Howard University in Washington, D.C., was the site for "A Day of Recognition," which brought together presidents, students, chaplains and faculty of the three historically black Episcopal colleges -- St. Augustine's in Raleigh, North Carolina; St. Paul's in Lawrenceville, Virginia; and Voorhees in Denmark, South Carolina -- to acknowledge them for the roles they play in their communities and society.
"This event helps to connect the three colleges and facilitate communication," said the Rev. Canon Angela S. Ifill, missioner for the Office of Black Ministries. "We wanted the students to leave here with information from the various workshops they attend, a better understanding of the Episcopal Church and the assurance that someone else cares about them."
Sponsored by the Office of Black Ministries of the Episcopal Church and the Association of Episcopal Colleges, "A Recognition Day" was a two-fold opportunity to present the church to students as a viable option as they consider their futures, and for the church and the colleges to explore new ways of collaboration. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori participated in the February 16 gathering themed "Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence."
"The gathering enabled us to hear directly, especially from the students, the importance of historical black colleges," said the Rev. Dr. Donald Thompson, general secretary of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion. "It is clear from what they had to say that this means a great deal. They come from a background that has been diverse and they have never really had a chance to figure out who they are and where they are going so it is critically important that the Episcopal Church continue supporting these institutions which are going through some really tough times."
Approximately 150 students spent the day attending workshops on resume and interviewing skills, conflict management, financial management, health and the history of the Episcopal Church. Jefferts Schori and the Rev. Angela Shepherd, rector of St. Philip's Church in Annapolis, Maryland, facilitated.
Sherri Gray, who led the financial management workshop with her husband, Davon, said they wanted the students to understand "the importance of financial management."
"Sometimes, especially as high school and college students, we think that money grows on trees so we want to impress upon them how important it is to be wise and proactive when it comes to money," she explained.
Phyllis Johnson, a senior majoring in sociology at Voorhees, said the conflict management workshop stood out for her.
"The skills taught in the workshop basically showed me how to be the bigger person when difficult situations occur," she explained. "They showed us that you can walk away from a situation and let things cool down before you deal with them and not look like a weak person."
William Isler, a sophomore majoring in education at St. Paul's, said he "enjoyed all the sessions" but the resume and interviewing skills workshop was most important because it will help him with his "preparation for the future."
Students also had the opportunity to have their voices heard collectively during a student-led panel discussion with topics ranging from what was it that drew you to attend a HBCU [Historically Black College and University] to should HBCUs with a religious affiliation, such as their schools, consider creating campus organizations for homosexuals.
"My years at Voorhees have been awesome," said Johnson. "Being the youngest in my family I have always had others do for me; attending this school has been an opportunity to grow as a person."
"I attended an HBCU knowing that I would not only be educated mentally, and physically but emotionally as well," said Simone Wilson, a senior majoring in pre-med at St. Augustine's.
Wilson said that this conference was important because it served as a reminder of "the importance of what those who came before us did."
"When we gather like this it's really a reminder that you are not just doing this for you; you're doing it for those coming behind you and it is very important to reach back," she said.
Nevin Brown, president of the International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership (IPSL), said the Episcopal Church "has put a lot of resources and attention into historically black colleges."
"These are the most active colleges in the church right now," he said. "So I think this kind of a day is very important to recognize the job they are doing with students now, and their heritage."
The presidents of the colleges also had a chance for their voices to be heard both in a private conference with Jefferts Schori and in an open panel discussion. All were in agreement that in order to continue to compete in today's academic arena, change is a given.
Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber, president of St. Augustine's, said, "The future of historically black colleges and universities lies in its ability to be competitive with other intuitions of higher education."
Dr. Robert Satcher, president of St. Paul's echoed Suber saying his school is currently "assessing our strengths and weaknesses and are making adjustments.
"It's not business as usual anymore," said Dr. Valdrie Walker, president of Voorhees. "We want to be looked at not as just one, but perceived as one of the best. It's all doable. It takes vigilance and hard work. We love the 19th Century HBCU because where would we be if it were not for those institutions. But now we need to bring them into the 21st Century. The new leadership needs to make a 21st Century institution."
Jefferts Schori in her closing remarks said she felt "humbled to be in the midst of this community."
"I think I have a deeper sense of how important HBCUs are and how important they have been to forming leaders," she explained. "Not just in the black community but for the whole community. HBCUs are struggling with the shift in demographics and the challenges of the current age and support is needed from around the church."
-- Daphne Mack is an Episcopal Life Media correspondent and editor of the Global Good website. She is based in New York.
