New SAAS Trip ‘HBCU Experience’ Explores Black History & Culture in the US

Written By: Gena Wynkoop, Editorial Content Manager

Last spring, the inaugural “Historical Black College and Universities Experience” trip was announced by Director of Community Partnerships, Rick DuPree, who with other leaders, took a group of Upper School students on a college tour of a lifetime.

“In brainstorming with Mike Walden in the College Advising Office, we felt that for the growth of students of color at Seattle Academy Black students in particular, this would be a great experience to offer and help them learn about and experience the traditions, values, and reasons HBCUs were created,” said Rick.

Given our commitment to preparing students for both college and life, this educational trip truly embodies those values. For high school students aspiring to attend a four-year university, the trip offers a valuable experience–it allows them to explore cities and campuses through a historical, cultural and educational lens. The exploration process with peers is not only fun, but can help alleviate the stress and excitement of post-high school decisions.

The itinerary focused on college tours of HBCUs while also peppering in museum tours across the southern and eastern coasts of the United States. It was a comprehensive tour–busy, but informative.

From Seattle, the group flew to Baltimore and visited Morgan State University. Next, Washington D.C. to visit Howard University and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture.

“The National Museum of African American History & Culture” in D.C. was really impactful,” said Anderson Williams (Grade 11). “There is still so much of it I haven’t seen or fully grasped yet. I think my biggest takeaway was the slavery exhibit. It was powerful.”

From there, the group drove to Virginia and visited Hampton University and Norfolk State University. Then, they went to North and South Carolina (on the same day) where they visited Fayetteville State and Benedict College.

After that–ATL. The boys visited Morehouse College, where among others, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended, while the girls visited the historic campus of Spelman College. 

For Hazel Beaman (Grade 12), with the college application process impending, she approached the experience with a critical eye.

“I found it interesting to see how tight-knit the HBCU communities were compared to other schools I’ve visited. I felt like they really want to see their [students] succeed,” reflects Hazel. “They put a lot of emphasis on connections, internships and jobs.”

As a Black student, she observed the differences between HBCUs and PWIs (predominantly white institutions). 

[Read: Alumna and Current Faculty Alisha Agard Offers New Black History Elective]

“Those communities are just always going to be different. Where there are so many black people in one place, there’s diversity within the race. I enjoyed all the diversity within an HBCU, many different stories, and people from different countries. It felt like family,” said Hazel. 

“For myself, I haven’t necessarily been around Black people in terms of being in school. We of course have Black people here at Seattle Academy but we are definitely not the majority. I stopped to realize how cool it was to be around a bunch of people who share everything with you in terms of lifestyles, how you were raised and do certain things,” said Anderson.

It was also an excellent opportunity to have meaningful conversations with their fellow Black peers on the trip.

“I really enjoyed hanging out with all the Black kids I don’t normally get to hang out with at school. It was a bonding experience for all of us to be together for a week,” said Hazel. “There’s something different about going on college tours with kids your age rather than your parents. Listening to what your parents have to say about a school versus listening to other students' opinions [allows for new perspectives].”

Beyond the school tours, Rick and the other leaders felt it was essential to explore the historical sites that further delve into the way the HBCUs function in those environments.

“[One of my favorite aspects of the trip] was the time we spent at the museums and how each school welcomed our students and made them feel valued,” said Rick. “Our students saw women and men that looked like them in leadership positions running these universities. It was one of the most affirming experiences for all of us and made us feel proud as African Americans.” 

They also spent time at the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. One of the more compelling displays at the Center focused on the historic Brown vs. Board of Education where the Supreme Court ruled that separating children in public schools based on race was unconstitutional.

“It featured a video that ended with the following quote rendered by Chief Justice Warren that said, ‘To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as their status in the community that may affect their hearts and mind in a way unlikely to ever be undone,’” recalled Rick.

At the end of the day, as Black students, getting to explore these historic institutions lets them imagine themselves actually attending.

“I’m starting to prepare for college and trying to figure out places I would want to go and HBCUs seemed like an option I should explore more. I used this trip as a resource,” she said.

In the seven campuses visited, for Anderson, there was a clear winner. “There was just something about Howard,” smiled Anderson. “It felt good, it felt familiar. I loved how established and historical it felt.”

“Before I went on the trip I wasn’t as passionate about applying to HBCUs. After the trip, I thought that an HBCU was actually somewhere that I could genuinely see myself and would enjoy going,” said Hazel.

As for students interested in the trip for this school year, Anderson recommends they apply. “I would definitely recommend this trip to other students. Even if you aren’t interested in attending an HBCU, you should go just to experience a new place. You should at least go to the schools and you’ll probably walk away with something you didn’t have before.”

From Rick’s perspective, he enjoyed watching the students feel pride being in those environments. “They felt welcomed and a sense of pride seeing people who looked like them in charge. This trip opened their eyes to the value of HBCUs, and now they are seriously considering them as part of their college exploration,” he said.

“We want to make this an annual trip for our students because of how much it affirms their Blackness,” said Rick. “It instills a sense of pride that lets them know there is nothing they cannot achieve.”

To see more images from the 2022-2023 HBCU trip, click here.