La'Torria Lemon, Clark Atlanta University- c/o 2011, Mass Communications
Name : La'Torria Lemon
HBCU : Clark Atlanta University
Graduation Year : 2011
Major : Mass Communications
Minor : History
Email : latorrialemon1@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Houston, Texas. I was introduced to Clark Atlanta University when I was in the 8th grade.
My church took the youth on a college tour for Spring Break and I immediately fell in love with the culture, Mass Media Program, and the vibe of CAU.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I actually received a full ride to a diverse institution, but my heart was so set on Clark Atlanta University. I did my research on the greats that attended CAU and it inspired me to make CAU my final destination. It has been the best decision of my 28 years of life. I have met friends, family, clients, mentors, mentees, and many more.
Our motto at CAU is "Find A Way or Make A One" which has taught me to limit my excuses and find a way to make it happen. Through blood, sweat, and tears I am constantly reminded that I represent a brand that is international, I am apart of a family that consists of many shades, I'm a part of a heritage that has produced some of the best, I am a proud product of Clark Atlanta University.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at CAU can be defined as beautiful. This doesn't mean I didn't gain scars or fall down during the process, but it simply means I found the beauty of every situation I experienced while a student.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first experience at Clark Atlanta University was surreal. Being a first-generation college student, I knew I had to intensify my determination. My first week as a freshman I had a few doubts and even questioned if I could handle being away from home. I came from a single parent household where finances were tight.
With that being said, my first week I didn't have all of the funds to properly register, but being that my HBCU is a family, I was introduced to some upperclassmen who introduced me to some key people on campus that helped to get me enrolled. That taught me the meaning of HBCU love.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
I am currently a Publicist, but that wouldn't be possible without Professor Brenda Wright. This particular professor believed in me when no one else did. She was tough, actually, she was beyond tough. She often would tell me the world of PR isn't easy; in which she would make me resubmit my assignments/ presentations until I got it right.
She never accepted me or my classmates to do things halfway. I am pleased to say my classmates are now doctors, lawyers, music executives, nurses, radio personalities, producers, publicist, etc. Professor Wright, I love you and I appreciate you for making sure we were always at our best.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
While at Clark Atlanta I was active on campus as SGA Public Relations Director, President of WSTU On-Campus Radio Station, 1st Attendant Miss United Negro College Fund, Co-founder of The Man of The Year Pageant, Pre-Alumni Council Events Coordinator, Homecoming Committee Team, and active in various community service projects.
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Clark Atlanta University
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Students: 3,485
- Athletics: Clark Atlanta University competes within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division II. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Ralph Abernathy - 1951 - Civil rights activist** Brenda S. Banks - Archivist, Deputy Director of the Georgia Department of Archives and History and founder of Banks Archives Consultants** Bryan Barber - 1996 - Director of the 2006 film Idlewild** Kenya Barris - Creator and executive producer of ABC's Black-ish** Marva Collins - 1957 - Educator; founder and director of the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, Illinois** Amanda Davis - News anchor at CBS 46 in Atlanta, Georgia** DJ Drama - 2000 - Music producer** Alexander Jefferson - 1942 - Retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and a member of the Tuskegee Airmen** Robert R. Jennings - President of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University** Henry C. "Hank" Johnson 1976 U.S. Congressman, Georgia 4th District Otis Johnson - 1969 - Mayor of Savannah, Georgia** Bomani Jones - 2001 - Sportswriter, Co-Host of Highly Questionable** Kenny Leon - 1978 - Tony Award winning Broadway and film director. Former artistic director of Atlanta's Alliance Theatre** Evelyn G. Lowery - American civil rights activist and leader; marched in the historic Selma to Montgomery March** Mason "Mase" Durrell Bethea - Rapper** Valeisha Butterfield Jones - 2000 - Founder and CEO of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), political strategist, youth and women’s activist, author and media personality** Eva Pigford - Model/actress; winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 3** Nnegest Likke - Movie director and screenwriter** Jacque Reid - 1995 - Journalist** Pernessa C. Seele - Immunologist and the CEO and founder of Balm in Gilead, Inc.** C. Lamont Smith - Sports agent, the founder and president of All Pro Sports and Entertainment** Ella Gaines Yates - First African-American director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System**
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