FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) More students are attending HBCUs. That s according to a study conducted by the Stanford University Center for Education Policy Analysis, which links a twenty percent increase in new student enrollment at HBCU s to the national, social and political climate, as well as increased hate crimes.
For freshmen student Maya Martin, selecting Fayetteville State University felt like an extension of life at home family atmosphere where she s comfortable being herself and on a college campus where she doesn t have to worry about feeling invisible. You don t want to be in an environment where you have to constantly defend your Blackness and defend the wrongs made against us, said Martin.
FSU has been a major player in the UNC System since its founding. But it has also been a fertile ground for those who would dare attempt to take over or rebrand it.
RAEFORD, N.C. (WTVD) Over the last year, support for Black-owned businesses exploded. Candle company Southern Elegance was a part of that wave.
The company has reaped the financial benefits and at one point, even sold out of all products in a week.
Owner D Shawn Russell sees this support as more than just a trend. When people look us up and they buy from me because I m a woman and they are looking to support women-owned businesses. I appreciate it. When they are looking to buy from a Black-owned business and I m Black. I appreciate it. But at the end of the day I have to create a product that speaks to them, said Russell.