On Wednesday, January 26th, Mass Communications student Inesha Jackson participated in a press conference with the White House via Zoom. This press conference included other Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students who engaged in an open interview with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Marcia Fudge.
Jackson, a native of Canton, Mississippi, was chosen by the Mass Communications faculty to represent Alcorn State University (ASU) in the HBCU student briefing with Secretary Fudge. Other HBCUs that were represented in the briefing included, Albany State University, Bennett College, Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Florida A&M University, Florida Memorial University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T University, Prairie View A&M University, Rust College, Savannah State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University Law Center, Southern University at New Orleans, Spelman College, Stillman College, Texas Southern University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of the Virgin Islands, and Virginia Union University.
“I was very excited when I heard the news that I had been selected to represent Alcorn in this briefing. I was prepared to discuss plans that will create a better future as it relates to making housing more accessible in local communities across the U.S.,” stated Jackson.
As part of the HBCU student briefing, each student participating was allowed to ask one question to Secretary Fudge. Questions ranged from developments that the Department of Housing was working on to personal questions about Secretary Fudge’s life and career. Jackson asked Secretary Fudge about challenges she has faced when implementing housing and development plans.
“During Secretary Fudge’s time as mayor in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, she fought to combat foreclosure issues while creating plans that helped families buy and maintain homes. As the Secretary of Housing and Development, she focuses on developing plans that will address the homelessness issue. I wanted to know what obstacles typically get in the way when tackling big issues like those,” said Jackson.
Secretary Fudge answered as many questions from students as she could. She discussed a wide range of topics including the development of HBCUs, the housing problem in America, how HBCU students can help the homeless in their communities, loan assists for people of color, and the current housing prices.
“I learned a lot while participating in this press conference. There are issues related to housing such as homelessness that will be easier said than done,” said Jackson.
The White House plans to continue to have these HBCU student press briefings. Each month of the briefings will be with a different person within the White House staff.