This Is My HBCU

How can I convey to you In a way you'll understand? I'm nostalgic for my memories from the distant past When I used to walk the campus, Yard, and go to class For the cool breeze of warm eve's of nights now naught For the thrill of doing tings for which I wasn't caught I have memories of happenin's only I know now The ones I made them with ain't reachable, they all spread out Though we're far apart, I learned in class 'bout diaspora How we all span the globe and we came from Africa Zoomin' in my senior year taught me 'bout location And how it and memory are tied; together they make occasion Like bein' in Cook Hall's Lounge, pourin' out libations Like praisin' God in Cramton, Rankin Chapel; givin' adulation Like all-nighters; Founders, iLab, commemoratin' The buzz of voices givin' way to the most dedicated Like The Yard packed at Homecomin', Graduation Stark contrasts in presentations though they both 'bout celebration! How can I convey to you In a way you'll understand? That This place is more than what's in the news This place is more than picturesque aerial views In its nuanced history, you'll find the truth This is my HBCU This place is more than what's in the news This place is more than picturesque aerial views In its nuanced history, you'll find the truth This is my HBCU I'm dually writin' both generic specific Talkin' TP, G-P; Toilet Paper, Georgia-Pacific Listen close 'cause if you blink your ears you gon' miss it The tell all story; how I do and both don't miss it I miss the ones who made me feel like more than just a number Than just a bank account that keeps the school from going under I know that higher ed's a big business, institution I know that 'cross the years, due to debt and death, we've lost some students May they rest in peace and power While we continue uphill battles for a more just, equitable future Top reason, Howard; why I'll miss it In that sea of blackness, I ain't need to justify my existence Home by that Reservoir, Home by the Sea Hampton for Mom, Howard for me If you question need for 'em, please go listen and read The HBCU "secret sauce" worth more than degree! This place is more than what's in the news This place is more than picturesque aerial views In its nuanced history, you'll find the truth This is my HBCU This place is more than what's in the news This place is more than picturesque aerial views In its nuanced history, you'll find the truth This is my HBCU I hope To return One day To pilgrimage to The Mecca And I don't Like to say Goodbye So for now, it's H-B-C-U-later