In predominantly white areas, many do not hear much about many African Americans committing to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) due to a lack of knowledge about the topic. Specifically in Indiana, the closest colleges are all PWI (Predominately White Institutions). Dating back to 1837 when the first HBCU was created. Cheyney University, originally known as the African Institute; was established by Richard Humphreys. Cheyney was not degree-granting the first degree-granting institution was Lincoln University. 

According to pewresearch.org, 53% of African Americans attend PWI, while 7% attend HBCUs. Attending a PWI many of African American students aren't aware of HBCUs before they graduate high school. I wouldn't be aware of HBCUs if my family hadn't attended. The importance of African American teens being aware of having the option to go to an HBCU is overlooked, especially in predominantly white schools like La Porte itself. To be able to go to school with people who look like you and have experiences adjacent to yours offers something going to a PWI could never offer. 

Another reason for not being aware of HBCUs is that the majority of them are located in the South, leaving many young black girls and boys to not have an exact resource. Historically, the idea of many of these colleges being in the South makes sense. Racism and Segregation were still prevalent until the ´50s with the Brown v. Board Board of Education case. This case declared segregation and schools unconstitutional.  The people who came before me who integrated into this school did not have it exactly easy.  

The importance of attending black colleges doesn't stop on the surface of being around people who look like you or experience your experiences. The reality is that being on PWI grounds is still not always safe. Recently in 2017 at the University of Virginia, there was a Neo-Nazi rally leaving multiple injured and one dead. This is one of the many ways African Americans have been affected on predominately white campuses. 

Finding HBCUs that match your interests can be hard especially if you don't have a counselor knowledgeable on HBCUs.  For me, I used what was easiest for me the internet. With a quick internet search, you can find every single HBCU. Finding ones that match your cost, athletic achievements, and major is important, as well as good websites such as HBCUs connect. These websites give you the option to put exactly what you're looking for in a college and shoot one out at you. It also offers a multitude of scholarships and careers.

As the days get longer and the weather gets cold, we pull out our jeans and hoodies. Winter days are cold, boring, and sometimes hard to dress for. Here are my go-to winter basics.

During this time of year, I usually stick to wearing neutral colors. These include White, brown, black, and light pink. These colors match the weather and are good for the season. I steer away from bright colors or pastels.

It's also a great time to wear jeans. My favorite place to get jeans is American Eagle. AE has multiple different types of jeans and always has a good sale. Their jeans specifically fit well compared to other brands of jeans. They also have multiple styles of jeans depending on how you're feeling. The "Barrel jeans" are great to wear during the winter. Their slightly baggy and fit well in the waste. 

Another cute style of bottoms to wear during the winter are skirts and leggings. Although it is cold outside adding a pair of tights can allow you to still wear skirts. Tight leather and black skirts can match almost everything you pair them with. Pinstripe and pleated skirts also can add flair while wearing a simple top. 

Leggings are a comfortable staple piece to wear during all seasons. Specifically during the winter styling them with crewnecks in sweaters can make you comfy and stylish. I like to buy my leggings from lululemon and Amazon. In both of these places, leggings fit well and are still cozy.1While looking for tops, I try to look for long-sleeved shirts, crewnecks, and sweaters. Specifically, off-shoulder sweaters, offer comfort while still being fashionable. I usually look at Amazon and Shein to look for these.

Shein has great body suits that come in packs for cheap. I choose to pair these with sweatpants, jeans, and skirts. These bodysuits come in many different colors and patterns and are an easy piece to pair. 

I thrift most of my crewnecks or get them from name-brand stores. WhiteFox is a great brand to buy crewnecks or hoodies for. Although they can be expensive, it's a well-known brand. I also always use Amazon which has everything you need.

Living in a small town and shopping can be hard. This is why shopping online and in the following cities including Valparaiso and Merriville is easier. While shopping online I use Aelfric  Eden, Sopula, thatssofetch, and begginingboutique. 

These are my go-to places to stay comfortable during this cold time of year.

As an African American growing up in La Porte, there aren't many girls who look like me. The majority of the girls in my grade are blond with straight hair and blue eyes. The boys are the same.

I always knew I stuck out in a way. Especially with the daily occurrence of comments about my skin, my nose, or my hair. The fact that my hair was short and looked like a "rat nest" or that my nose was too "big and black."

It wasn't until I entered my freshman year of high school that I realized the comments that were made to me felt like judgment or teasing. As of now, when anyone asks if I'm offended by the constant statements I just say no. In reality, if I were to act out on every comment made to me on the daily, I would then fit into the stereotype of me being "ghetto" and being an "angry Black woman."   

Living in La Porte my whole life consisted of me being the only Black girl in my class until middle school. Even now in the majority of my classes, I'm the only Black student. 2.7% of LaPorte High School's student body is African American and 75.1% is White according to usnews.com. 

I'm sure this is why my favorite comment made to me by my classmates is "You´re whitewashed." Because on a real note, what does that mean? Speaking a certain way does not change my experiences as a Black girl. It doesn't change the comments made about my skin, and it doesn't change what my ancestors dealt with. 

Would I rather fit into being ghetto and angry or would I rather be considered whitewashed? Both of these stereotypes tear away black girls' self-esteem. Knowing that if I act on my anger then I'm presented to always be mad and aggressive. If I wear specific clothing and if I speak a certain way then I'm whitewashed. 

That doesn't change anyone's experience. These stereotypes cause chaos within black communities. Although the "whitewashed" fit into the white cliques at school, they are then excluded from the black groups where they should fit in. I've seen it time and time again; racist comments by black boys and girls towards other black boys and girls even if their skin is the same and their ancestors came from the same place.

The reality is that these stereotypes don't just hurt the person that they're forced onto but also the community as well. Society cannot do anything about a person's skin, but they can change the way you react to it. The words someone says have power behind them, and understanding what is said can alter someone's life positively and negatively. Writing this piece I'm hoping that the black girls growing up now won't ever have to get used to what someone has to say about their skin.