I’ve never understood why some have questioned the need for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It seems so obvious that throughout #America ’s history, when other schools refused to admit African Americans—or treated them badly when they did attend—HBCUs became the urgently needed alternative. As I did a bit of exploring on the Morehouse College School of Medicine Campus today, that fact came to life powerfully. During these racially-charged times in America, a space where your presence won’t be questioned, or your skin color criminalized, sounds like an oasis. The ability to learn without daily “microaggressions” (statements, actions, or incidents that are indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group) is in my opinion more valuable than the prestige of an Ivy League education. My interview this morning with the President and Dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice, was intellectually-stimulating and nourished my writing process. I’m excited about submitting the first draft of my National Geographic feature about maternal mortality and African American women next week. #Morehouse #HBCUs #AfricanAmericans #BlackHistory #medicine #MorehouseMedicalSchool …see more