James Johnson: Can you tell me more about the Gala? This is annual, correct?
Angela Robinson: Yes, this goes on every year in Florence, South Carolina. There will be students and people from the community. It’s actually the 22nd Annual UNCF Gala, and we want to raise about $150,000 to support students of color in the South Carolina community.
James Johnson: Now, you graduated from Florida A&M University?
Angela Robinson: Yes!
James Johnson: Coming from an HBCU, why was it so important for you to come back and lend your support to this cause, and the fund-raising efforts for students to be able to go?
Angela Robinson: Yes, you know, Florida A&M is not a UNCF supporting college, I should say that. It is a state college, but it is an HBCU. It is probably the most well-rounded education as an African American that you can receive. It was one of the best times of my life. I encourage it wholeheartedly. I always tell people to go to an HBCU for undergrad, and go to grad school wherever you want.
James Johnson: Looking back, I wish I had done that. I graduated from Cleveland State University, but a big part of me wishes I had gone to an HBCU.
Angela Robinson: My husband says the same thing. He graduated from Columbia University, and he says it all the time. But you know, you can still lend your support. When I say well-rounded, I just mean that when you’re in class at an HBCU, your education is about what you’re studying. It isn't sacrificed, but what you get on top of it is how you fit as an African American person into the culture that you’re going into. It is specified to you. Also, you get a history. You get your history in a different way. You get it fully, and you know, there’s no slight on anyone, but none can tell our story like we can tell our story. In class, these professors teach you science, but tell you about the first black scientist that did a certain research, and that is information you probably wouldn’t get at any other college. Should we research it anyway? Of course we should. These are just things that happened everyday at an HBCU. It’s valuable. There’s a love of community that everyone has that is instilled when you go to college. What are you going to do, and how are you going to serve your community when you graduate? That’s just something instilled in us. You graduate with a sense of responsibility, which is awesome. I didn’t have a choice in the matter really (laughing). I really did want to go somewhere else, but my father said you can do that, but if I’m going to pay for it, you’re going here. So I’m grateful.
James Johnson: And like you said, you leave with that sense of responsibility. You’re already putting that to use with UNCF which is great because so many kids can’t afford school.
Angela Robinson: Definitely. And to be a part of someone’s education. I remember “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”, and it is, but it’s more than a slogan. To be a part of someone getting a higher education who could not otherwise afford it, regardless of what school they go to, is a huge thing. At the same time, you’re supporting black colleges. They need our support, too. It’s great.
James Johnson: You recently did a keynote address for Women’s Veterans Interactive?
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