Charlie Bingham Jr. grew up in one of Milwaukee's toughest neighborhoods, battled addiction, and survived circumstances that could have easily defined his life.

Instead, he became a three-time HBCU graduate, technology attorney, author, mentor, philanthropist, and leader dedicated to helping others succeed.

In Episode 17 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Charlie shares how faith, education, and the HBCU experience transformed his life—and why excellence, service, and giving back are greater measures of success than any job title.

This conversation is filled with wisdom about leadership, overcoming adversity, navigating corporate America, building generational wealth, and living a purpose-driven life.

🎧 Watch the full episode and let us know in the comments:

What part of Charlie's journey inspired you the most?

#HBCU4U #CharlieBinghamJr #HBCUPodcast #BlackExcellence #Faith #Leadership #Purpose #JacksonState #HowardUniversity #MorganState #TechLaw #GenerationalWealth #Mentorship #CorporateSuccess #FinancialLiteracy

🎙️ In Episode 16 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sat down with Terrence G. Caldwell—engineer, executive, entrepreneur, author, and founder of HBCU Alum—to discuss building one of the nation's leading HBCU media platforms from the ground up.

We talked about:

🎓 Growing up in an HBCU town

⚡ His journey from engineering to executive leadership

📚 Building HBCU Alum into a 550K+ community

💰 Awarding scholarships to HBCU-bound students

🤝 The power of mentorship and networking

🚀 Why you shouldn't wait until you're "ready" to start

One message stood out above everything else:

"Don't wait until you're ready. Start today."

If you've been sitting on an idea, business, nonprofit, podcast, or dream, this conversation is the encouragement you need.

Watch the full episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and help us continue celebrating the excellence and impact of HBCUs.

#HBCU4U #HBCUAlum #HBCU #Entrepreneurship #Scholarships

Sometimes it begins by almost flunking out of college... changing majors... changing careers... getting injured... starting over... and refusing to stop learning.

In Episode 15 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with Kristin Smith-Clinton, Vice President & Group Strategy Director at UWG, one of the country's leading multicultural advertising agencies and the 2026 Ad Age Multicultural Agency of the Year.

Today, Kristin helps shape strategy for some of the world's biggest brands, including Dove, McDonald's, Jordan, Porsche, Ford, Lincoln, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

But getting there wasn't easy.

She shares the real story behind her journey—from growing up in Chicago, attending Jackson State University, struggling with attendance, changing career paths multiple times, entering the Dallas Police Academy, discovering advertising by accident, and eventually finding the work she was born to do.

This conversation is filled with practical wisdom for students, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone trying to figure out their next chapter.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why one professor's words—"30% of life is showing up"—changed everything • How curiosity became Kristin's greatest career advantage • What strategy actually looks like behind billion-dollar brands • Why leadership is about developing people instead of collecting titles • The truth about cultural intelligence and why it matters in today's business world • How AI is impacting marketing, creativity, and the future of work • Why your career doesn't have to make sense today to become extraordinary tomorrow • The importance of betting on yourself before anyone else does

Kristin also opens up about overcoming extreme shyness, navigating ADHD, finding confidence through Jackson State University, building lifelong friendships, starting her own consulting business, and why she believes purpose—not prestige—is the real destination.

If you've ever questioned whether you're behind in life or worried that your path looks different than everyone else's, this episode is for you.

🎓 Subscribe to HBCU4U for inspiring conversations with HBCU alumni, educators, entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders who are creating impact around the world.

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if Kristin's story inspired you.

#HBC4U #JacksonState #Leadership #Marketing #Advertising

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/UiILeM2bhsA

After spending 15 years in education, Tyronica made the leap into entrepreneurship, transforming a side hustle into a thriving business while leading a network of more than 156,000 consultants. Her story proves that success isn't about where you start—it's about being willing to outdream yourself.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why Jackson State University shaped her confidence and leadership

✅ How she transitioned from the classroom to entrepreneurship

✅ The biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make

✅ How to build successful habits that create long-term results

✅ Why mentorship accelerates success

✅ The importance of authentic branding

✅ How she built a team of over 156,000 people

✅ Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and family

✅ Why HBCUs continue to produce extraordinary leaders

✅ The powerful meaning behind her motto: "Outdream Yourself."

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, current college student, HBCU graduate, educator, or someone sitting on a business idea you've been afraid to pursue, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.

Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with HBCU alumni, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders making an impact around the world.

👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe

Tell us in the comments:

What's one dream you've been putting off—and what's one step you'll take this week to make it happen?

#HBCU4U #TyronicaCarter #JacksonState #BusinessCoach #OutdreamYourself

In Episode 13 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with Jackson State University alumnus Jason K. Ingram, a 7-time Emmy Award-winning producer whose work has helped shape some of the biggest moments in sports television.

From working NBA All-Star Games, March Madness, NBA TV, TNT Sports, and HBCU GO, to mentoring young men through Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than 16 years, Jason's journey is a masterclass in perseverance, preparation, and purpose.

In this powerful conversation, Jason shares:

🏆 How he bounced back from a 1.6 GPA freshman year 🏆 The persistence it took after being rejected six times before landing his dream job 🏆 Behind-the-scenes stories from NBA TV, TNT Sports, and the NBA Bubble 🏆 What it takes to win seven Emmy Awards and multiple Telly Awards 🏆 Why HBCUs deserve greater visibility and investment 🏆 The importance of mentorship, networking, and opening doors for others 🏆 Advice for students pursuing careers in media and sports broadcasting

Whether you're an HBCU student, aspiring journalist, sports fan, or professional chasing your dreams, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical lessons you can apply immediately.

Subscribe to HBCU4U for more conversations highlighting HBCU excellence, leadership, entrepreneurship, and career success stories.

#HBCU4U #JasonIngram #JacksonState #SportsMedia #EmmyAwardWinner

Coming out of Holly Springs, Mississippi as a standout quarterback, Michael arrived at Jackson State ready to play — only to be sidelined his first year as a Prop 48. That pause became a turning point. He got saved, found direction, and turned an "ineligible" season into a transformation that shaped the rest of his life.

After an injury ended his football journey, Michael leaned all the way into academics — becoming a published researcher in biology education before the age of 21, presenting his work in New York, Phoenix, and D.C. From there, he built a career as a teacher, coach, principal, and now Director of Education at Oakley Youth Development Center, all while answering his call to ministry as an associate pastor at Zion Travelers in Jackson, MS.

He's a husband, a proud father of six, a leader, and living proof of what an HBCU education can produce.

🔥 In this episode:

• Why Jackson State became the right choice — and how his first acceptance letter sealed it
• How losing football opened the door to research, purpose, and ministry
• What it really means to lead through servitude
• The biggest lesson JSU instilled in him: "each one teach one"
• What today's young people need most beyond academics
• A powerful message for anyone facing setbacks, injury, or detours

This one is part testimony, part blueprint, and all heart. 🎓✊🏾

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/trME0q_G7Hc

In Episode 11 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with his lifelong friend @cfocoachmac —a proud Prairie View A&M University graduate, entrepreneur, accountant, author, and creator of the Built to Pay You™ Wealth Triangle Framework.

Mac shares his journey from Cleveland, Mississippi, to building multiple successful businesses while helping entrepreneurs save millions in taxes, master cash flow, and create businesses that truly pay them.

In this powerful conversation, Mac breaks down why many entrepreneurs fail—not because they lack talent, but because they don’t understand money management.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why revenue does NOT equal profit
• The dangerous mistake that cost an entrepreneur $2 million
• The 3 stages of the Wealth Triangle: Make, Manage & Multiply Money
• Why cash flow is the lifeblood of every business
• How Prairie View A&M shaped his confidence and entrepreneurial mindset
• The lessons he learned from failure, basketball, and coaching youth
• Why your purpose should be bigger than your paycheck
• How faith and business can work together to change lives

One of the most powerful moments of this episode is when Mac says:

"My job is to remove money from their prayer list so they can pray about something else."

Whether you're a student dreaming of entrepreneurship, a young professional, a business owner, or someone searching for purpose, this episode delivers wisdom that can change the way you think about success.

Learn more Mac Ree’s Businesses & “Built to Pay” Book :https://www.mac-reed.com/

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok: @cfocoachmac

💛 Subscribe to HBCU4U Podcast for more inspiring stories from HBCU alumni, leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are creating impact in their communities.

#HBCU4U #cfocoachmac #PrairieViewAM #FinancialLiteracy #CashFlow

In Episode 10 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Huston-Tillotson University graduate Charitta Bryant shares her incredible journey from HBCU student to transformational educator, mentor, instructional leader, and advocate for young people.

Over the past 20+ years, Charitta has impacted countless students through her work as an English teacher, AVID coordinator, instructional coach, assistant principal, and mentor. She opens up about the life-changing experience of attending an HBCU, the power of being seen and valued, and why accountability, high expectations, and genuine care can completely change a student's trajectory.

In this powerful conversation, you'll learn:

🎓 How Houston-Tillotson University helped shape her confidence and leadership 📚 Why HBCUs provide a unique environment for growth and belonging 💡 The mindset that helped her produce years of student academic growth 🏆 How she expanded AVID opportunities for underserved students ❤️ Stories of students whose lives were changed through mentorship and persistence 👑 The importance of Delta Academy and empowering young women 🔥 Why every young person deserves someone who believes in them

Whether you're a student, educator, parent, mentor, or HBCU supporter, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical lessons about leadership, education, and purpose.

💙 Subscribe to HBCU4U for more stories highlighting HBCU excellence, leadership, and the people making a difference in their communities.

🎙️ HBCU4U Podcast Hosted by Galen Turner

What was your biggest takeaway from Charitta's story? Let us know in the comments!#HBCU4U #CharittaBryant #HustonTillotsonUniversity #HBCU #BlackEducators

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Deesa, whose journey is a powerful example of how opportunity, mentorship, and determination can completely change the direction of your life.

Deesa shares how a chance encounter led him from vocational school to Southern University, where he discovered his potential, excelled academically, and launched a successful career in computer science, the defense industry, consulting, and real estate.

We discuss:

The power of HBCUs and mentorship

Turning academic struggles into academic excellence

Building a career in technology and defense

Transitioning into real estate investing and property management

Why relationships and networking matter

Advice for students navigating today's AI-driven workforce

His story proves that where you start does not determine where you finish.

Watch the full episode and be inspired.

#HBCU4U #SouthernUniversity #CareerGrowth #ComputerScience #RealEstateInvesting

🎧 Full Episode:https://youtu.be/KYvmKsRvAoE

Micah is a proud Jackson State University alumnus, poet, author, educator, and the founder of Mind Over Barriers, LLC. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Micah faced severe trauma, abuse, and violence—experiences that could have easily broken him. Instead, he transformed his pain into fuel for purpose, healing, and lifelong service.

With over 30 years of experience in youth advocacy and violence prevention, Micah dives deep into what it truly takes to break destructive cycles. He opens up about his journey through faith, hitting an "apex spiral" in graduate school, finding emotional freedom through therapy in his late 30s, and the undeniable power of the "HBCU village" at Jackson State.

If you are looking for real, raw, and transparent blueprint on how to heal from the past and show up for the next generation, this conversation is for you.

Connect with the Guest & Community:

Learn more about Micah's work: Mind Over Barriers, LLC

Support community services in Jackson, MS: Stewpot Community Services

Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the HBCU4u Podcast for more inspiring stories from the culture, community, and the HBCU village!

#HBCU4u #JacksonStateUniversity #TheJSUSoil #MindOverBarriers #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthAdvocacy #TraumaToHealing #BlackMenTherapy #BreakingCycles #HBCUPodcast

Born and raised in Mississippi during segregation, she overcame adversity to graduate magna cum laude from Alcorn State, earn multiple master’s degrees, and become a trailblazer in education and counseling. She was one of the first nationally certified counselors in Mississippi and broke barriers as the first female vocational counselor in Bolivar County.

From walking miles for opportunity… To witnessing the Civil Rights era firsthand… To shaping generations of students into college graduates and leaders…

Her story is a true testament to resilience, faith, and the power of HBCUs.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

What college meant during segregation

How HBCUs helped shape identity, confidence, and purpose

The real impact of mentorship and education on communities

Why today’s students (and parents) should seriously consider HBCUs

This is more than an interview — it’s a living history lesson and a blueprint for legacy. 🎓

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode will leave you inspired.

#HBCU4U #KyrisBrown #KyrisKustoms #Podcast #HBCU #Tailoring #Professionalism #Mentorship #Education #Impact #CommunityLeader #Entrepreneurship #YouthDevelopment #Inspiration #BlackExcellence

Learn more or get involved with A.R.C.H. (Always Reaching Children's Hearts): https://archincnfp.org/ Facebook: @archincnf Instagram: @arch_arch2

We talk about what drew her to Howard, what she gained beyond the degree, and why HBCUs still matter in a major way. Dana also shares how Howard exposed her to excellence, mentorship, diversity within Black culture, and opportunities that helped connect her dreams to real-life pathways in business and finance.

In this episode, we also get into:

-Dana’s Howard University story

-The scholarship opportunity that helped make Howard possible

-How family, education, and lifelong learning shaped her

-What Howard gave her beyond the classroom -Her path through the University of Chicago, OCC, and the Financial Health Network

-Myths about HBCUs that need to be shut down

-Why HBCUs still play a critical role in preparing students for leadership and success

If you’re a student considering an HBCU, interested in business or finance, or just need to hear a story rooted in excellence, culture, and purpose, this episode is for you.

#HBCU4U #DanaBowieEarles #HowardUniversity #HBCUPodcast #HBCUExcellence #FinanceLeadership #OperationsLeadership #BlackExcellence #WomenInFinance #HBCUPride #BusinessLeadership #CareerJourney #FinancialHealthNetwork #TreasuryLeadership

Will breaks down one of the biggest myths out there: that an HBCU degree can’t compete. He shares how JSU prepared him to land internships and opportunities alongside grads from major PWIs—and why he never felt “less than” in corporate America. We also talk about what shaped him growing up in Marks, Mississippi, what made him choose Jackson State, and the power of finding a campus where you truly belong.

Then we get into purpose. Will shares how MB2B is helping young men in the Dallas–Fort Worth area with life skills, college prep, mentorship, and even therapy support—because sometimes what a kid needs most is guidance, consistency, and someone who won’t give up on them.

Learn more or get involved with MB2B: mb2b.org

If you would like to contribute to the HBCU4U organization and movement, please send donations to the following:

Cashapp: $HBCU4U

Zelle Tag: HBCU4U

Thank you!!!

#HBCU4U #HBCUPodcast #JacksonStateUniversity #JSU #TheeILove #HBCU