We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hailee Clack a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hailee, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose when I noticed the lack of resources in my community. I felt like there weren’t any people in our community that really wanted to create some change for the students. Representation and exposure is everything to these students, and that’s what I bring them. The youth seeing the HBCU students and alum that also are from Flint is a push to motivate them and encourage them to look outside of the 810, look beyond what’s in Michigan. Look at the reach that you could have, and that’s what the Flint to HBCU Forum is about. Creating a space to advocate, educate, and promote HBCU enrollment for students in Flint, Michigan.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a visionary. My vision is to be a resource for students in the Genesee County area regarding HBCUs, scholarships, mentorship, and internships. Growing up I always knew I wanted to attend an HBCU, but I noticed that there was no exposure and very little representation outside of my grandparents. Once I got to Hampton, i knew that I had to be a resource to my city. I had learned so much when applying to colleges, moving from the Flint area to campus, and networking to find internships, etc. so I created my organization The FBC Initiative. Our purpose is to increase Flint’s college readiness rate, and to encourage, educate, and produce students of excellence from Flint and surrounding areas. This organization also has a goal to get students from Flint and surrounding areas to attend HBCUs, so they can make their mark in the community. Giving back to the community that gave so much to me is only right, and it’s one of the few things that bring joy in my life.
Right now, I am a junior political science major with a minor in English Arts on the pre-law track attending Hampton University, in Hampton, VA.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Advocating for myself is the number on quality that was the hardest to learn, but the most important to enforce. Being a young community leader has it fair share of ups and downs, but it’s always worth it.
2. Your village. Who you surround yourself with is so important. If it wasn’t for my parents, mentors, and close friends this organization would not be as successful as it is. Always surround yourself with people who have your best interest at heart.
3. Take your time. I had the idea of the Flint to HBCU forum back in 2020, before I even graduated from high school, but I didn’t have the first one until 2022. It was well worth the wait, and I don’t regret it one bit. Never let anyone talk you into doing a project sooner than you feel comfortable doing so.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Y. Davis
This is a quote that I live by, said the great Dr. Angela Davis. This quote motivates me in a way that makes me feel like no matter how hard the road is to change, it’ll all be worth it in the end, because change starts with you. Change starts with me. I couldn’t accept that there was a loophole in the local education system that doesn’t provide an opportunity for students to hear about life outside of Flint. I couldn’t accept the lack of HBCU exposure in the city. Because I couldn’t accept those issues, I decided that I can and should change it, and that is what we are doing as visionary of The FBC Initiative.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @haileelillian_ and @thefbcinitiative_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haileeclack?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
