School Gayze

Surface Level

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have HBCUs evolved to fit the needs of Queer students? We play a game that reminds us of our time at Howard, discuss the history and evolution of Queer communities at HBCUs with two educators, then end with speaking to current students and recent graduates about the hope they wish to see for future generations and the work that is still to come. This week we welcome educators Dr. Steven Mobley (Howard) & Dr. Kirstin Byrd (Hampton & Spelman), Transgender HBCU Queen Malay Simmons (Johnson C. Smith), former Mr. HBCU Jauan Durbin (Morehouse) & former Human Rights Campaign HBCU Program intern Janelle Edge (F.A.M.U.) to our Surface Level family. We are excited to offer perspectives on the HBCU experience that show how far we have come but ultimately where we can continue to grow. We hope you enjoy their stories and that any student attending an HBCU will feel seen and understand that their experience is as big a part of the history of our institutions as anyone else’s. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.