I Confess: I am the product of an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), Bennett College for Women, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Bennett was an oasis for me — a place to refuel after spending my senior year of high school (1965-1966) with about 15 other African American students “integrating” Orange High School in Hillsborough, North Carolina during the county’s “Freedom of Choice” period. To understand what my year at Orange High School was like, all you need to know is that on Monday night, January 28, 2019, the community and school board finally admitted to racial intolerance and passed an equity policy (Bless their little hearts).
Bennett took me in, healed my broken spirit, let me know that I was in good company in my fight for equality and dignity, and prepared me to move forward as a positive force in the world.
Bennett College has a long history of educating, protecting, nurturing, polishing and sending women out into the larger world to reach their full potential and to be beacons in a, sometimes, dark and chaotic world.
Now, Bennett is facing a financial crisis that could end Bennett’s ability to continue to produce women of integrity who can make a difference in our communities, our country and our world.
Please take a few minutes to learn about my beloved alma mater, and, if you are able, please chip in and #StandWithBennett. Click the link below. Thank you.
JanPens2illuminate.com 