Join Us on The HBCU Journey: Discover, Tap In, and Thrive

Welcome to HBCU Lifestyle – your ultimate guide to the uniquely enriching world of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

HBCU Lifestyle About Hero Image

Ever wondered what makes the HBCU experience special? It's more than just an education. It's a lifestyle; a melting pot of rich heritage, enduring traditions, and a deep sense of community that fuels lifelong bonds.

At HBCU Lifestyle, we're passionate about keeping you in tune with this vibrant culture. Need advice on scholarships? We've got you covered. Curious about dorm life or Greek culture? Look no further. Intrigued by alumni giving? We've got inspiring stories that'll touch your heart.

Remember, your HBCU journey is a story waiting to unfold, and HBCU Lifestyle is here to guide you every step of the way. Welcome to the HBCU Family!

Igniting Passions, Building Connections: Our Mission at HBCU Lifestyle

HBCU Lifestyle is driven by a singular, impassioned mission: To empower, inspire, and connect the vibrant HBCU community. We understand that an HBCU education is a unique blend of academic rigour, cultural richness, and a deep sense of belonging.

We strive to serve as the beacon that lights your path, whether you're a high school student considering an HBCU, a current student soaking in the HBCU experience, or a proud alumnus reminiscing about cherished memories.

Empower

We're dedicated to providing the resources you need to maximize your HBCU journey. This includes guides on college selection, scholarships, applications, campus life, and more.

Inspire

We believe in the power of stories. Through real-life anecdotes and success stories, we aim to inspire you to seize the opportunities that HBCUs offer and create your unique HBCU story.

Connect

At the heart of the HBCU lifestyle is a sense of community. We are committed to facilitating meaningful bonds among prospective students, HBCU students, alumni, and supporters.

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At HBCU Lifestyle, our mission is not just a statement. It's a commitment that echoes in everything we do. It's the promise we make to you as you embark on or continue your HBCU journey. Together, let's embrace the HBCU lifestyle and celebrate the rich heritage and promising future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Our History

From Humble Beginnings to Unwavering Commitment

The HBCU Lifestyle Timeline

HBCU Lifestyle didn't start as the comprehensive platform it is today. Our story began in 2010, as a humble blog supporting Collegiate Brands, our e-commerce shop offering licensed HBCU apparel. Yet, as the blog evolved, so did our vision.

Back in those days, HBCUs were largely overlooked in the mainstream narrative. Coverage by major media outlets often swung towards the negative or controversial. We saw a need—a need to shine a spotlight on the positive aspects of HBCUs, the triumphs, the transformations, and the incredible sense of community they foster. Thus, ‘HBCU Lifestyle' was born.
 
By 2012, we had expanded beyond HBCU news, embarking on a mission to guide high school students through the exciting yet daunting transition to college. Our focus was—and still is—to ensure students not only survive but truly thrive in their academic and social lives at HBCUs.
 
In 2014, recognizing the growing demand for our services, we brought onboard a dedicated writing team. They joined us in our mission to generate engaging content that offered practical tips, timely advice, and real-life insights to our readers.
 
The narrative of HBCU Lifestyle took another significant turn in 2021. We saw the challenges faced by HBCU students and graduates in their professional journeys. There was a pressing need to bridge the gap between these talented individuals and employers seeking to diversify their teams. To meet this need, we collaborated with YM Careers to create the HBCU Career Hub, a platform connecting potential employers with the rich talent pool of HBCU students and graduates.
 
Today, HBCU Lifestyle stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the HBCU community. We have journeyed from being a simple blog to becoming a trusted guide and staunch advocate for HBCUs. And while we're proud of how far we've come, we're even more excited about the road ahead. Here's to continuing this journey together, cherishing the past and embracing the future of HBCUs!

Meet the Heartbeat of HBCU Lifestyle: Our Dedicated Team

HBCU Lifestyle is more than just a platform – it's a family. A family that was brought together by a shared passion for the HBCU experience. Born from the unity of Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University alumni, our core team has lived the HBCU journey, making them the perfect guides for your own HBCU adventure.

Richard Gibson
Richard Gibson, Jr.
Co-founder

The patriarch of the family and a proud member of FAMU Class of 1969, Richard embodies the spirit of HBCU. A faithful advocate for his alma mater and HBCUs at large, Richard brings his expertise in healthcare, logistics, business, marketing, and higher education to our platform.

Garrick Gibson
Garrick Gibson
Co-founder/Operation Dir.

As the son of Richard and an alumnus of FAMU's Class of 1997, Garrick inherited his father's passion for HBCUs. With a diverse background spanning UX design, digital marketing, and healthcare technology, He infuses his expertise into making HBCU Lifestyle a vibrant, engaging platform.

Ronique Gibson
Ronique Gibson
Co-founder/Marketing Dir.

Garrick's wife and co-founder, Ronique is a proud member of Tuskegee Class of 1997. With her extensive knowledge in architecture, interior design, e-commerce, and digital marketing, Ronique regularly contributes to shaping the digital persona of HBCU Lifestyle.

Jacquelyn W Gibson
Jacquelyn W. Gibson
Co-founder

As the matriarch of the family and a 1972 graduate of Tuskegee, Jacquelyn adds her cultural and historical knowledge of HBCUs to our platform. Her expertise in health science, nutrition, higher education, and publishing further enriches our content and initiatives.

Beyond our core family team, we have a dynamic extended family working remotely from diverse locations, including Africa, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Our international staff brings a wealth of perspectives, ensuring HBCU Lifestyle stays vibrant, inclusive, and globally relevant.

We share a common goal, which is to celebrate, elevate, and improve the HBCU way of life. We're more than a team; we're a family passionate about the HBCU experience, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Our Pledge to You: Empowering Your HBCU Journey Every Step of the Way

At HBCU Lifestyle, our commitment is straightforward – we're here to empower, inspire and connect your HBCU journey, every step of the way.

hbcu portrait gwcarver e1289986549687
Photo of George Washington Carver (front row, center) posing with fellow staff members at Tuskegee University

“We are here because of our Grandmother’s prayers and our Grandfather’s dreams, and we come on the breath of our ancestors.”

— Oprah Winfrey (2012 Spelman College commencement address), adapted from Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell’s song “We Are”

Gibson Family under the Booker T. Washington Lifting the Veil of Ignorance statue at Tuskegee University.
Gibson Family under the Booker T. Washington Lifting the Veil of Ignorance statue at Tuskegee University.

“A race, like an individual, lifts itself up by lifting others up.”

– Booker T. Washington 

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website.

All the best,

Richard, Garrick, Ronique and Jacquelyn

11 thoughts on “About Us”

  1. Kamilah Bryant

    Dear HBCU Lifestyle,

    My name is Kamilah Bryant, President/CEO of Perfect Light Educational Program, Inc. I would like to personally thank you for posting our summer HBCU tour to your site.

    We appreciate the exposure that your site provides to HBCUs and programs such as Perfect Light so that we keep the legacy alive. If there is anything that we can do to help promote your efforts please inform.

    Warmest Regards,

    Kamilah Bryant
    President/CEO
    Perfect Light Educational Program, Inc
    P: 513-254-4315
    Kbryant@myperfectlight.com

  2. HBCU Lifestyle

    Thank you Kamilah and you all are very welcome! Feel free to contact us for any HBCU related news you may have, and we will free to post it. Thanks for the comment, and we love what you all are doing! 🙂

  3. Dale Whitney

    Richard/Garrick
    I own a footwear company and am the largest NCAA footwear licensee in the market. I read a few articles on your website that are of interest to me.
    I would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes of your time to call me. I have a opportunity for you, or students you have contact with, to “run your own business”.

    I look forward to speaking with you at your convenience.

    Best regards,

    Dale Whitney
    President–Renaissance Imports
    704-821-1005 ext 15

  4. Jacqueline Williamson

    Hello,
    My name is Jacqueline and I am an a Howard university graduate. I love your blog. I am currently a high school counselor in Southern California . A dead zone when it comes to hbcu’s.

    I am researching resources to take to the African American students at my school. I’m sure they will love your blog too. I look forward to sharing it tomorrow. Keep it up. You are definitely needed. Please add me to your mailing list. Email list? Lol

  5. Nicole Ford

    Hello Jacqueline,

    I am not sure where you are located in Southern California, but my name is Nicole and I am the current President of the California HBCU Alliance in the Los Angeles area. Please feel free to contact me as we are having multiple events coming up including a Black College Fair on Saturday December 13th that is completely FREE to everyone as well as multiple Black College Tours during the Spring. We are a very active organization and attempt to visit about 40-50 HS’s per year to talk to students about out GREAT HBCUs!! Please reach out to me as I would love to connect with you!

    Nicole
    Stepping in the Right Direction

  6. Winona

    This app is not only free but also one of the
    most popular fitness tools online. BREATHER — As you pause on reading this article I am hoping it has so far provided you with judicious info related to real estate blog.

  7. robbie smith

    Just a few editing points. As an educational blog, your grammar and spelling should be correct.
    You wrote:
    “The HBCU Lifestyle Blog is lead by Richard and Garrick Gibson” — lead should be led (not the kind in a pencil)
    “HBCUs are just as relevant today, as when the first HBCU opened it’s doors” — it’s should be its (the possessive not the contraction)
    Your site is valuable. Just make sure you are correct!

  8. Staff

    Greetings Robbie. Thank you for calling us out on these errors. We appreciate the support! You beat us to the punch. We were already in the process of updating this page, and those changes are live now.

  9. CB Mitchell

    In the article on the top 10 HBCUs by graduation rate, the author mentions Hampton twice under the heading for Howard University. Please correct this error.

  10. Google

    Using Ancient Rome 3D in Google Earth, you can explore Rome as it appeared in 320 A.
    Based on their experience, they could know how much is required
    before going into details. But it seems Memorial Day wasn’t important enough to Google.

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