“After touring Delaware State, I knew I should not settle for what felt safe. Delaware State provided me with the motivation I needed to continue my education in a new environment,” said LMC psychologist major Kiara McCullum.

McCullum is one of the eight students who attended the tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities during spring break. The group of 50 included students from Diablo Valley and Contra Costa colleges, in addition to Skyline College in San Bruno and Cerritos College in Norwalk.  

Five HBCUs were on the itinerary including Morgan State and Bowie State universities, in Baltimore, Maryland, Delaware State University in Dover, Lincoln University in Philadelphia and Howard University in Washington D.C.  

“LMC has been offering a tour of HBCUs since 2015 to support students in exploring and transferring to Historically Black Colleges for about eight years,” explained Rachel Anicetti, Director of Transfer and Career Services. 

“We strive to give this opportunity annually. Unfortunately, we had to pause this tour in 2020 – 2022 due to COVID-related travel restrictions. We are so excited to return to this annual activity and thanks to funding from Student Equity and Achievement, we can do so,” said Anicetti.

“Los Medanos College is a champion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and is so proud of our students who transfer to HBCUs annually,” Anicetti said. 

She added that there are 39 HBCUs and usually five to 20 students transfer to an HBCU annually from LMC. 

Morgan State University was first. The students got a chance to meet “The MSU Poets” who were having a book drive with a lot of positive energy that also resonated around the school. 

At Bowie State University, the tour guides were K and MC, who both showed a lot of school spirit. The group saw the campus and took a trip to Bowie State radio stations, BSU-TV and WBSU, where they learned about the mass communications program. The Department of Communications at Bowie State has four concentrations: broadcast journalism, emerging media, print journalism and strategic public relations. 

They then moved onto Delaware State University. DSU has a few majors unique to the HBCU in its College of Humanities, Education & Social Services and its College of Agriculture, Science & Technology.  

You can earn a B.A. in Media Convergence Journalism, in Humanities. 

Agriculture offers 10 degrees including a B.A. in Equine Business Management, and a master’s in Animal Science. 

Delaware also has an eight-week summer session where freshman and transfer students can get oriented with the school for college credit.

McCullum recognized the gems Delaware State has to offer. 

“Before attending the HBCU tour, I did not believe I could attend an HBCU. I was going to settle for a local college,” she said, adding that Delaware is now her top choice.

 When they arrived at Lincoln University the group visited “The Langston Hughes Library” for a presentation to learn more about the school with Q & A afterward. 

Lincoln graduating senior Kayla Jackson had empowering words for anyone attending school, but mainly spoke to the females.

“My four-year journey has been a rollercoaster, but one that I will forever cherish. From being the captain of the cheerleading team, to studying abroad in the Dominican Republic for three months, the lessons I have learned have not only prepared me for my upcoming professional career, but also for life as a young, black woman living in America,” said Jackson. 

For many students, going to college and transferring to a four-year school could be intimidating, but Jackson, who is also a first-generation student, had some advice to give to those who will deal with those hurdles.

“Always remember to think things through and persevere through all your obstacles. Stay focused,” said Jackson. 

 The last stop on the tour was Howard University. Students got to see the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts memorial for Benjamin Banneker, who finished the job of designing Washington D.C. The tour of the college ended with a stop at its radio station, WHUT, Howard University Television.  

LMC Computer Science major John Gutierrez particularly liked Howard for its connections with Google, which brings students “hands-on experience.”

“I genuinely think more trips like this will help build more bonds, stronger student networks and the ability to explore more options of where you want to travel when you decide to go to college,” Gutierrez said.

For Aisjah Forte, a psychology major who attends Contra Costa College, “it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” that also brought culture shock.

“To go to colleges and universities and see individuals that not only looked like me but shared the same interest in higher education was eye-opening,” Forte said.

The HBCU tour was a culturally enriching trip for those who attended. Everyone gained knowledge and information that will give them something to think about for future decisions on where to transfer.