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There is so much to say on this topic. Hampton is my hometown so I know all about HIU. I practically grew up on the campus. My Mom is a grad school alumni. My mom tried to convince my sister and me to attend but neither of us chose to go there. Hampton is a great school in many aspects but I can't agree with them on all of their policies. There have been quite a few incidents there that the students have had grievances with some of their policies. Some years back Pres. Bush, Sr. was chosen as the speaker for commencement services. I mean you would think that the graduating students would have a say in choosing their graduation speaker but the students were reprimanded and forbidden to talk to the media or to protest.
I'm really lost on this latest controversy because Pres. Dr. Harvey is very much the business man. He even owns shares of Pepsi-Cola. He is the very reason why there is still a HIU in existence. The school almost closed but Harvey came on board and turned the school around and it's been full steam ahead every since. I've always admired him for this. I am really interested in hearing his stand on this.
You would think that educated Afr. Ams. would be more concerned with owning their own businesses and enterprises as opposed to trying to conform to working for corporate America. I'm getting the impression that these students are being taught that corporate America is the cure all. I hope that I'm wrong. I mean for Christ's sake look at how many hip hop artists grasp the concept of ownership. They play the part to get the money and when they get the money they take the ball and run with it. This is not a fad for them. They really understand the importance of ownership. I applaud Diddy, JayZ, Nelly, etc.
As a matter of fact HIU has an incubator. For those that aren't familiar with incubators it's a hub where business owners can utilize office space, equipment, receptionists, etc. for a nominal fee. There are also a lot of free services that they provide (info on grants, business loans, business plans, angel investors, etc.) It's sponsored by the Small Business Admin. So I'm really wondering why these business students or better yet Hampton's School of Business isn't leaning towards ownership. The resources are right there at their disposal. I know that this 'hair' concept certainly isn't coming from the SBA because they promote diversity.
I had a business professor from China who opened my eyes about corporate America. He knew corporate America in and out. He taught us how to play the game but most importantly he taught us how to win at the game. His precise words were, you will never beat them at their own game that's why you must place yourself on the same level - ownership.
You can play the game and not lose your identity in the process. I really hope that is what Hampton is teaching. I mean if you are the best of the best and you are being recruited by top corporations I would hope that part of your goal would be to own a business someday and not continue to play a part.
I worked FT the entire time while I was a FT undergrad student so this stood out on my resume. I did my first internship in my sophomore year and then another internship my junior year and that company hired me as a Director of PR, I also started my first business at the same time. I was already making decent money at my other job due to several promotions so this new job was really a blessing. I didn't take that money and lose my mind. I was already investing so I began to increase my investments. I did buy a new car and move into a nicer place but the rest went into starting my first business. My business, not my job paid off my new car. My senior year I was stress free. I was able to reward myself with a cruise. That info from my business professor is what put me on this path.
I now own 15 businesses. I can and do wear my hair anyway I choose. I conduct business all over the world with all types of people. I have the ability to employ blacks who wear locks, twists, braids, perms, etc. This is how we break up this 'conforming' nonsense. One of my businesses is a consulting business and it is my goal to reach more of our people so that they can begin to think about owning their own businesses.
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