Empowering Futures: How Lansing's HBCU Initiative is Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders

The Chronicle News
Aug 21
3 min read

Photo Credit: J3 Went Digital-Focused before the upcoming event: Nasaan Jackson, founder of the HBCU Initiative, takes a moment to prepare before welcoming students and community members to the event designed to highlight the importance of historically Black colleges and universities.

The buzz around Lansing is undeniable: the recent HBCU Community Spotlight, founded and organized by Lansing native and Central State junior Nasaan Jackson, was an overwhelming success. The event drew a strong turnout, energized families, and left students inspired to envision a future rooted in empowerment, education, and excellence.

The HBCU Experience

During an interview with News 10, Jackson recalled his first time stepping onto Central State’s campus: “That first time was crazy. It was a preview day. Brandon brought me down, and I got hit immediately with HBCU culture and the atmosphere. They just brought me in like family. I knew Central State was my home.”

That sense of belonging, culture, and legacy is exactly what Jackson wanted to bring back to Lansing. The event introduced local youth to the unique opportunities Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide, from rigorous academics and supportive alumni networks to the cultural pride that fuels student success. “When kids step into that atmosphere, they feel the love and support right away. That’s what makes HBCUs so powerful,” Jackson explained.

More Than an Event — A Movement

After reflecting on the day, Jackson shared his gratitude: “I am deeply grateful that God chose to use me as a vessel to bring it to life. From the venue to the people who attended, every detail worked in my favor. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to represent my city, my organizations, my HBCU, and higher education for youth as a whole.”

Community Support

The event’s success was fueled by families, community partners, and donors who believed in the mission. Jackson gave special thanks to the Ingham County Racial Equity Task Force, which pledged $2,500 toward a scholarship for the next HBCU Initiative event — a commitment he called “a tremendous blessing.”

Courtsey Photo-Nasaan and Mr. Rusher celebrate the support from the Ingham County Racial Equity Task Force

Nasaan also recognized Ingham County Commissioner Myles Johnson as an indispensable partner: “This brother is truly one of a kind. He believed in me from day one, never dismissed the idea of this event, and provided the resources and tools necessary to make it happen.”

Building the Future

With vendors, speakers, and alumni from across the country, the HBCU Community Spotlight gave students and families a free, accessible space to ask questions, gather resources, and experience the vibrant culture of HBCUs firsthand. Representatives of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, along with a student panel, offered advice on navigating college decisions.

At its core, the event reinforced a powerful message: Lansing youth belong in these spaces of higher education, and they have a community ready to support them every step of the way. As Jackson said, “This is about planting seeds of inspiration for years to come.”

Photo Credit:J3 Went Digital (From L to R) Central State Junior and Founder of the HBCU Experince Nasaan Jackson and Ingham County Commissioner Myles Johnson take a moment for a photo opportunity during the event at the Lansing Shuffle.

For Jackson, the event was about more than one successful day — it was about planting seeds of inspiration for years to come. “I hope this event communicates the immense value of attending an HBCU not only for your college journey but for life as a whole,” he said. “I pray the community has received this message and will continue to share it with the next generation. And never forget…to Trust The Process.”