Brown Skin Brunchin’ is a social group that was created in 2018 for black and brown women who share a love of brunch and travel. Pioneered by Lillian Jackson and Melissa Mason with a motive to empower women both black and brown to acquire the benefits and merits through attending Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The monthly brunches of the Brown Skin Brunchin’ are held in order to bring members together which provides a platform for minority women to connect and expand their professional circles and sisterhood bonds.
HBCUs have educated some of the Black community’s brightest minds and most of them end up being exceptional Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in every field.
Being a part of Brown Skin Brunchin’ offers members the opportunity to be amongst people who look like them and understand their unique journey navigating the world as a woman of color instilling the urge to win in all aspects of life.
According to Johnyelle Lee, Ambassador at Brown Skin Brunchin’, the brunches play a big role since education is vital but more so networking grants exclusive opportunities that aren’t easily available.
She indicates that through the brunches and togetherness, friends are able to encourage each other to push through personal and professional journeys as well as offer safe spaces for thoughtful and sensitive discussions about life.
Furthermore, Lee adds that the HBCU is currently the best place for better nurturing with the diverse opportunities they are offering.
“Both environments afforded me numerous opportunities to meet and connect with new people, share business ideas, and life goals, as well offer safe spaces for thoughtful and sensitive discussions about life,” says Lee.
Some of the graduates from Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) tell tales of gradual growth with support from professors and access to opportunities entirely.
“There are certain experiences that you can only get at an HBCU. The institution incorporates Black excellence in the college experience. Opportunities for internships and jobs are presented and highly encouraged at HBCUs because at times we are left out of conversations in other educational settings,” says Kassinda White, alumni of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Additionally, she adds that attending an HBCU has helped to progress her socially, professionally, and academically, especially in the environment around campus.
“I felt the university would set me up for success and would want the best for me,” she said. “There I experienced feeling a part of a legacy; building a strong foundation for my future and inspiring others to do the same,” said Yolina Owens who opted to attend Charlotte HBCU Johnson C. Smith University.
Her choice she says enabled her to learn valuable lessons about acceptance of self which has, in turn, built her confidence making her the successful woman she is today hence proving to be the right choice.
Johnyelle Lee alumni of NC A&T (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University), says attending an HBCU gave her the tools necessary to be successful and resilient, citing that she was taught by tough yet sensitive and caring African American professors who were inspirational and instrumental in her personal development and career goals.
“I stand tall on the shoulders of my ancestors’ purpose and I can do anything when faith and courage are applied. It prepared me to live with my eyes wide open; to live fully by exploring different options (professionally and personally). Also, to walk into any room being proud of myself and to express my goals without feeling undervalued or less than because of the color of my skin.”
The three HBCU graduates have therefore embarked entirely on a mission to further the legacy of Black excellence by using the skills they acquired at their respective HBCUs to help build a strong network of Black women across the United States.
