Seattle Black College Expo: A Celebration of Culture, Education, and Future Possibilities

The seventh annual Seattle Black College Expo recently took place at Rainier Beach High School, offering a wealth of opportunities for students to explore historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other educational institutions. The event featured over 50 colleges, providing on-the-spot acceptance for some attendees, and included the presence of black-owned businesses and organizations.

Students expressed their enthusiasm for the expo and its potential to shape their futures. "It's just looking at colleges, kind of getting a glimpse of my future and what I want to be doing," said London Allen, a Rainier Beach High School student. Jaden Walker, a student from Decatur Way High School, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I came here to kind of look around in search for different HBCUs and different colleges that I want to go to. Right now, it's a really confusing time in my life where I'm trying to decide what I want to do."

Community members also recognized the significance of the event. Arika Townsend, a community partner for Seattle Public Schools, emphasized the importance of generational connections to HBCUs, stating, "We got black parents who were born in the South that migrated to the north. This is a far reach for us, since we don't have black colleges here." Chukundi Salisbury Sr., founder and director of 100 Black Parents, expressed excitement about the event's energy and the diverse range of schools represented.

The Seattle Black College Expo serves as a vital resource for black youth, providing them with access to information and opportunities that can empower them to make informed decisions about their education and future careers. By bringing together students, parents, educators, and community members, the event fosters a supportive environment that encourages and uplifts black students in their pursuit of higher education.

Learn more about the Black College Expo and where it’s headed next by visiting thecollegeexpo.org