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Meet Dr. Alexis McCrea

Dr. Alexis McCrea is from Concord, North Carolina and a proud initiate into the Omega Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated. Mrs. McCrea is Winston-Salem State University’s first graduate through their early assurance Physical Therapy program. This is significant to me as Alexis received her degree in the same program I will receive mine in on May 9th (shoutout to God!) and she has received her DPT which is the path I will follow. Not only did she receive one degree from Winston-Salem State University but she is a 2x Ram! I had the opportunity to ask a few questions, check out our conversation below!

What is the early assurance program and how did you first find out about it?

It is an assurance agreement allowing WSSU Exercise Physiology students with high GPAs along with other requirements, an opportunity to be accepted into WSSU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program a year early. The Early Assurance Program was announced during an open house on campus in November 2015.

What were you reasons for choosing the Physical Therapy program and committing to the early assurance program?

I choose PT because I have always been interested in the body, the way it works, and how it moves. A PT is a movement expert that has opportunities to impact people's lives significantly. I love the idea of being able to help people gain or regain the ability to move and carry out daily life, all while keeping myself fit and active.

After being the first person to be accepted into the DPT program through the early assurance program, I realized how big of an opportunity I had placed in front of me. To obtain two degrees by the age of 24 was a blessing I didn’t want to give up. Although I did sacrifice half of my senior year, I am fortunate to have the rest of my life sitting in front of me, while most people my age are just now able to begin their doctoral or masters level course work.

You’re a 2x Winston-Salem State University graduate! What made you choose WSSU for undergraduate and graduate studies?

In 2013 I received a full-ride Chancellor Scholarship to WSSU. I attended Scholar’s Day and fell in love with the campus and university. My mentor at the time, and now fellow Class of 2019 DPT graduate, Dara Green, made me feel like I was apart of the family before I even accepted the scholarship. After such positive experiences during my undergraduate time, I decided to take advantage of an opportunity WSSU offered me and continue my graduate degree at WSSU. WSSU DPT program has been nationally recognized for a 100% pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Licensure Exam. WSSU DPT program also has higher diversity rates for their student population when compared to the national averages.

I’ve been informed the road to becoming a doctor can be challenging. Were there moments you wanted to give up? What kept you motivated?

The first year of the program was, without a doubt, the most challenging year of my life. Dealing with the passing of loved ones, a rocky transition from undergrad to graduate school, less than ideal grades, and the constant feelings of inadequacy based on my academic struggle, I thought about giving up constantly. However, my classmates, professors, and support system refused to let me give up on the program or myself. My support system pushed me until I got to a place where I finally felt I was grasping the material and getting the hang of things. After my first clinical rotation, when I had an opportunity to impact the lives of patients, it became crystal clear why I am doing this, and that became a motivator for me for the remainder of the program.

You got engaged to a fellow WSSU Ram, congratulations! How important is it for you to encourage the younger generations to keep it in the family and attend an HBCU?

The experience that you get at an HBCU cannot be replicated anywhere else. An HBCU is where you find yourself, your sisters and brothers, lifelong friends, vital mentorship and connections, and if you’re lucky, possibly your spouse. An HBCU is an environment that surrounds you with this family atmosphere that makes failing or falling through the cracks almost impossible, as long as you are doing your part to succeed. I am forever grateful for the relationships, love, connections, and lessons WSSU has given me over the years, and I am excited to see my university change the lives of other students in the future.

Do you have any advice that you would like to give to those seeking this field?

Get some observation hours with a PT and confirm this is truly what you want to do. If you find that you are passionate about becoming a PT, then use that passion to motivate you through the inevitable adversity associated with the difficulty of the program.

DO NOT GIVE UP. Regardless of how long it may take you to score well on the GRE or be accepted into a PT program, keep trying. If it is meant to be, and you work hard, it can happen for you.

Once you make it into the program, be ready for the biggest and longest fight of your life and don’t stop swinging until you walk across that stage, and they call you Doctor. This life-changing moment will make everything you had to overcome worth it.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to share my story. I want to formally make myself available to answer any questions I can to those interested in the Physical Therapy Profession. With that being said, I have one more obstacle to overcome on my PT journey, and that is passing my licensure exam at the end of January. During this time, I will be focused on studying, and my availability will be limited. So, for those that want to reach out or ask questions, I would appreciate you waiting until at least mid to late February before reaching out, so I have the time necessary to provide quality advice and guidance. My email is Amccrea5@gmail.com

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2019 Homecoming Wrap Up: Memorable Moments

Hey everyone! It’s Jaylen, RHBCUs student ambassador, repppin’ the Winston Salem State University Rams! The Fall of 2019 was definitely one for the books! I would probably say the fall is hands down my favorite semester and that’s simply because of what? You guessed it, HOMECOMING! Now granted, I’ve been attending homecoming since I could walk, but this year, my Senior year, was truly the best homecoming season I’ve experienced thus far. But we already know there truly is no homecoming like the experience one would get from a HBCU.

Though homecoming season 2019 has ended, we couldn’t officially wrap up the fall semester without sharing some of our HBCU friends most memorable moments. So let’s just hop right into it!

North Carolina Central University

Submitted by @johnnyjonesii

Chances are if you attended North Carolina Central University’s Homecoming Saturday night, then like me, you experienced locker room championship vibes. It was definitely one for the books. Johnny Jones continued the annual Champagne Wars celebration. The Champagne Wars is exactly as it sounds. In honor of 109 years since the institution’s existence, bottles of champagne were popped throughout the night. It truly is North Carolina Central’s alumnus exclusive way of celebrating the university’s existence. Shoutout to Johnny Jones and the Mighty TΨ bruhz its always a good time when I’m at NCCU!

Morgan State University

Submitted by Morgan State University alum @cagreinvented

“The weather was perfect. Partly cloudy. Low chance of rain. Mid 70s. Morgan State University’s (MSU) homecoming was positioned to be an epic experience. In terms of style choices, Alumni & current students had the option of whether to go full on “hot girl summer” and not freeze to death, OR break out newly purchased Fall gear without sweating profusely. I opted for a little bit of both.

Fashion is a huge part of the HBCU experience, ESPECIALLY on homecoming day. Every year, I pick a theme for my look, because I’m extra and love to show out. My looks tend to push the envelope and tether on being fashion forward and/or reminiscent of a Halloween costume. This year, I channeled my girl, Gabrielle Union’s character from the cheerleading movie, “Bring It On!” Though I’ve always been rhythmically and flexibly challenged during , my days at Morgan, I always wanted to be a cheerleader..

Admittedly, it took me a while to figure out what I was going to wear this year. In addition, I was sewing my outfit until it was time for me to drive 2 hours to homecoming, from Philly to Baltimore. However, I was proud with the colorful, bright and eye-catching outcome. When I got on campus, friends and strangers alike loved my outfit! AND GUESS WHAT? They totally got the theme! It was a hit! Strangers asked if was I a cheerleader alum. Friends that knew I wasn’t said things like “Oh, so you think you’re a cheerleader now?” I didn’t let their hate stop my shine! LOL. Either way, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. MSU 2K19 was a day to remember, and I cant wait to go back next year! I have a whole year to figure out what I’ll design next…at the last minute of course! HA!”

That’s dope Carmen! We can’t wait to see what you design next year!

Howard University

Submitted by Howard University alum @tamranicole

“My most memorable moment from this past years Homecoming was my Line celebrating our 15yr Deltaversary. Fastidious 48 crossed those burning sands into Alpha Chapter 15yrs ago on Howard University’s campus. We are the definition of black girl magic!”

“I had the pleasure of designing our jackets this year! Unfortunately we lost our #43 a couple of years back, we honored her memory by placing her Jazzy J pen on our chest. We are dynamic women and I’m proud to be a member of this line, chapter and illustrious organization.”

Congratulations Fastidious 48 on fifteen years! The jackets are devastating!

Can we cue “The O’Jays - Family Reunion” (lol) because that’s what HBCU homecomings feel like, coming back together with friends that feel like family, reminiscing about the good ol’ days, like freshman year.

One thing that is for certain, everyone can pretty much remember their freshman roommate, whether pleasant or not so pleasant memories. If you initially got off on the right foot, your roommate was the first friend you made on campus. I specifically remember my roommate. We turned out having the same name and later on became line brothers!

Albany State University

Submitted by Albany State University alum @mscaab

“My memorable moments are always with my best friend. This is our freshman dorm in this pic where we met.”

Winston-Salem State University

Well my own homecoming was definitely a success! I had the chance to do a mini homecoming tour this year before, during, and after homecoming season but of course for me there were none that matched the energy of my own. Winston-Salem State University presented me with the opportunity to go out with a bang my senior year and that’s exactly what I did! It was also my first homecoming since I crossed over into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity incorporated. I must say growing up watching my family fellowship during homecoming as the bruhz and being able to actually fellowship as the bruhz was one of those moments I imagined as a child. My most memorable moment from homecoming though was being able to participate in my first step show. I had participated in a yard show before, even traveled to other colleges and universities to participate on their campus BUT it was nothing like performing at my very first stepshow on Winston-Salem State University’s campus. That can be for several reasons. The main reason being that it was my first stepshow since recovering from the head-on car collision I survived back in December 2018. Please be on the lookout for my future stepshow performances cause I’m coming for trophies. Shoutout to Godfrey Thomas for the dope pictures!

Savannah State University

Ok, now back to our list.

Savannah State University alum @msanitrat and @qtenaapplebum said “Our favorite moment from this years homecoming was the Friday night party at Liquid Cafe... Oh yeah and the fact that we beat the breaks off of Albany State lol”

We love a good friendly competition and oh yes, can’t forget the homecoming parties!

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B4V-AH-g32Q/?igshid=1vxmk5nbbtcxa

Spelman College

Submitted by Spelman alum @blountspeaks

“So my favorite part of HC this year was just being. This year I didn’t leave my tent or walk around like I normally do and I still had the best time. Bc at HC you don’t have to go looking for the fun it literally will find you!!!”

We hear Spelhouse Homecoming is definitely a great experience to be had!

Livingstone College

Submitted by Livingstone College alum @iamalexisdarnell

Alexis Darnell, a 2004 graduate celebrated 140 years since Salisbury, North Carolina’s own, Livingstone College had become what it is now. Livingstone is definitely a HBCU that I am very familiar with not only because I was born and raised in Salisbury but due to my mother and father both attending and meeting at the college during the later 1990s. Here’s what Mrs. Darnell shared with us.

“Fun fact: I love my alma mater so much that I’ve never missed a homecoming.

My most memorable moments of this year’s homecoming were giving away two scholarships. The scholarships were awarded to well deserving students during the homecoming fashion.” The scholarships were both awarded in the amounts of $500.

LC may be small compared to many HBCUs, but that doesn’t matter because the amount of love and school pride we have can move mountains!”

Thank you for all that you have done Alexis Darnell (@iamalexisdarnell)! Continue reppin’ for the c/o 2004 and we look forward to what’s in store!

Another memorable moment during Livingstone’s 2019 homecoming comes from a group of four young alumni. These individuals hosted their 3rd annual Yard-B-Que to serve as a force of giving back. The inaugural Yard-B-Que, back in 2016, started off as an impromptu event that brought out about 150 students. This is a fairly decent number considering Livingstone being a smaller institution. During the 2nd year the group had the privilege to make the event officially apart of homecoming increasing the attendance to 350+. With the help of their fellow alum, these four young graduates were able to provide free food, live music, and host giveaways during this year’s event. The group also was able to bless two students with donations allowing them to purchase groceries!

Special shoutout to @lcyoungalum, submitted by @delta_made1913 ‘09, @maybackthepresident ‘10, @th3mister_ ‘10 and @imjustboz ‘11

We look forward to what the future holds for the Livingstone College exclusive Yard-B-Que!

And there you have it! It’s a wrap! Homecoming Season 2019 has officially concluded. Until next Homecoming Season 2020...

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Fatherhood By: Jaylen Amir Brown, Respect HBCUs Student Ambassador (Winston Salem State University)

What makes a man a man? Money, provision, integrity? Is it the ability to reproduce? Is it their sexual preference?          

What is fatherhood? Is it continuing one’s bloodline? Enforcing discipline? Is it phone conversations, talks over dinner, weekend/holiday visits, or appearances during big game days?

As my twenty short years of life continue, the definition of fatherhood and manhood is one which is intriguing to me. I’ve spoke with several fathers around the world, receiving many different answers. I've come to the realization that it's not like a "cup". There is no concrete definition which every man lives by to know what is and isn't a cup. It's more so like recipes to food which are often changed here and based off personal likes and dislikes. These changes can be great and others can be rather distasteful. These changes are critical due to how powerful the influence a father can have on his child(ren).

I think we all can relate to the lack of male presence in the classroom. At least we are aware of this. Don’t forget to add Black and/or African American to the equation. Personally, I can count on one hand the number of those that fit into this category. Actually, two fingers. The opportunity of those in classrooms to give everyday guidance for a minimum of five days and seven hours a day can be worthwhile. Not to mention when the father or a positive male is missing. I found that number to increase as I transitioned to college. More surprisingly to me this was evident on campuses other than Winston-Salem State University. It was one of those things which I was aware of but first hand seeing the professor, faculty, and staff members who actually looked like me daily provided that reassurance. Although this number did increase significantly, nationally there is still only a small percentage present.

Growing up I was unaware how common it was in my area for children to not communicate with their father. Let alone know who he was. This was especially something many of my classmates had in common. For whatever reason it may have been, as I reflect back I realize the impact this caused and how problematic this is in the black community. It was an actual privilege for me to know my mother and father and an even bigger one to watch their love strengthen as I continue to spend more time living. My father taught me many things that my mother could not. His caring father perspective allowed for me to be immersed in understanding. I remember many times where I have been abled to witness my father serve as one of the positive male figure in the lives of others. He has been a true “step-father” to many while only being married once for twenty years (which continues to flourish shout out to my parents for twenty years this past Thursday June 13th).  

So, what makes a man a true exemplifier of fatherhood? The question can be left for you to define at your own discretion. However, one can conclude for one to be a fatherhood he must put his child first, always be there in times of need, be a provider, and handle his business. So, to my fathers out there, those with kids and those without, thank you.

I had a chance to interview a few HBCU fathers. Scroll below to check out some of their awesome advice, insight, memories, stories, and thoughts on fatherhood. Check them out below!

Mr. Jimmie Lewis III, is a recent 2019 Prairie View A&M University Biology graduate from Katy, Texas. He is the father of two-year old twins, Mason & Marshall Lewis and is on the journey to become a Physician.

Q: What has been your greatest moment as a father?

A: I love that fatherhood has brought me back to all those simple pleasures I had long forgotten as a kid. I can now hold my own while watching hundreds of Disney movies and sing the words to hundreds of toddler tunes. I'm also proud to say the joys of playing hide-and-seek and follow the leader have finally returned to me as a 22 year old young man. However, as a new father I am most proud of watching my sons grow and learn. Being born prematurely early two years ago at the Longview Regional Hospital to now being very curious and knowledge during the terrible two year. I love being a witness to all their new lessons and discoveries.

Q: How did fatherhood impact you as a full-time or part-time college student?

A: If I were Picasso and had to paint a mural that would be representative of who I was, who I am, and who I will become it would be a harmony of colors. This painting would be a prolongation depicting yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The imagery behind my mural shows a story which is exclusively mine as I travel down the road of life. First impressions take less than thirty seconds. However, there was a time in my life when most people made their assumptions about me in less than ten seconds. Many strangers would declare both disappointment and lack of expectation, followed by condolences instead of congratulations. This was the reaction I received from a lot of individuals at first, therefore, I hid the fact for over two years that I had two twin sons while raising them to be exceptional young kings. I was a twenty-year-old father, a sophomore in college, a new father of twin sons, a stereotype to society.

A painter usually starts with the color blue. Blue represents the color of hope and dreams that I have fostered. However, all of a sudden, I felt as if the mortal error had been committed and everything that preceded it was embarrassing. Being young and naive, I use to care about others opinions, therefore I wouldn’t tell my peers or associates that I had sons. Growing as a better man and better father, my focus changed that allowed me to see my purpose as a young father.

Being an undergraduate scholar at Prairie View A&M University presented me with new challenges as a young parent during the beginning of my junior year of college.  I wasn’t used to taking care of kids since most of my siblings and cousins are around my age. My life as a new father was marred by many obstacles that tested my strength and willingness to endure the uncertainty of what was to come. I did not think I fully grasped what it would be like, what it would mean, to be a new father for a greater part of my academic and social life. I had to study more during the week when I knew I would get my sons on the weekends and had to miss plenty of social gatherings due to my new responsibilities. In order to provide for my sons, I relied on my campus job, and financial support from my parents.

The color purple which represents self-awareness and realization on my mural also has an influence on my personal growth. It was imperative that I abandon all previous habits of yesterday because they cannot be incorporated into my sons’ futures and my goals as a young father and man as well.  Tomorrow is colored gold for promise. Tomorrow is full of promises and opportunities.  My aesthetic painting will never be finished in spite of the strong decisions of colors. I am carrying the torch that was passed to me; just like I walk in other’s footsteps, therefore my twin sons can have the possibility to pass the burning torch. This calling is who I am and what I aspire to be.

Q: I personally remember times when parents would have to bring their child with them to class and even ask their classmates to watch their child during class times. Has there ever been a time where you had to depend on your HBCU family to assist with your parenting?

A: I didn’t depend on my HBCU family a lot. I would say my immediate family on her side and my side has had the greatest influence on the boys. Without my parent’s wisdom and assistance, I wouldn’t be able to raise my sons by myself. I also applaud the mother for being an incredible mother to my sons. Her journey over the past 2 years hasn't been easy, yet she found the courage and resilience to keep moving forward. Many would have quit after transferring schools, becoming a new mommy of twins and working 3 jobs all at once. Yet, she stayed the course. And as much as I would like to take a lot of credit for my part in my sons lives, she has played the greatest role in my son’s lives since they are with her majority of the time.

Q: When it's finally time for Mason and Marshall to visit colleges and apply, how likely will you encourage them to attend an HBCU?

A: I will definitely persuade my children to attend the best HBCU in the land, Prairie View A&M University. Hopefully, they become future members of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc as well. HBCUs have a historic sense of community and family that makes the students feel more at home, therefore I want my sons to be comfortable and experience college just how I did.

Please share any advice you would give to soon to be fathers.

For future fathers, always be there for your children even during the worst circumstances. Fathers are apart of the critical point in the lives of our young African-American children. We must individually assess how we're raising them and figure out what we can do to keep our families intact (or at least how-to co-parent effectively). Also, always give your children a hug and tell them you love them everyday.

Mr. Oscar Ball III MS, OTR/L is from Goldsboro NC and the father of a beautiful daughter, Jayla.  Oscar is a two-time graduate from Winston-Salem’s own Winston-Salem State University. In 2009, he received his B.S. in Exercise Science and in 2012 he continued on obtaining his Masters in Occupational Therapy.

Q: What has been your greatest moment as a father?

A: I don’t think I could take one single moment and define it as my greatest moment as a father. So many come to mind and I know there’s plenty more to come. I would have to say it just has to be the overall experience. My daughter gives me a reason to live and grind each and every day. Her smile lets me know everything is going to be ok. And just watching her shows me that if nothing else I know I’ve done one thing right.

Q: How did fatherhood impact you as a full-time or part-time college student?

A: I had my daughter right before I started a strenuous Master’s program at WSSU. It made me more focused and taught me the importance of balance. It made me stronger as a student because I knew I had to be for her even when I wanted to be weak. It gave me the grind to make it through and hustle to support her while in school.

Q: I personally remember times when parents would have to bring their child with them to class and even ask their classmates to watch their child during class times. Has there ever been a time where you had to depend on your HBCU family to assist with your parenting?

A: I can’t really say I needed others help to support her. When I was in grad school her mom and I did a good job of co-parenting.

Q: Do you believe there was ever an instructor or faculty/staff member who assisted with you experience as a father? This can be from advice to make adjustments for you due to father duties.

A: If anything, the advice I received from Dr. Anne Jenkins about life and the importance of making an impact for myself and my family was the biggest motivation I received as a student that had an impact on me as a student.

Q: When it's finally time for your child to visit colleges and apply, how likely will you encourage Jayla to attend an HBCU?

A: I will strongly advise my daughter to attend an HBCU but will ultimately support whatever decision she chooses. I’m a firm believer that how I live and the way I share my experiences with her even now will mold and influence a lot of the decisions she will make going into adulthood including her choice of college. As of now, she’s already planning to attend WSSU as an education major.