My Historically Black Purpose

By Ameer-Hasaan Walton

My Historically Black Purpose is an introduction to the Historically black college world that is often talked about but never thoroughly dissected for an understanding of the holistic benefits they bring to the black community. Specifically the unique ability Historically Black Colleges have to transform young black boys and girls into strong black men and women. This journey includes joy, pain and eventual triumph for those who choose to take the path. There is no way to describe the life-changing experience one has at their HBCU adequately, but you can get an idea of the culture you can expect. The experience was broken down into ten points to give each reader a sense of the values and lessons they will be exposed to by attending an HBCU. Exposure is the highest form of currency, so hopefully, through this read, all people will be able to understand the relevance and importance of Historically black colleges and the obligation we have to embrace and build upon the legacy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ameer-Hasaan Walton
• Release date: Dec 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463726525

Ameer-Hasaan Walton

Ameer-Hasaan Walton grew up throughout the bay area, and brings his California lifestyle with him wherever he goes. Community service has always been a part of his life; he served as a volunteer for 6 years with the Thad Brown Boys Academy through a neighborhood beautification program of the mayor’s office of San Francisco, CA under Willie Brown Jr. He received a certificate of recognition and outstanding community service for spearheading “Tobacco Free Bus Stops” an initiative passed in San Francisco. This earned him a high school scholarship to Archbishop Riordan High school, San Francisco, CA for outstanding community service in 2003. He received his degree in Marketing from Bowie State University. During his undergrad tenure he co-founded Black Male Agenda aka B.M.A. (An African centered student run organization/mentoring program) and began working with the Black College Expo. He was also awarded with one of the highest honors a student at Bowie State University can receive, he was voted “Male Bulldog of the Year” ( This is given to the most outstanding male student on campus), and was also coronated the 19th Mr. Bowie State University. After graduation Ameer decided to give back the best way he knew how; by speaking to high school students about the life changing benefits that come with attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He has been able to do this the last 3 years touring with The Black College Expo around the country as one of the Outreach coordinators and hosting the “Why To Attend An HBCU” seminar. Outside of giving back Ameer is the co-founder of Get Far Magazine, he co-hosts “Live At The Family BBQ” podcast and is currently working on his 3rd album. His goal is to express knowledge of self, entrepreneurship, love, loyalty and community through art. “And I hope that five years and 10 years from now, I'll be a better man, a more mature man, a wiser man, a more humble man and a more spirited man to serve the good of my people and the good of humanity.” – Minister Farrakhan

Book preview

FOREWORD

MAURICE ROBINSON M.A.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide an opportunity to witness young people from around the world collaborate, produce new information and contribute to the global community.  At the same time, these students are being developed culturally and intellectually in ways that embrace their history and heritage. 

All over the world, we see people of color suffering from poverty, lack of education and lack of skill. I had become numb to all the rhetoric painting the people who look like me as inept, dangerous, or incapable. I never thought I would see the beauty that met my eyes the day I walked on the campus of Bowie State University, the same as one would see strolling through Florida International or Maryland Eastern Shore I imagine. 

Thousands of young people from the African diaspora learning and contributing to all the fields that make up our society today. In undergrad, I had friends who were studying history and government. Others studied nursing, biology, mathematics, business, accounting, and everything else you could imagine. The beauty of this visual is the potential scene it sets for a world where black people possess all the skills and institutional knowledge they need to problem solve different issues that have plagued their communities. 

Where else in the world can this be found as a daily activity? Every day gives you the resounding feeling that you're building something, something that will grow and live on after your time at the university and in life. 

This is important! 

More crucial than the things you do in life are the people you do them with. I have two degrees, and I am finishing my third as I write this foreword. I have one from an HBCU and my two graduate-level degrees from Predominantly White Institutions (PWI's). Given this, I do not hesitate to claim the preeminence of my time and experiences at my historically black college. Here my paradigm and approach to life took root, it has allowed me to explore mentally and scholarly in a way that made the transition of me branching out into the paradigms of other institutions more natural. 

These black colleges and universities are not only to be revered for their historical contributions. In the present day, students at these universities are doing amazing things. Our students are making vast contributions to medicine, domestic and international business, politics, agriculture, and technology industries. The institutions are growing in population and size; The resumes of schools like Howard and Hampton University stack up against the most prestigious ivy league institutions. 

If you are looking for a reason to attend an HBCU, I encourage you to ask the 300,000 students currently enrolled at historically black colleges and universities today, or the millions of alumni throughout the world who perpetually celebrate their universities.

FOREWORD

DR. RAYMOND SHORTER

Imagine a place where you will go and experience an abundant amount of love, peace, unity, and joy. A place where you will acquire knowledge, wisdom, visions, and goals. A place where you will explore communication skills, networking skills, leadership skills, and social skills. A place where you will express who you are and become whom you want to be. A place where you will engage in opportunities that will empower you to manifest the essence of your