This Clark Atlanta student is currently studying fashion merchandising, and she is proud to say that she's carrying on the legacy of her illustrious HBCU.

"Attending an HBCU is carrying the torch," Dacia Redmond began. "I accepted the task of continuing the legacy started at my institution by strong, brave, and trailblazing African-American men and women. It's a sense of pride and honor to be able to attend such monumental and historical institutions that are made with your culture in mind."

"Attending an HBCU is basically like living in the same neighborhood as all your famous and super successful cousins and meeting up every day at your iconic grandma's house to play; we're one big family," she acknowledged.

Redmond also gushed about her experience at Urban Outfitters, noting that the opportunity was "a dream come true."

Courtesy of Bre Johnson

Janae Monique Claxton attends Howard University, majoring in public relations and minoring in community development. During her spotlight, she was sure to express her Bison pride and share how the university's mission has inspired her on a personal level.

"The values of Howard University that truly resonant with me is our motto, which is 'Excellence in Truth and Service.' Giving back to our communities is at the forefront of my career and personal goals, so being involved in a campus that values that as well is important," Claxton explained.

"Throughout my time in middle and high school, I longed for that feeling of community and a shared experience amongst my peers. Not until I arrived on Howard's campus did I get that feeling," she added. "I realize how important it is to have people around you that understand your struggles and experiences."

"The Howard community has made me a stronger Black woman and also educated me on the intersectionality of Black people," Claxton continued. "This experience has changed my life and shifted my world view for the better, as well as my own view of myself and my Blackness."

Courtesy of Bre Johnson

As a Clark fashion design and merchandising graduate, Jalen Bradford was thrilled to be part of this internship. Similarly, he also expressed his gratitude for the chance to enjoy a fulfilling and "enriched" HBCU experience at the Atlanta-based university.

"Attending an HBCU is like being a part of this progressive royal monarchy where everyone is treated equally but also holds the power of being royalty," he stated. "There's this overwhelming feeling of excellence around campus, where you could bump into someone and feel the energy of greatness within your presence."

"Being able to exist in this space with people who are almost identical to you physically, mentally, and spiritually," he concluded. "And knowing that they have the same odds against them as you all while excelling themselves within their livelihoods to be the best they could be is so inspiring," 

Courtesy of Bre Johnson

U'lia Hargrove, a North Carolina A&T fashion merchandising and design student, made it a point to share her Aggie pride.

"NCA&T values integrity, confidence, responsibility, accountability, and inclusiveness among their students, just as any other HBCU," Hargrove began. "Aggies are expected to stay honest in who they are and hold themselves up to the highest of standards!"

"You also have to take on accountability for yourself because your future is what you make it out to be. Overall, Aggies value knowledge, honesty, responsibility, and diversity," she added.

Additionally, Hargrove also plugged her fashion brand, Nirvenaa. We love a Queen who's about her business.

Courtesy of Bre Johnson

Like others on this list, Clark Atlanta's Jasmine Logan is on a mission to make it in the fashion industry—and she's shouting out her love of attending an HBCU while doing so.

"To me, going to an HBCU was like being gifted an extended family that understood my disposition as a Black woman and supported me through any and everything," she explained. "They kept me together. Going to an HBCU gave me a personalized, tailored experience I couldn't get at any PWI."

"I brag different being an HBCU grad," Logan powerfully concluded.

Courtesy of Bre Johnson

We wish the UO Summer Class of 2021 good luck in all their future endeavors.