Historically Black colleges and University’s were established years ago to serve the black community in a positive way. The principles and values that HBCU’s were found upon are now being questioned because of the behaviors of black people. As I look around the campus and observe the actions of my colleagues I feel completely disappointed. I’m disappointed because stereotypes exist about HBCUs such as blacks do not perform well at school, or black schools party and engage in all activities except studying. The comments that I hear from different races and ethnic groups are starting to persuade me to believe that maybe the African American race is truly living out these stereotypes. Regularly I see young men standing outside of their dorms and living areas at late hours of the night smoking, or talking about which girl they want to go home with. Females are the main targets on campus for men to talk about. This is due to the fact that men mainly concern themselves with how many numbers they can get in a week. They have forgotten that education is the key to success. Women on the other hand, are dressing like strippers and show so much skin that they are putting themselves out like bait in order to reel in men. During my years here at North Carolina A&T I noticed many people using derogatory words towards women or other people in general. More and more issues arise because of the lack of dedication towards studying, staying focused, reaching out to mentors and teachers for help, and simply the lack of concern about one’s future. If someone were to ask me what is the biggest problem for our race, I would say the lack of self-respect and motivation. This mindset of laziness and disrespect towards society needs to be chopped up and thrown away. Leaders need to step-up and here at school is where this should begin.People need to change themselves in order for change to happen in the world. There are a lot of people waiting to see historically black colleges and universities fail because of prejudices, stereotypes, and plain hatred. When we as a people rise above their ignorance rather than fulfilling the assumptions made by people we can grow stronger as a people and achieve much more collectively. As Malcolm X stated “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Our youth should take in this quote and live by it. Blacks are capable of many things we invented the air conditioning unit, the cellular phone, the almanac and many more great inventions.African Americans are letting others make assumptions and comments about what we do and who we are. Blacks, on the other hand as a race are proving support for these sterotypes by dressing inappropriate and acting passively towards education. Education is powerful and should not be taken lightly. To help eliminate the stereotypes that are said to us, and about us, men should stop talking to one another using foul language and disrespecting women. And women should dress with confidence and respect their bodies by not showing so much skin because it is definitely sending the wrong message towards men and other women. All students should take learning in and outside of the classroom serious. Go to the library, and be curious about wanting to learn more for your major.I hope that in the near future our graduation rate increases and blacks come together as one to rule out these stereotypes and prejudices made about us. Stop proving outsiders with fuel for stereotypes that they may have towards our race. Step up and be the HBCU students that we once were when the institute was created.

• Tenai Staley