A must for every HBCU journalism program – The Famuan

Grads are Back is an event highlighting alumni from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. Each panel bridges the endless possibilities in journalism and guides students as upcoming professionals.  Panels consist of various topics that are engaging and insightful and include each of the three majors within the program.

In addition to this, students also receive free gear, food, a career fair, and memories to stand the test of time. FAMU is one of the few historically black colleges and universities that offers a journalism program and is also one of the top-ranked programs. 

“This is my first year in journalism. It was interesting to see different poles in the different career fields of journalism and inspired and showed me what I can do in the future,” said Shamiere Bornelus, a third-year psychology major minoring in journalism.

Grads are back, which has been a jubilee for FAMU’s SJGC for over a decade, and it continues to raise the bar by showcasing just how far a degree in journalism can take you. Previous guests have included Kim Godwin, the Mitchell sisters, Teri Hines, Laura Janelle Downey, and Kanya Stewart. \Alumni sharing their stories of triumph and tragedy helps encourage students to keep moving toward graduation and breaking ground in journalism. Although the wording of such actions seems relatively simple, it is much more challenging to do so. 

“I knew Oklahoma City wouldn’t be my forever home, but I knew I had a purpose. I wanted to pave the way for others coming behind me,” said alumnus Angelicia Burton.

The career field of journalism still needs to improve in many areas as far as diversity is concerned, which is intimidating and discouraging. In addition, despite the success gained by HBCU students through internships and later their respective careers, there is a significant need for more funding on various levels. Thus, this leads to old and sometimes outdated materials, electronics, and low staffing, creating unnecessary barriers.

Furthermore, this makes it harder for students to excel and graduate as the best version of themselves. Lack of funding has been an ongoing issue for FAMU and other HBCUs for as long as they have been around. Still, despite it all, they have persisted in succeeding. However, this should be something other than an expected reality. Just as other universities receive proper funding to have events, comfortably teach students, and provide safe, up-to-date student materials, HBCUs deserve the same. 

“Don’t give up. I got 41 no’s before getting my first yes. Get a mentor or someone else who can also give you good, positive, and constructive feedback,” said alum Diamond J. Cannon

Grads are Back is not just a celebratory event. It serves as a reminder of how far journalism programs at HBCUs have come and can go. Every HBCU journalism program would benefit from creating its own version of grads are back for students. It must start in-house to change the narrative and increase the low numbers of HBCU graduates in journalism.

HBCU journalism programs would benefit from more exposure to younger generations to continue growing in number, staff, and financial gain. More exposure would also help many HBCUs establish their journalism programs, as journalism is essential to everyday life. The news, media, and creativity are everywhere, and more HBCUs need events like grads are back to instill the importance of such.