked UT and I thought they did too. They were smiling and listening to the over-eager tour guides with the same enthusiasm as the other families. "Because I like it," I bluntly replied.

After that open house, I continued my college search and as the senior year was winding down, UT was slowly creeping up to the top of my list. I didn't really understand what was the issue my parents had with UT until fall break of senior year. Until we sat down and finally talked. They were scared I was going to lose my identity, the identity I had worked so hard on accepting and loving. They were worried I would whitewash myself in order to succeed and that I would potentially become a target.

It was wild, hearing that from my mother and father. My father, who remembers the day when Martin Luther King Junior died in Memphis, was saying this to me. My father, who remembers my grandmother catching the bus and working as a maid and then a seamstress. He had good reason to be scared.

Hell, if I was him I would be scared for my child.

We tend to think that the Civil Rights Movement is some distant event that we learn about in American History class, not realizing that people lived it and are still alive to tell us about it. My parents didn't want me to live what they lived and hear what they heard.

They wanted me safe and happy. So I chose the University of Tennessee knowing some people, didn't care to see me on campus and I was okay with that. I am happily on this campus, on my scholarships, having fun with my friends, and making good grades. I chose UT because they had what I wanted and I felt happy here, plus I look amazing in orange chile. I thank my parents for seeing what I didn't see at the time and trying to shield me from the worst.

Thank you, mama and dad, I will be just fine. I chose UT and UT chose me. No bigot, racist, or otherwise can stop me from what you've prepared me for.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190425
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15026
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457948
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26687
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments