Education was an important discussion in the household of Andres Martin, the founder of nonprofit HBCU Night. As a first-generation college student, Martin had the opportunity to be someone great. He was determined to make his mother, who had encouraged the pursuit of college within their household, proud.

During the HBCU Night founder’s senior year of high school, one of the most pivotal years for a student prior to beginning college, he received a discouraging message from his guidance counselor.

“With grades like these, you won’t even get into community college,” said the counselor.

The words would resonate with the Connecticut-native but they would not shake his spirit. Developing a plan with his mother and aunt, they were able to strategize a game plan for Andres Martin to attend college. It was this decision that would lead Martin to Dallas, TX upon graduation where he would visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) such as Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M and Grambling State. Visiting those campuses exposed him to HBCU culture and was the spark that led Martin to want to become a pioneer in his own right.

Martin would eventually begin his studies at Grambling State, where he pursued sports management with a minor in history. While attending the HBCU, Martin claims it was one of his best experiences. He credits this to the support system he received through academic resources and the examples of Black excellence within his classrooms and amongst his peers. Martin’s time at Grambling State left him feeling empowered and would directly lay the foundation for his future entrepreneurial visions. His turning point began here, and now Martin believes other students can experience a similar shift in their lives by attending an HBCU.

Andres Martin

Sign up for our daily Newsletter.