“Many of the most successful, well-educated, well-read men sort of disappear. They live their lives in way that is great, but they are not being seen,” Harper said. “Those of us [men] who are doing well have to represent that [success].
“That is why I’m out in the public,” he continued. “Our young people see others who more visible: T.I.P or Hova. In our music and in our pop culture journey isn’t celebrated. People want to have the monikers of greatness, as if you’ve been ordained to greatness. What is not talked about is journey, how tremendously hard those people work to achieve their success. Our young people do not realize that there is a journey involved.”
Harper’s journey has brought him to the nation’s HBCUs, a coalition of public and private institutions that disproportionately serve Black college students.
“HBCUs fulfill an incredible need,” he said. “That’s why they need to be supported. It’s not like other universities where they have four years to give folks a college education. Many HBCUs have to spend at least two years, making up for the failures of our public school system.
“Next, they have to try and cram four years of college training into the last two years,” Harper said. “Our HBCUs are doing double duty. I’m so proud of the work they are doing. It’s important to me to support them.”
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