What happens when a passionate educator refuses to give up on her students?

In Episode 10 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Huston-Tillotson University graduate Charitta Bryant shares her incredible journey from HBCU student to transformational educator, mentor, instructional leader, and advocate for young people.

Over the past 20+ years, Charitta has impacted countless students through her work as an English teacher, AVID coordinator, instructional coach, assistant principal, and mentor. She opens up about the life-changing experience of attending an HBCU, the power of being seen and valued, and why accountability, high expectations, and genuine care can completely change a student's trajectory.

In this powerful conversation, you'll learn:

🎓 How Houston-Tillotson University helped shape her confidence and leadership 📚 Why HBCUs provide a unique environment for growth and belonging 💡 The mindset that helped her produce years of student academic growth 🏆 How she expanded AVID opportunities for underserved students ❤️ Stories of students whose lives were changed through mentorship and persistence 👑 The importance of Delta Academy and empowering young women 🔥 Why every young person deserves someone who believes in them

Whether you're a student, educator, parent, mentor, or HBCU supporter, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical lessons about leadership, education, and purpose.

💙 Subscribe to HBCU4U for more stories highlighting HBCU excellence, leadership, and the people making a difference in their communities.

🎙️ HBCU4U Podcast Hosted by Galen Turner

What was your biggest takeaway from Charitta's story? Let us know in the comments!#HBCU4U #CharittaBryant #HustonTillotsonUniversity #HBCU #BlackEducators

What if I told you someone went from a 1.0 GPA in high school to graduating college with a 4.0?

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Deesa, whose journey is a powerful example of how opportunity, mentorship, and determination can completely change the direction of your life.

Deesa shares how a chance encounter led him from vocational school to Southern University, where he discovered his potential, excelled academically, and launched a successful career in computer science, the defense industry, consulting, and real estate.

We discuss:

The power of HBCUs and mentorship

Turning academic struggles into academic excellence

Building a career in technology and defense

Transitioning into real estate investing and property management

Why relationships and networking matter

Advice for students navigating today's AI-driven workforce

His story proves that where you start does not determine where you finish.

Watch the full episode and be inspired.

#HBCU4U #SouthernUniversity #CareerGrowth #ComputerScience #RealEstateInvesting

🎧 Full Episode:https://youtu.be/KYvmKsRvAoE

In this powerful episode 8, host Galen Turner sits down with his brother and close friend of nearly 30 years, Micah O. Briggs Sr.

Micah is a proud Jackson State University alumnus, poet, author, educator, and the founder of Mind Over Barriers, LLC. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Micah faced severe trauma, abuse, and violence—experiences that could have easily broken him. Instead, he transformed his pain into fuel for purpose, healing, and lifelong service.

With over 30 years of experience in youth advocacy and violence prevention, Micah dives deep into what it truly takes to break destructive cycles. He opens up about his journey through faith, hitting an "apex spiral" in graduate school, finding emotional freedom through therapy in his late 30s, and the undeniable power of the "HBCU village" at Jackson State.

If you are looking for real, raw, and transparent blueprint on how to heal from the past and show up for the next generation, this conversation is for you.

Connect with the Guest & Community:

Learn more about Micah's work: Mind Over Barriers, LLC

Support community services in Jackson, MS: Stewpot Community Services

Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the HBCU4u Podcast for more inspiring stories from the culture, community, and the HBCU village!

#HBCU4u #JacksonStateUniversity #TheJSUSoil #MindOverBarriers #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthAdvocacy #TraumaToHealing #BlackMenTherapy #BreakingCycles #HBCUPodcast

In this powerful Mother’s Day episode of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with my Great Aunt, Deloris Jones-Johnson, whose life story is nothing short of inspiring.

Born and raised in Mississippi during segregation, she overcame adversity to graduate magna cum laude from Alcorn State, earn multiple master’s degrees, and become a trailblazer in education and counseling. She was one of the first nationally certified counselors in Mississippi and broke barriers as the first female vocational counselor in Bolivar County.

From walking miles for opportunity… To witnessing the Civil Rights era firsthand… To shaping generations of students into college graduates and leaders…

Her story is a true testament to resilience, faith, and the power of HBCUs.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

What college meant during segregation

How HBCUs helped shape identity, confidence, and purpose

The real impact of mentorship and education on communities

Why today’s students (and parents) should seriously consider HBCUs

This is more than an interview — it’s a living history lesson and a blueprint for legacy. 🎓

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode will leave you inspired.

In Episode 6 of the HBCU4U Podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation with Kyris Brown, a master tailor, entrepreneur, and mentor. Kyris shares his journey from Cleveland, Mississippi, to becoming a nationally respected figure in the world of fashion, dressing high-profile clients and making a significant impact in his community. Dive into discussions about education, professionalism, and the importance of giving back to the youth. If you're ready to learn about how to turn passion into purpose, this episode is for you!

#HBCU4U #KyrisBrown #KyrisKustoms #Podcast #HBCU #Tailoring #Professionalism #Mentorship #Education #Impact #CommunityLeader #Entrepreneurship #YouthDevelopment #Inspiration #BlackExcellence

Episode 5 of the HBCU4U Podcast features Natasha Belt and her powerful journey from Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens to Jackson State University. We talk about how JSU, the Sonic Boom of the South, family support, discipline, and purpose all helped shape her path in education, leadership, and service. Natasha also shares how personal loss became the fuel behind ARCH and why HBCUs still create life-changing impact for students and families. This episode is rooted in resilience, love, legacy, and purpose.

Learn more or get involved with A.R.C.H. (Always Reaching Children's Hearts): https://archincnfp.org/ Facebook: @archincnf Instagram: @arch_arch2

In Episode 4 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with Dana Bowie-Earles to talk about her journey from Milwaukee to Howard University, and how her HBCU experience helped shape her confidence, identity, leadership style, and career path in finance and operations. Dana currently serves as Vice President of Finance and Operations at the Financial Health Network and brings more than 20 years of experience across corporate and nonprofit leadership.

We talk about what drew her to Howard, what she gained beyond the degree, and why HBCUs still matter in a major way. Dana also shares how Howard exposed her to excellence, mentorship, diversity within Black culture, and opportunities that helped connect her dreams to real-life pathways in business and finance.

In this episode, we also get into:

-Dana’s Howard University story

-The scholarship opportunity that helped make Howard possible

-How family, education, and lifelong learning shaped her

-What Howard gave her beyond the classroom -Her path through the University of Chicago, OCC, and the Financial Health Network

-Myths about HBCUs that need to be shut down

-Why HBCUs still play a critical role in preparing students for leadership and success

If you’re a student considering an HBCU, interested in business or finance, or just need to hear a story rooted in excellence, culture, and purpose, this episode is for you.

#HBCU4U #DanaBowieEarles #HowardUniversity #HBCUPodcast #HBCUExcellence #FinanceLeadership #OperationsLeadership #BlackExcellence #WomenInFinance #HBCUPride #BusinessLeadership #CareerJourney #FinancialHealthNetwork #TreasuryLeadership

In Episode 3, I introduce my cousin Michael Bass: project manager, cybersecurity leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Intergenerational Computer Education. His mission is powerful — helping teens, seniors, and career seekers build digital confidence, stay safe online, and create real pathways through tech. This is what impact looks like when skill meets service. Learn more or get involved with Intergenerational Computer Education: https://iceprogram.org/ If you would like to contribute to the HBCU4U organization and movement, please send donations to the following: Cashapp: $HBCU4U Zelle Tag: HBCU4U Thank you!!! #HBCU4U #MichaelBass #CyberSecurity #ProjectManagement #TechEducation #DigitalLiteracy #WorkforceDevelopment #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #IntergenerationalComputerEducation #STEMEducation #BlackExcellence #CareerPathways #TechForGood

In Episode 2 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with Will C. Pugh, Jr.—proud Jackson State University alum, CPA, and President of Mentoring Brother 2 Brother (MB2B)—for a real conversation about HBCUs, confidence, and community impact.

Will breaks down one of the biggest myths out there: that an HBCU degree can’t compete. He shares how JSU prepared him to land internships and opportunities alongside grads from major PWIs—and why he never felt “less than” in corporate America. We also talk about what shaped him growing up in Marks, Mississippi, what made him choose Jackson State, and the power of finding a campus where you truly belong.

Then we get into purpose. Will shares how MB2B is helping young men in the Dallas–Fort Worth area with life skills, college prep, mentorship, and even therapy support—because sometimes what a kid needs most is guidance, consistency, and someone who won’t give up on them.

Learn more or get involved with MB2B: mb2b.org

If you would like to contribute to the HBCU4U organization and movement, please send donations to the following:

Cashapp: $HBCU4U

Zelle Tag: HBCU4U

Thank you!!!

#HBCU4U #HBCUPodcast #JacksonStateUniversity #JSU #TheeILove #HBCU

Episode 1 is LIVE 🎙️🔥 In this first HBCU4U Podcast episode, I’m sharing the vision—why this platform exists, who we’re interviewing (HBCU alums, contributors, faculty/staff), and how my journey from Chicago → Carbondale → Cleveland, MS led me to Jackson State University… and eventually Dallas, where HBCU4U was born. If you’re a student, parent, or just love HBCUs—this one’s for you. Tap in and share it with somebody who needs to hear it! If you would like to contribute to this organization and movement, please send donations to the following: Cashapp: $HBCU4U Zelle Tag: HBCU4U Thank you!!!