My Experience at Tuskegee University
By Troy Kimbrew ‘27
This past October, I visited Tuskegee University with my brother and father for homecoming. Our trip was from Thursday, October 12th through Sunday, October 15th, and we visited many historic sites in Montgomery, Alabama, and Tuskegee University. Tuskegee University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Genevieve Carlton, at Affordable Colleges, writes, “Before the Civil Rights Movement, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) offered Black Americans one of their only routes to a college degree.” What Is An HBCU And Why Are HBCUs Important? | Affordable Colleges Online
On the first day, we got settled into our hotel in Montgomery and took a self-guided tour of the city. During the tour, we visited the Montgomery Dock and other important historic sites. On the second day, we visited the Rosa Parks Museum and learned more about the Montgomery bus boycotts, her activism, and Civil Rights Movements in Montgomery. Soon after, we left to see Tuskegee University, which was made almost entirely out of brick and was surrounded by forests. We then toured the campus and visited the different colleges that make up the University. These colleges included the Schools of Business, Engineering and Architecture, and Science.
On the morning of the final day, we attended the homecoming parade, which included many floats, marching bands, the sports bus for the football team, and advertisements from local businesses and schools. We explored the campus more and then watched the homecoming football game between Tuskegee University and Edward Waters University, a rival HBCU. Although Edward Waters University ultimately won the game, Tuskegee started strong. In a recent article recapping the football game, HBCU Gameday stated, “Tuskegee got into the scoring act quickly on their opening drive, on a three-play, 60-yard drive that was capped off with a four-yard rushing TD to take an early 7–0 lead.” Hail Mary gives Edward Waters win over Tuskegee at homecoming — HBCU Gameday
That evening we attended a step show and watched multiple fraternities and sororities compete. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity won with an impressive football routine. Other themes that were used as the storyline for other performances were Drumline and Charlie’s Angels. My Father pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1984. I could see the pride in his eyes as we watched them step.
In summary, what I most love about Tuskegee University is the sense of school pride and community within the campus. I also enjoyed seeing all of the effort and passion put into the entire celebration. The trip was amazing and made me want to visit the campus again or potentially attend this university in the future.
