New Hebron's inaugural college fair introduces students to HBCUs

By Harvey Parson

High school students at New Hebron Missionary Baptist Church got up-close access to representatives of four of Mississippi’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the church’s college fair Feb. 23.

The college fair was part of a Black History Month program through the church, which also featured the local contributions of Black residents in the community.

“We recognized earlier this month Cecil Belle, Aberdeen’s first Black mayor. We recognized Ms. Flora Outlaw as the first Black building owner on Main Street. We also recognized The Aberdeen Six. These were the first six teens that voluntarily integrated before it was mandatory,” said New Hebron Pastor Rev. Joseph L. Stone Jr.

The church wrapped up the month-long celebration with its inaugural college fair, which featured representatives from Jackson State University, Rust College, Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University.

“We’re just trying to introduce our students to HBCUs and let them know that they’re still important,” Stone said.

Marian Chandler was the driving force behind the college fair. She used social media and her contacts to get in touch with the right people at the colleges.

Each of the representatives spoke to the more than 50 parents and students in attendance, and the recurring theme was the many ways that HBCUs nurture students. MVSU’s representative said the event meant a great deal and was critically important because kids aren’t often given information about HBCUs.

“The caring, the nurturing, the quality that really makes a difference – you will get that at HBCUs,” he told the audience.

Stone implored students to take advantage of the access to the recruiters.

“There’s nothing wrong with Ole Miss, nothing wrong with Mississippi State University. But I am here to tell you that the experience you get at an HBCU is second to none,” said Stone, who is an alumnus of Rust College.