Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis P. Jackson.
Hi Travis, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started HBCU Pride Nation (HPN) as a senior in college. HPN came into existence because there was a need for people to understand why HBCUs were significant and to show people that our institutions were relevant in today’s society.
When we speak to HBCUs we must speak to how they paved the way for African-Americans to be here today through history, starting in 1837; the famous alumni that graduated from them such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Morehouse College), Thurgood Marshall (Lincoln University of Pennsylvania), Phylicia Rashad (Howard University), Ronald E. McNair (NC A&T) and much more; the opportunities that Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide for African-American students and others to become the greatest versions of themselves even when the odds are stacked against them by society.
You can’t speak about the world without referring to the significant contributions that HBCU’s have made.
As far as my business, I started it by tweeting out historical facts about the 103 (there are 101 HBCUs now) HBCUs at the time. Then we got into producing HBCU merchandise and that went and still going very well. After the merchandise, we began to get into speaking in high schools across the country on why students should attend HBCUs. We’ve been very consistent in achieving our mission over the past decade.
We also have our own podcast called “Meet Me at the Cafe: The Podcast”, which focuses on the experiences of six HBCU grads and current events that affect the African-American community. Our cast includes Sharika Comfort and Zena Conway, who represent Johnson C. Smith University; Davril T. Massey and Ebonee Funderburk, who represent Winston-Salem State University; Darius Welch, who represents Livingstone College and myself representing North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Now we are providing social media services to clients such as Cigna, AT&T, the Celebration Bowl, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, and more,
In March 2021, we have presented a proclamation by Mayor Vi Lyles for our work in the city. Now, every March 21 will be known as HBCU Pride Nation day!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Establishing a brand such as HBCU Pride Nation has not been a smooth road just like any other entrepreneurial endeavor.
First, one of the biggest obstacles that we faced came from me because I had to get out of my own way and learn how to be a business leader other than depending solely on myself to make this mission happen.
We didn’t have money at the time to go to the schools and HBCU conferences but God blessed us with many opportunities to spread our mission to campuses throughout the country.
When you look at the HBCU industry there are many HBCU brands now. Back then, there were few and we are proud to be one of the pioneers but finding your niches and being true to one to three things was a hassle because I wanted to do so much.
Last but not least, one of the challenges that have become a blessing was learning how to transform a social media page and a hustle into a corporation. I want to say this to other entrepreneurs, “please make sure that your passion, brand, initiative, etc has a corporate or nonprofit structure and make sure that your systems and processes are in place so that people will take you seriously”.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about HBCU Pride Nation, LLC?
You should know that HBCU Pride Nation has become a household name in the HBCU community.
We specialize in making sure that the people understand the need and significance of HBCUs through events, social media services, telling the narratives of each HBCUs so people will know the identity of each and we produce high-quality merchandise that gives HBCU students and grads the opportunity to represent their pride for their HBCU.
What sets us apart from other HBCU brands is our passion for connecting HBCU alumni and students to each other in an effort to increase career opportunities, mentorship, and events. We have a vibe and culture that is unmatched!
I am most proud of having our own holiday/proclamation in Charlotte, NC for our work. Charlotte is the city that I was raised in and it means so much to me.
Another aspect of HBCU Pride Nation that I am proud of is our signature event called the HBCU Pride Experience which was formerly known as the Hillman Experience. This event brought 3000+ students out that received $2M in scholarships to attend HBCUs, students were admitted into college on the spot, HBCU alumni engaged with prospective students through an interactive panel discussion about the HBCU experience and we had a pep rally. We plan on bringing the event back soon!
I want our readers to know that we take a keen interest in showing our people that they are greater than what they see on TV and that they too can make something out of themselves in life. God has a purpose for your life and you will achieve it!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Savannah, GA!!!! I love Savannah State University, I love the weather.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.hbcupridenation.net/www.hbcuprideshop.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hbcupridenation
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hbcupridenation
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/hbcupridenation
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/hbcupridenation
