For African American History Month, Christie Milam and at least 20 other Lakeview staff members created different phases each week to go with the celebration. Lakeview’s overall theme for African American History Month was a journey of hope through bravery, faith, education and inspiration.

“I want people to feel a sense of unity and strive through common ground.” Milam said.

For the third week, which was education, Milam wanted to showcase the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during the college fair that was held in the commons.

“I wanted to invite the historically black colleges here to celebrate education week.” Milam said.

Some of the HBCUs that were present during the college fair were Texas-Southern University, Paul Quinn College, Jarvis Christian College, Texas College and Wiley College. One of the most common misconceptions that each of these colleges face is that they are only for African Americans.

“We are open to people with different cultures and different race to our schools,” Dallas alumni of Texas-Southern University Amber Long, said.

Another misconception that HBCUs face is that they lack the same educational standards that other colleges have. HBCUs include as many programs and knowledge as any other college.

“Education in [a] historically black college is just as recognized as any other school that you can get a degree from,” Milam said.

Throughout the years, HBCUs have played a important role in increasing the equal educational opportunities for all students. Milam and other staff members hope that the focus on this in February brought light to their importance.