The Huron College and Career Center will be hosting the first annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Breakfast on May 7, from 9-11 a.m.  

For the past few months, college and career advisor Emily Herzog and principal Ché Carter have been working together to organize the event, with the goal of spreading awareness of the diverse opportunities available to students and helping students form connections. 

“We could have done it over Zoom, and we could have brought in admissions representatives, but instead what we’re doing is bringing in community members who are alumni of HBCUs so that students can hear about it from people in our own community face to face,” Herzog said. 

The event will also include a presentation from Washtenaw Community College about their HBCU pathway program and HBCU alumni sharing their experiences. 

“To hear it firsthand from alumni and from people in your own community is ideal because you can always follow up with them afterward,” Herzog said. “We’re hoping people build connections, so not only are we getting information, but we’re hopefully building a network or a team of supporters for our students and families.”

According to Herzog, despite the assumptions that may be conceived by its name, HBCUs are not just for black students. 

“In reality, non-black students actually make up almost a quarter of enrollment at HBCUs,” Herzog said. “We encourage everyone to attend if they are interested in learning more about like what HBCUs are and the overall HBCU experience. You don’t have to identify as Black or African-American to attend. We really do want everyone to consider attending if it’s something that you’re interested in.”