Drop Us A Line….

Dreams, legacy, and Black excellence take center stage as ambitious young scholars compete for the prestigious Takesha A. Davis Scholarship Award. These remarkable students have already proven their exceptional abilities, advancing from an initial pool of 66 contestants to the top 32 finalists in a journey that showcases both academic prowess and passionate advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities.

The heart of this episode features four outstanding students sharing their meticulously crafted essays about the profound significance of HBCUs and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each essay reveals not just academic talent, but deeply personal connections to these historic institutions. From a biochemistry major developing a website to help physically disabled individuals navigate public spaces, to an architectural engineering student dedicated to creating sustainable housing in marginalized communities, to an aspiring publisher determined to amplify diverse voices in literature – these young people embody the multifaceted excellence nurtured by HBCUs.

What sets this competition apart is the genuine camaraderie that emerges when the students engage in unmoderated discussion about their essays. Their conversation reveals mutual respect across academic disciplines, with STEM students validating humanities majors and vice versa. Several contestants share their pride in continuing family legacies as second or third-generation HBCU students, while others will be the first in their families to attend these historic institutions. Their dialogue demonstrates precisely why HBCUs remain vital in today's educational landscape – they create spaces where students can thrive authentically without code-switching or diminishing their identities.

The competition continues with public voting, where each dollar contributed goes directly to supporting these scholars' education. These students aren't just competing for financial support; they're carrying forward a powerful legacy of excellence, resistance, and community uplift that has defined HBCUs for generations. Vote for your favorite contestant and help shape the future of Black excellence across medicine, engineering, design, literature, and beyond.

Support the show