Lindsay Harper, Howard University- c/o 2004, Film

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

I grew up in Decatur, GA and I have lived here for almost 30 years. I’ve known since the age of six that I wanted to go to Howard University. Both of my parents went there and I knew that’s where I wanted to go, so I did!

Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*

I attended a predominately white school for 12 years prior to going to HU.

From 1-12 grade I had experienced being a minority and all that comes with that. I needed a break from dealing with particular issues that arise when you are a minority.

Going to HU, so much of my energy I was using to survive, I was able to re-purpose to enjoy and engage in my HBCU experience.

I had actually planned on going to school for musical theater but some how fell into communications.

When looking on the list of majors on the HU application, the only school I resonated with was Communications. So that’s what I did.

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

The opportunity to see black people in all different shapes and sizes and feel the sense that we all came to school for the same reasons really gave me a sense of unity among my school mates. We all came to Howard University to become a part of the school’s legacy.

"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*

Keep onnnn scrolling - nothing to see here. ><

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

Prof. Rocki (I’m not sure if I’m remembering his name correctly) introduced me to someone in the Communications office one day and told that person that I was interested in radio and had a voice for radio (at the time my major was TV).

I remember thinking to myself that he must have been thinking of someone else! Don’t you know that an internship in radio with Pacifica Station WPFW with In the Public Eye, Inc. gave me my production bug that’s been eating at me ever since!

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

When I first started my major was TV. As time went on, the majority of the classes that interested me were focused in film. So honestly, by the time I was a junior I continued in that direction and followed the path where my credits accumulated. As I have grown in my career, I have realized that there are a lot of pieces that overlap in both tv and film, so my instincts were right!

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

Earning the most hard fought “C” in the world in my freshman remedial math class. The only “C” of my entire college career.
Living off campus as a senior in an apartment.
Graduating cum laude.

[Post Graduation] Being recognized for playing my part in the sustainability movement on HBCU campuses and engaging in discussions and/or partnerships/collaborations with the United Negro College Fund Special Programs, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Greening Youth Foundation, National Wildlife Federation, Truly Living Well, Fight for Light, Woodline Solutions, White House Initiative for HBCU’s, Keep Atlanta Beautiful, City of Atlanta Department of Public Works, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, Mississippi Valley State University, North Carolina A&T University, South Carolina State University, Florida A&M University and Florida A&M University College of Law.

Experiencing my own people in such a broad spectrum has allowed me to see the world in a similar fashion. I have become much more aware of different people and ways of life and I believe I have benefited from seeing the world in so many shades

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

I focused a lot on my grades and studies. I also worked at several different jobs. If I had to do college again, I would probably get more involved on campus.

Where is the “yard” located?

In the smack middle of campus up on the hill!

What was your proudest moment in your life to date?

How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?

I was never nervous.

If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?

Take your time and figure out what you’re good at and how you like to help people; whether it be your time, talents or money.

Then find a way to get paid doing what you love and don’t worry about the money, it will come!

Entrepreneur? Tell us about your business.

[What motivated you to connect HBCUs with the environmental sustainability movement by way of “Green Going Forward” (GGF)? What was the catalyst?]

I was informed about the inaugural Recyclemania Tournament in the Atlanta University Center involving Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College and the Interdenominational Theological Center in 2011.
When I recognized that the 5 schools had come together to participate in a sustainability exercise, I immediately saw a need and a demographic that was not being served, historically black colleges and universities and their sustainability efforts.

[Are there any HBCU “Green Going Forward” (GGF) events coming up that students and alum. can attend and show support for?]

I would be greatly appreciative if people would go to www.greengoingforward.wordpress.com to find out more about what HBCUs are doing to push environmental sustainability efforts on their campuses and in the local and global community.

In addition, if anyone has any information about projects and initiatives on their campuses whether they be alumni or current students, I am always looking for new success stories to celebrate!

[As a CEO/President, what is the process HBCU Student/Alum – owned companies can use to connect with HBCUs successfully as you have?]

Facebook and Twitter have been excellent tools that have made connecting with people, organizations, students and schools easy.

[Share with us your experience; when “Green Going Forward” (GGF) covered the grand opening of the Mississippi Valley State University Recycling Center.]

Covering the recycling center was one of the happiest moments for me during my GGF journey.
One, I was greeted with open and loving arms and two I was able to capture a successful model that can make a HUGE change on all HBCU campuses AT LITTLE TO NO COST!

[How can HBCU Alum./Students show their support for “Green Going Forward” (GGF)?]

Please visit the website and tell your fellow HBCU students, family members, friends, colleagues and supporters about the GGF initiative and reach out to me and tell me what’s going on in your campus and in your community!