Charli Holbrook, Howard University- c/o 2013, Mass Communications

Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*

Attending an HBCU is a legacy in my family. So I always knew I would end up at an HBCU.

Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*

It was either Clark Atlanta, Jackson State, or Tennessee State. I spontaneously tried out for cheerleading at JSU, and made it. So I packed my bags and headed that way! I graduated from JSU, got accepted to Howard, packed my bags and headed up to the East Coast! I don’t regret it. I love HBCUs and their rich histories.

What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*

Well to be able to take classes under Professor Haile Gerima at Howard U is a privilege and honor. Google him. His name is all over the internet from doing so many things regarding the film industry. He is one of the black young UCLA filmmakers that started the Black Independent Cinema Movement in the 1970’s, along with Julie Dash and my fellow Mississippian, Charles Barnett.

"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*

I had a lot of firsts. Lol probably too many to name. But definitely first internship, first job interview. Falling in love with sushi!

Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*

At Jackson State, a professor in my department (Mass Communications) by the name of Professor Monica Wynn. She really pushed me. Through research, through projects, through getting into graduate school. She really taught me a lot.

At Howard, Professor Haile Gerima and Professor Alonzo Crawford. They are amazing instructors. I’ve learned to get creative outside of the box by their lectures.

Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?

At JSU — While I was there, there was a Subway on campus. Nearby there is a Wingstop, McDonalds, Wendys, Taco Bell — junk. There was this place in our old student union that had pretty good wings. Things have changed now. I think they have a Pizza Hut or something. Haha and the New Student Union has tasty food. At Howard there are a couple good places in Blackburn, but I seldom make it over there. There is a Subway, Potbelly, McDonalds, and some independent places. I’m mostly found at Subway and Potbelly though. I love a good salad.

College crush?

I’m currently dating my boyfriend, Jonathan Gibson whom I met while attending Jackson State. I still have a crush on him.

What is your major? and Why did you choose it?

I started off as a biology major during undergrad. I wanted to go to dental school, lol. But I ended up switching my major to Mass Communications. I love the arts, I love creativity, and wanted to take a journey outside of the norm. Now I’m in the Master of Fine Arts program in Film and Media Studies, still on my adventurous journey.

What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?

Being able to travel back to Jackson State to debut my first completed short film, “PERCEPTION” at JSU’s International Film Week Festival, after only being at Howard for 1 semester.

Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?

Well at JSU… in the dorms. Lol. I mean I never just “cuddled” with my mate on campus, but there are some peaceful hideouts to go sit and talk. I guess the plaza, maybe. At Howard, I’m sure it’s similar. I don’t cuddle on campus. Haha.

What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?

I really need to get better at attending sporting events at Howard. I’m a graduate student, so I’m lame. Haha, but definitely at JSU, I was a cheerleader so I was at everything. “I’m so glad…I go to J-S-U…”

How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)

At JSU I was always volunteering, as a cheerleader and with The Young Forward Lookers (community service organization for women).

What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?

Not having “the Plaza” at Howard.

How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?

Made friends. I befriended with a group of ladies during the summer before my freshman year. We were all freshman cheerleaders, so that made it easier to adjust when school started because we had been living on the campus a couple of weeks before everyone else moved in and we already had each other. We are still extremely close to this day.

Goal accomplished. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Gamma Rho Chapter, Jackson State University – Spring 2010.