Teens Embrace the Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Artis Yancey HBCU Tour
The Artis Yancey HBCU Tour celebrated its 10th anniversary as more than 300 high school students explored the possibilities offered by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in their college choices. Held in Waukegan, Illinois, the tour exposes students to the options available beyond the schools in Chicago and throughout Illinois that they often consider.
For Brielle Johnson, a former varsity basketball player at Waukegan High School, attending an HBCU and playing basketball were essential to her college decision. Johnson ultimately chose Central State University in Zenia, Ohio, because it fulfilled both criteria. Her visit to HBCUs during the Artis Yancey Tour in her junior year of high school solidified her desire to be surrounded by successful individuals who looked like her.
The impact of the Artis Yancey HBCU Tour on Johnson’s college decision was substantial. While Central State was not part of the tour during her visit, the experience influenced her choice in critical ways. However, when her basketball coach at Central State left after a losing season, Johnson decided to transfer. Recalling a positive experience from the tour, she chose Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. The stability and winning tradition of its basketball program appealed to her.
Melvin Bobo IV, another participant in the inaugural Artis Yancey Tour, shared his story. Bobo, a football player, initially chose Black Hills State University in Spearfish, Montana, for its full scholarship offer. But after a challenging freshman year, he realized it wasn’t the right fit for his academic and athletic goals. Bobo then reached out to Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, which he had visited during the tour. He became the starting quarterback at Tuskegee and is now set to begin his professional career with the Chicago Blue Bombers in the United Football League.
Raven May, a recent graduate of Waukegan High School, attended Spelman College in Atlanta following her participation in the Artis Yancey Tour. May, who will soon graduate and head to medical school, emphasized the impact of seeing successful individuals who resembled her during the tour. She believes that HBCUs are deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the African American community. May has since interned at the University of Wisconsin Medical School and feels she now possesses the confidence and tools to thrive in any academic environment.
The Artis Yancey HBCU Tour, founded 10 years ago through the efforts of the late Artis Yancey and organized by Patricia Jones, the former Waukegan Township Supervisor, has continued to inspire and guide students like Johnson, Bobo, and May in their college choices. By providing exposure to HBCUs, the tour gives students opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings and cultivates a sense of empowerment and community.
Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc Jones emphasized the importance of exposing students to different experiences and opportunities. By stepping out of their comfort zones, these students broaden their horizons and gain invaluable exposure to diverse academic institutions. The Artis Yancey HBCU Tour serves as a catalyst for personal growth, helping students make informed decisions about their higher education.
As the tour celebrated its 10th year, attendees gathered at Corrine Rose Park in Waukegan for a cookout. It provided the perfect opportunity for guests to reflect on success stories like Johnson’s, reinforcing the transformative power of HBCUs. Johnson currently works as a youth sports specialist for the Waukegan Park District and takes every chance to share her positive college experience with young athletes, inspiring them to consider HBCUs as viable options for their future.
The Artis Yancey HBCU Tour continues to pave the way for high school students, expanding their horizons, and empowering them to believe in their potential. As the program evolves and grows, it will undoubtedly inspire future generations to embrace the power of historically Black colleges and universities.
