Mary E. Branch African American Women’s Symposium
Past Events
Event Information
8th Annual Huston-Tillotson Novel Review featuring Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing‘
Downs-Jones Library
Thursday, February 26, 2026
6:00pm–8:00pm
8th Annual Huston-Tillotson Novel Review featuring Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing‘
Downs-Jones Library
Thursday, February 26, 2026
6:00pm–8:00pm
Hey yall!!! I’m Sederia Barber, a graduating senior majoring in Business with a concentration in Marketing, proudly representing Taylor, Texas. As a transfer student with an associate degree in Business Administration, I came to Huston-Tillotson University ready for a fresh start—but HT gave me so much more.
HT didn’t just open doors for me; it helped me step out of my shell and step into my purpose. From the moment I arrived, the campus community, supportive staff, and uplifting environment pushed me to grow into the woman I am today: confident, prepared, and grounded in leadership.
I’ve had the honor of serving in multiple roles that shaped my journey:
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
• Lead Resident Assistant for Allen Frazier
• University Ambassador
• Special Events Chair for the Campus Activity Board
• RAMbassador President
Each position challenged me, taught me discipline, and showed me what it means to support others while striving for excellence. HT gave me a platform to lead, to serve, and to shine—and I’m forever grateful.
Huston-Tillotson University didn’t just help me grow; it helped me become the best version of myself. If you’re ready to rise, lead, and truly belong, HT is waiting—your journey starts here.
HT forever. 💛🐏
My name is Elishia Payne, a graduating senior majoring in psychology and minoring in kinesiology and forensic psychology from San Antonio, Tx. Throughout my 4 years at HT, I have learned a lot personally. Some of the things I learned is to give myself grace, put myself in intentional positions to grow, set boundaries in every aspect, do something new even if it makes me scared, always take time to celebrate my accomplishments, and much more.
One of the more vital things I have learned is to give myself grace. I learned throughout my life that I should allow myself the same grace I extend to the world and other people because I deserve it just as much as I give it. I acquired the inner skill of not tearing myself down over things I do rather take the time to learn from it as there are many lessons within life.
Another thing that I have been able to learn is to put myself in intentional positions to grow individually, professionally, academically, and socially. Throughout my venture here at HT, I have been heavily involved in student life, Dubois Honors Program, CAB, Royal Court, The Collegiate 100, Religious Life, Residence Life, Public Leadership, Greek Life, Psi Chi Honors Society for Psychology, RAM-PAC, and many more. Each organization I joined contribute to my growth individually whether it was professionally, academically, or socially. I have been able to display my character, capabilities, and skills throughout all of these organizations through giving speeches, attending conferences, being on the executive boards, and recruiting.
Particularly around my sophomore year, I grew the conscious thinking of doing things, even if they scared me. This came from when I started interacted with VP Dillon, or as I call him VP Do It All Dillon. I view him as a big brother, a mentor, and much more. When I first started getting active in campus life, I was not always sure about the organizations I was joining, positions I was accepting and more. Upon taking it to VP Dillon he told me “do it scared you may not know what is to come from something unless you try.” Those words stuck with me since he spoke them into me. I learned it is okay to try things in order to discover what I personally enjoy or fit in with.
It took me until my junior year to start celebrating my accomplishments. I learned this personally after taking time to reflect on everything I have done throughout my 4 years at HT. I have done so much to contribute not only myself, but campus life and the community as a whole. I helped charter Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. on campus for the first ever in the 150 years HT has existed, completely the Divine 9 for the first time ever. Along with that I was one of the first undergraduate members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc in Central Texas and have been a part of the explosive growth we have had since November 2023. I helped charter the Collegiate 100 Chapter on campus which was last attempted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only am I W.E.B. DuBois Honors scholar, I was not always one. Through strong faith, consistent dedication, and endless prayers i was blessed to have the financial responsibility of school released.
HT taught me that faith can carry you far beyond anything within the world. My relationship, faith, and following of God became much stronger throughout my time here at HT.
Ht is more than a university providing scholars with the opportunity to acquire degrees. HT is a place that puts you in position to grow in all ways of life. HT is a family constantly pouring into the next generation of leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, professionals, mentors, and more of our world. HT is the place to be. HT+You!
What’s up everyone! I’m Yemisi Obalade Jr., a graduating senior Kinesiology major from Oakland, California, and my time at Huston-Tillotson University has been nothing short of life-changing.
HT gave me room to grow, space to lead, and opportunities that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. I learned how to protect my peace, stand firm on my boundaries, and stay rooted in my faith through every challenge and victory. God carried me through it all, and I’m forever grateful.
Looking back, I’ve had the privilege to serve this campus in so many ways — and each role taught me something different about leadership, responsibility, and community:
W.E.B. DuBois Honors Scholar
President of the Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Lead RA of Beard-Burrowes
Student Athletic Trainer
SGA Chief Student Ambassador
President of the Rambassadors
Vice President of CaliBound
Through these positions, I grew as a leader, a mentor, and a representative of HT. I learned how to uplift others, advocate for students, and create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
To the communities that helped shape my journey — thank you:
HT, for giving me a home away from home.
The W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program, for pushing me academically.
The Delta Chapter of ΑΦΑ, for the brotherhood, discipline, and purpose.
Residence Life, for teaching me leadership through service.
HT Athletics, for trusting me as a Student Athletic Trainer and preparing me for my field.
Every memory, every challenge, and every win brought me to this moment — and I’m leaving stronger, wiser, and ready for what’s next.
HT will always be home. And if you’re searching for a place where leadership is built, growth is guaranteed, and community is real — Huston-Tillotson University is waiting for you.
Apply for Fall 2026 — your journey starts now! 🔥🐏✨