A FEW WORDS ABOUT WORDS
BOOKSMART
EBONY LaDELLE:“ You’ ve Got A Place Here, Too,” An Anthropology of Black Love Stories Set at HBCUs”
By ADDIS ROMERO
Attending an HBCU is truly a oncein-a-lifetime experience. Not only are you surrounded by people who look like you, but there is also an abundance of culture, collaboration, and love woven throughout each campus. Although every university has its own customs, we all share one thing in common: we truly see each other for who we are.
“ You’ ve Got a Place Here, Too” does an incredible job of highlighting the love that flourishes at HBCUs. This beautiful collection of stories captures the importance of belonging and shows why so many HBCU students lean into their community.
Many of the stories in this anthology center around how our colleges feel like home, welcoming us with open arms. A recurring theme throughout the book is the journey toward self-acceptance. We see this reflected in characters joining Divine Nine( historically Black Greek) organizations, participating in campus clubs, or exploring their passions with peers.
Each story reinforces that you don’ t have to change to belong, you just need to show up as yourself, and the community will meet you where you are. HBCUs are more than just academic spaces; they are symbols of heritage, pride, and resistance. These universities nurture confidence and
provide students with a space to be their authentic selves, a place where they can thrive in their own identity, is the point this collection of stories drives home.
The idea that“ you’ ve got a place here, too” suggests that there is room for everyone, even those who might feel like outsiders. The diversity within the stories within this book is what makes it so unique. We see love unfolding across many years, as well as forbidden romances and relationships that test boundaries. The stories celebrate inclusivity and intersectionality by highlighting queer love, cross-cultural identities, and students from different ages, classes, and backgrounds. This representation reminds us that Blackness is not one-dimensional; it is rich, layered, and diverse.
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The book also combats stereotypes, showcasing how tender, intentional, and powerful black love can be. Many of the love stories portray characters healing from past traumas and learning to be vulnerable with their partners. Black love is presented in all its forms romantic, platonic, and self-love, each equally valid and transformative.
Although each love story is unique, they all share one truth: love will always win.
The writers in this anthropology navigate challenges many HBCU students face, including family expectations, insecurities, and academic pressures. Ultimately, this book reveals the true nature of love; it is never simple. Love can be messy and complicated, filled with miscommunication and heartbreak. Yet through it all, there is resilience, healing, and hope.
This collection also highlights the community, love, and inclusiveness that HBCUs provide. These campuses create spaces where students can thrive in their culture, identity, and sense of belonging. No matter their background or upbringing, every student can find a home at an HBCU, a place where love and belonging are incorporated into every tradition, classroom, and connection. •
Addis Romero is a Afro-Latina strategic communications major at Morgan State University, and a Fellow in its Center for New Media and Strategic Initiatives.