Oni Collier
Throughout its rich history, Spelman College has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of thousands of Black women, equipping them to lead lives of purpose. Rooted in a legacy of distinction, Spelman is dedicated to the academic excellence, and intellectual, creative, ethical and leadership development of its students. From political trailblazer Stacey Abrams ‘95 to business executive and Interim President Rosalind Brewer ‘84, a slew of Spelman women have gracefully embodied this mission, along with the college’s tagline: Make a Choice to Change the World.
Beyond the achievements of its most notable alumni, the true essence of Spelman lies in the journey of every student who has matriculated through the highly ranked institution. Black womanhood is not just embraced, but celebrated. Though each student’s journey is unique, every Spelman woman is empowered with an opportunity to thrive in their identity as a Black woman.
Countless Spelman students graduated from predominantly white high schools, where they excelled academically, but lacked in character development.
Sophomore economics major Amina Thompson states that she used to separate her education from her identity. Consequently, she was apprehensive about embracing the real her. Since commencing her Spelman matriculation, her identity is now critical to almost every facet of her studies.
“I didn’t speak in high school. I was very secluded, quiet and insecure about my overall identity. Since being here, I feel so much safer and solid in myself. I realized I wasn’t shy, I just never felt comfortable enough to speak up,” Thompson said.
In a myriad of ways, Spelman has challenged its students to grow as leaders, scholars, change makers and trailblazers. The institution effectively does this by teaching students that rejection and redirection are synonymous. A “no” is seldom a denial, but an opportunity to embody a work ethic that will eventually make it a “yes”.
“We often reiterate ‘being undaunted by the fight’, and Spelman has allowed me to understand what that means,” SGA Vice President Cori’anna White said. “I have applied to things I was passionate about, and have not gotten selected for. That was one of the moments where I had to step back, and realize that I must have grit and resilience.”
Opportunities are more strenuous for Black women to secure in comparison to other races, compelling them to exude hard work and determination at all times. Sophomore health science major Kaia Halls shares that her mother has encouraged her to refrain from cutting corners at a young age, a concept that was once ingrained in her when she attended Spelman.
“We work hard to get what we want, and that is one of the biggest things Spelman has instilled in me. Why take the easy way when you can take the harder way, learn from it and still get what you want?,” Hall said.
Furthermore, Spelman heavily promotes self-advocacy. Whether it pertains to grades or frequently checking in with the financial aid office for a scholarship, students must constantly vouch for themselves in order to flourish at Spelman.
“Little things in corporate that make you stand out is what you have to do at Spelman to succeed, so that’s where I think it makes you universally vital to someone’s team,” senior documentary and filmmaking major Nia Rae Lambert said.
At Spelman, students are advised to explore the nuances of their character beyond their Black identity, allowing them to discover and accept their true selves.
“You can really see a friend for what a friend is and not what race that they are. At diverse schools, you’re seeing friends as ‘this is my white friend’ and ‘this is my Asian friend’, whereas here it’s just a friendship,” Lambert said
Though race is not always a central component to one’s identity at Spelman, the institution ensures that its students take pride in historical traditions, allowing them to embrace Black womanhood. These traditions encourage students to be appreciative of the sacrifices their predecessors made for them to thrive at the illustrious HBCU today.
“It’s the idea of that continuity and being connected to our ancestors. The idea of being connected to the people who once walked the very halls we walk in and stay in the very dorms we’re staying in,” White said.
There is a common notion that HBCUs fail to prepare their students for the real world as a result of a lack of funding and resources. However, several students argue otherwise, sharing that the experiences that they have gained at Spelman would not have been possible elsewhere.
“I was in a pre-health summer program that other schools didn’t offer to me. I feel like that program set me up so well to see the disparities in medicine, and see firsthand what med school will be like,” Hall said. “I don’t think I would’ve had the opportunity to travel so young at any other institution to Barbados and get hands-on medical experiences.”
Spelman emphasizes that success equates to taking risks and persevering through challenges.
“Every shot that you don’t take, you miss. If there’s something that you’re interested in, go after it. You believe in yourself, and you work towards it,” White said.