HBCU Roll Call

Summer is almost over.

Ugh.

No more tank tops, shorts and tanning opportunities.

Whatever.

I don't wear shorts. And tanning ... really? I don't want to pay my money to be reprimanded by my dermatologist.

Young people everywhere are moaning about the end of summer days, but I like that school is back in session. I loved learning, class discussions, chatting with my friends about really "important" topics like fashion, movies and who was dating who.

Wait. I'm not talking about elementary school or high school. It was all about college Baby. I clicked my heels and did the "happy dance" when I arrived at Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville. TSU is a member of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) network. I chose to attend an HBCU because my Daddy always talked about his alma mater, Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss., another HBCU.

He talked with great affinity about his professors that were committed to his education, the other young men and women that were enthusiastic about improving the quality of their lives and changing the world. My dad was always animated when he talked about Alcorn State University's marching band and the "Golden Girls" — the majorettes that danced with them:

I decided that I wanted that experience for myself and so I got it at Tennessee State. My professors challenged me. They provided me with loving attention and firm guidance. TSU's motto was "Enter to learn, go forth to serve." (Am I doing enough to serve?)

Rep. James Clyburn, the House Majority Whip from South Carolina, released a statement today recognizing this week as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) week.

Here's an excerpt from his remarks:

This week, as we celebrate the accomplishments of HBCUs, we must also pay tribute to the tremendous contributions that HBCUs have made to our society. Many HBCU graduates have shaped the course of our history - from W.E.B DuBois and Booker T. Washington, to Langston Hughes and Thurgood Marshall.

Now, I'd almost be proud of the above statement if everyone Clyburn mentioned (all HBCU graduates) wasn't dead. On tomorrow's program, guest host host Linda Wertheimer will talk about the history of HBCUs, the challenges they face in today's education landscape and introduce you to some of the current leaders from those institutions.

And, if you went to an HBCU, let's do a roll call please.

We want to hear from you ...