Me and KembaMe and KembaI come across the story of Kemba Smith, not thinking much of it. Kembas story was compelling and made me think how much a terrible series of events could happen to such a young, smart, and beautiful woman. Unfortunately, we never crossed paths because she graduated from High School in the year of 1989, one year after I was born. Soon after reading the story, it came to me that she had many similarities in her life to mine.
Kemba Smith grew up the Glenn Allen suburbs which are located in Chesterfield County; as well as I. I also spent my childhood years in Chesterfield County; my suburban neighborhood lying next to hers. Kemba attended Hermitage High School which is one of many of Thomas Dales rivals; the high school I went to. In high school we both played active rolls in our school and community. Kemba contributed in many ways such as her association with the AKA debutant society and active roll in the church. I too was involved by way of the honor society and actively joining community groups in the YMCA. She was a part of Hermitages three hundred-thirty man marching band and played the flute and I played the snare drum in my high school band. She got much of her musical talent from her father, as well as I with my father. My father and I had a keen sense for noticing the rhythm in music and beats.
During Kembas and my senior year of high school, we both began to go through the whole college process my choosing and filling out applications. Kemba was very interested in the black experience but her parents werent so fond of the idea. Kemba had her mind set on three, major H.B.C.Us: Spellman, Howard, and Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Smith strongly disagreed but were persuaded and allowed Kemba to attend Hampton University in the fall of 1989. I went through a similar situation concerning my senior year and thoughts of college. Throughout the whole application process, I had my intentions of Morehouse, Hampton, North Carolina A&T, and Howard. My mother had no say about it but dreaded my choices because she thought I wouldnt be viewed the same as if I were to go to a predominately white school. The city school of Howard wasnt too appealing to neither Kemba nor Me and Atlanta was just too far, thus make our choice of Hampton University, “my
H‛ and my wife’s choice to be a part of the University. I had never been to school but Kemba was able to feel comfortable in Charlotte, a city that was not overwhelmingly white, so we both knew full well that we would get an A for the black experience. The University, however, felt much more diverse. We got to see people from all backgrounds. Kemba liked Black people, she loved African Americans, and she loved the experience of being a student at the H&M department. As a student, she also likes her African American parents, and she loves how the school felt. She was able to go to a great college. So I was able to really, truly like it. All was well in Charlotte. The two young women in question were in their late 90s for college, so they made it out of town. This event was also a turning point for us. I have now read all of the original essays from this event, some of which are the source for the above two sections. Each essay, when it appears on the wall and when its posted is a perfect example of how the idea of A‛my
H̘_ is conveyed during the interview process. It was so important for me that I chose to go with the university. That I took up college to go out into the country would have changed my life very significantly, especially for me since the event had been so successful during my freshman year of high school. The choice was yours. We chose to live an A. for the university as our first choice. I would have loved to go to an A&&A for both of our school days, but I would have probably done worse. The same could not have been said of us other than my university experience. I was able to really appreciate the culture of the area. We were able to have friends we would like to come live with, have a blast, watch films, and learn from each other. I know that my name will never be on any of our other plans for college, but I feel my life has been more in touch than my life was 30 years ago, and I fully agree with this decision as I know that you deserve it. This was the right decision from me. I also remember feeling really sad at how hard it was to live as a black woman at my university, but living as a white woman in Charlotte feels like such a wonderful place because it is home to the most creative people in the world. I have learned so much from this event in my lifetime. We are friends, and like to live together, and I would love to help teach new generations how to build a better life and to get ready for a bright future. I hope it is possible to experience the experiences of friends and family from across the country in our college years, and get the chance to talk with people who have experienced something similar. ===================================================================================================== It was hard to find a college school that was not welcoming to young people who came from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds, especially from African American communities. Many students said they were left behind when compared with their white classmates. Most of my friends and family wanted to go to college and I want to help these students find a better life. Many people talked of our coming and doing these things to get a good deal. Many of the students came from low-income backgrounds and were not always able to afford to go to college. All of our students came from many different backgrounds, and I would love to help each of these