Episode 12: The Minority Report feat. Cedric Dent. Jr.

 1799 is the first record of an African American attending an American University or college.  By 1900 2000 African Americans had Higher Education degrees of which ONLY 390 received degrees from white institutions and there were 78 black colleges established by this time.  In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled to abolish racial segregation in schools. Currently, there are approximately 2.5 million African American students enrolled in higher education .  While this number is a far cry from the enrollment in 1900, there should be millions more of African American enrolling in higher education programs.  As we make-up only 15% of the total college population. While we don’t have the barriers that our ancestors had, minority students still face challenges in acceptance and assimilations on campus, in our community and in our home.  Although there are millions of African Americans in college, many students are 1st-generation students where being in college and graduating from college is rare or non-existent.  Being a minority and the 1st to go to college is a unique experience that is hard to describe.  But at the core of the issue is identity. While all students go to college to explore and discover who they are, minority students have more layers to peel before they get to understand, accept and love their authentic selves. 

In this episode we explore the topic of finding your identity as a minority student.  On this episode you’ll hear three voices and three perspectives: my own, an African American woman and college graduate, Co-host and Preppy’s Intern Maggy, a Latina woman and college graduate, and our guest, Cedric Dent, Jr.. an African American male college student.  We are all 1st-generation, low-income, minority students.  If you’ve been listening you know about Maggy and I.  Let me introduce you to our guest. 

Cedric Dent Jr is a proud senior at my alma mater Southeastern Louisiana University and is pursuing a degree in Social Work. Cedric was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana by a single mother. Cedric has been actively involved on campus as an Orientation leader, Peer Mentor, member of the NAACP, leader of the Student Government Association, and President of Kappa Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Cedric was recently crowned the 2018-2019 Homecoming King. Cedric is a Senior Social Work Major and is consistently on the Dean’s List. He has recently authored his first book, "Searching for Purpose and Understanding: Fulfilling Your Purpose in Life" 

This is one of our longer episodes but only because the conversation was really great we couldn’t bear to cut anything.  We would love to hear your feedback and your personal experiences in finding your identity.  Be sure to send us your thoughts on Twitter or Instagram @bepreppyllc.  Happy Listening! 

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Episode Resources

Cedric Dent, Jr.

Instagram: @_cedricd06
Website: cedricdentjr.com
Book: Searching for Purpose and Understanding: Fulfilling Your Purpose in Life can be purchased on Amazon or at www.cedricdentjr.com 

Maggy Murillo, Co-Host

Instagram: @magsssssssss
Tune into Maggy Mondays Live on Instagram @bepreppy.com 

Dr. Erin Wheeler, Host

Instagram: erinwheelerphd.com
Book: Geaux Wiser: Secrets to College Success purchase at Amazon

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