The annual event gave students and their parents a chance to connect with representatives from historically Black colleges and universities from across the country.
AUSTIN, Texas — This Valentine’s Day, some Central Texas students had the chance to fall in love with their future college.
The George Washington Carver Museum in East Austin hosted its annual HBCU Day, welcoming students and families to connect with representatives from historically Black colleges and universities across the country.
Attendees met with admissions teams from Texas schools like Huston-Tillotson University in Austin and Texas Southern University in Houston, plus other HBCUs from around the country.
The free event also featured panel discussions, financial aid information and hands-on help with the college application process.
Musician and author SaulPaul served as the keynote speaker.
“Allowing students to have the opportunity to be connected to some of the schools that are extremely illustrious, like Howard, your Dillards, your Jackson States, and also giving our students in our community an opportunity to be able to have the resources that they need when they want to pursue higher education, higher learning,” said Jazmyn Patterson, culture and arts education specialist with the Carver Museum.
When asked about his message to students, SaulPaul said education is foundational.
“We’re all born on purpose with a purpose. Education is key. In life you might do many things, but regardless, education will be the foundation. And the choice you make once you graduate high school — what school you go to, where you live, how you approach life — that’s a very important decision,” he said.
Patterson said HBCUs offer more than just academics.
“Knowing that you have professors, knowing that you have staff who look like you, representation, having just a culture, being submersed in African American culture in your collegiate experience is such a privilege. And it’s such a joy to be able to do if you have the opportunity to,” she said.
Saturday’s event is part of the museum’s ongoing Black History Month programming, highlighting the legacy and continued impact of historically Black colleges and universities.
SaulPaul said the celebration carries deeper meaning.
“With the culture, the climate, with so many things going on currently, so many things that my ancestors before I was even born had to overcome so that I and these other young people can have these opportunities, this is a very special day and I’m excited to play a part,” he said.
For more information on the Carver Museum’s Black History Month events, click here.