The 2015 Martin Luther King Day HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Fair was held on January 19 at St. Peter’s AME Church in Minneapolis. “We’re proud to host this annual event that provides a venue for middle and high school students and their parents to learn about college opportunities,” said Rev. Nazim B. Fakir, pastor of St. Peter’s AME Church.
Participants enjoyed a “step show” performed by members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Pi Chapter; a keynote address by Nekima Levy-Pounds, attorney, professor of law and director of the Community Justice Project at the University of St. Thomas; a college fair with representatives and alumni from HBCU institutions; Skype sessions with representatives from Johnson C. Smith University and Tennessee State University; a panel discussion with HBCU graduates; a presentation by Alexander Hines, director of diversity and inclusion, Winona State University; and a hip hop praise worship led by Pastor Stacey Jones from Urban Jerusalem Ministry.
Hines said he is a living example of how one can turn their academic performance around. After being a below-average student in high school, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and is now pursuing a doctoral degree.
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