Since Richmond Promise was established in 2016, a number of RP Scholars have chosen to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in pursuit of their postsecondary degree.

Several of those Scholars have chosen to continue their education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Ranked as one of the nation’s top HBCUs by every higher education ranking service, Howard was founded in 1867 and remains one of America’s foremost research institutions.

In honor of Black History Month, Richmond Promise is proud to introduce one RP Scholar who has found a home at Howard. Jaszwan Veal is a graduate of El Cerrito High and a current senior at Howard, and after spending the summer of 2023 as a Summer Associate at Richmond Promise, she returned to Washington to continue working towards a degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology.

Richmond Promise staff caught up with Jaszwan to ask about her experience at Howard, why she chose to attend an HBCU, and how her time in college has shaped her perspective moving forward.

Q: What attracted you to attend an HBCU and pursue college across the country?

A: My decision to attend an HBCU was largely influenced by my desire to connect with my black culture beyond the surface level of my appearances. Howard University is often referred to as “The Mecca” because it is a beacon for African American students of all backgrounds, who not only share common interests, but also have a desire to shape a brighter future when it comes to expanding educational and professional development opportunities for minority groups. As a young black woman, the transition from being the overlooked and underestimated minority within my academic spaces to being surrounded by peers and mentors that fuel my ambitions and look like me, was empowering. My HBCU is my safe space where each student is free to express their character, creativity, and explore new ventures as it pertains to our personal lives and career pathways. When you bring all of us together, we build greatness!

Q: What do you feel is unique about attending an HBCU? Do you feel there are parts of your college experience that maybe you wouldn’t have gotten at other institutions?

A: In my opinion, the HBCU experience is one often imitated but is something that can never truly be replicated. HBCUs were the first institutions to open the doors to professional careers for black and brown students. They offer a supportive environment where students can receive a quality education but they have also spearheaded movements that stand monumental within black culture. From our roles as activists advocating for racial equality, gender equality, and civil rights from the 1950s until present day; to the immersion of black repertoire in marching band culture which redefined the standard of band music in America and is now showcased on national stages (such as the Super Bowl); or our scientific and literary contributions that created an equitable platform for our research initiatives and respected findings in the media’s spotlight. I do not believe that I would have gotten this same experience at a predominantly white institution, and even within HBCU culture, our experiences vary between institutions so my time at Howard University is uniquely authentic to me.

Q: HBCUs occupy an important part of American history, and Howard in particular is referred to as one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Do you carry a sense of pride in attending such a prestigious institution? If so, what makes you most proud?

A: The City of Richmond’s motto is “The City of Pride and Purpose”, at Howard University our motto is “In Truth and Service”. My self-proclaimed job when I first came to the university was to represent Richmond in its most positive light. With my time at Howard coming to a close, I can confidently say that I have done so by continuing to model grace and resilience in the face of adversity, becoming a leader not only on campus but in the city and utilizing my network to take Howard’s resources beyond the confinement of Washington and the United States as a whole, as well as investing my time and mentorship to the next generation of bright young leaders. Each day that I am here fulfilling my position as a global citizen and role model to others I am overjoyed with pride.

Q: February is celebrated as Black History Month every year, but as someone who attends an HBCU and has that history represent a part of your daily studies, are there ways that you feel like we can/should carry that celebration & recognition past just one month on the calendar?

A: The first time that I realized the significance of black spaces at predominantly white institutions versus the existence of spaces that are generally black (HBCUs) was a few months ago. A family friend was inquiring about my graduation ceremony and asked me “So when is your Black Student Union graduation?”At that moment, it occurred to both of us that because the space I operate in is predominantly black, we represent our blackness on a daily basis and there isn’t a need for a graduation just for black students. I think that we as a society have grown so accustomed to acknowledging the black population as a formality that we don’t truly value its presence beyond the quota. We see every year how big corporations and brands will promote the celebration and acknowledgement of black culture but it always lacks appreciation. While we do deserve our month of recognition, we should feel seen and appreciated every month because we are more than just a quota. To do this I believe that we should start to normalize talking about black history and culture outside of February. We should discuss important historical figures and dates in regular conversations, teach our kids that we are valued even when the majority does not see it, celebrate our heritage on any given day just because we can, and celebrate our accomplishments even if we don’t think there is a “reason” to because for far too long our accolades have been diminished. We need to dismantle the idea that outside of Black History Month we merely exist. Every day we are not only striving to new heights but we thrive on the strength of those who came before us and fought for our equality when they knew that the odds were stacked against us. They did not fight for a month of rights and we do not exist for a month of empty gestures, we matter all year around!

Q: Finally, I’d like to give you space to share why other Richmond students should consider HBCUs as an option for their own college experience. For some, I’m sure it feels so far away, but as someone who has made that leap, what would you tell a student from your hometown to let them know that an institution like Howard is a good option for them?

A: I want more students from Richmond to consider attending an HBCU because it gives you the opportunity to see new places and meet new people who want to help you succeed for the rest of your life. As HBCU students we stand as a united front, you will automatically feel the camaraderie of your peers at your institution but you will also build connections with other students who attend historically black colleges and institutions. I think that part of the reason students in Richmond don’t leave the state for college is because they don’t want to leave their support system or the current network of friends that they have. But, I promise, home will always be there, and by taking the first step towards preparing for your future you are also inspiring those around you to do the same. You are sparking new ambitions and ideas in your peers by showing them that they have other options besides staying within their comfort zone. You will find friends at your school who will help support you along the way, you won’t be alone at your new home away from home! Additionally, HBCU’s want YOU! Our schools were created on the premise of catering to us as students and they will work with you to give you the optimal education and professional opportunities while you are in school and post graduation. If you’re worried about the cost, there are so many scholarships available for black students and for black students who specifically attend an HBCU. There is a huge pool of support readily available to assist you with transitioning into college and to make sure that you stay afloat once you’re here. Even if you don’t decide to go to a historically black college, take the time to explore the option, you never know what doorways you might open! (: