Families flocked to The St. James in Springfield, Virginia, a multi-purpose, Black-owned sports complex, on Nov. 15 for an event where students not only learned about historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), but left with opportunities to attend the institutions.
For the 23rd year, Alfred Street Baptist Church hosted its Annual HBCU Festival, an event offering on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships to students from around the DMV area.
“[This] is the largest HBCU festival in the United States of America,” said the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, to the students and families at the Nov. 15 event. “Welcome to the more than 72 colleges and universities that are awaiting you.”
The festival kicked off Nov. 14 with virtual sessions, interviews and conversations, before the Saturday, in-person event at The St. James, which featured auditions for college music programs, financial aid and mental health seminars, and resource rooms.
With guest speakers from Google, plus influencers such as Howard University students and social media personalities Jade Johnson and Jadah Clay, the event offered a wealth of information and entertainment.
“As HBCU students, it feels so good to see so many high school students excited about college, excited to be able to go to HBCUs,” Jade said in a video posted to the church’s Instagram account. “It’s people in line wrapped around the building.”
For many students and families in attendance, the admission interviews, on-site acceptances, and scholarship offers were an added bonus.
“I got into Johnson C. Smith University and I got money and a scholarship,” said student attendee Lamya Johnson in the video.
For Wesley and Alfred Street members, the annual event is an opportunity to not only spread God’s love and light, but invest in the future of the nation and world.
“We have been praying for this day,” Wesley said. “We believe in not only the love of Jesus Christ, but the future God has for you as high school students.”