The First UNCF HBCU Empower Me Tour "City Tour" Stop - MPLS

This year we wanted to reach students who do not live near an HBCU campus and give them a taste of life at an HBCU. Our first location was the Twin Cities region in Minnesota. We held our tour stop on the campus of the University of Minnesota and invited high school and middle school students from across the state to learn all about the HBCU experience and what steps they need to take to get into college.

The attendance was incredible. The UNCF team in Minnesota worked with the school system and students were pulling in by the busload. The event was so big the mayor stopped in to check out what all the attention was about.

We had local dance troupes, Skype sessions with HBCU reps and our usual collection of incredible workshops, panel discussions and our celebrities came through big as they always do. Every session was packed and the students walked away with a ton of information they could never get in one place.

Our first city tour was definitely a success even if we did have to contend with the first snow storm of the year. Of course, the folks from Minnesota were not phased by a little snow so the day came off without any problems.

Thanks to Minnesota we know the city tour stop concept is a definite winner. We are looking forward to Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey more than ever now. Let us know what other cities we should consider in the future by leaving a quick shout in the "Comments" section!

The UNCF HBCU Empower Me Tour Hits The ATL

After going to Spelman and Morehouse last year, we hit the final jewel in the AU Center crown, Clark Atlanta University. As expected we were given the royal treatment by everyone - students and administrators - and we had a great time. The Greeks came over to the Tour Zone to add some flavor with some hard stepping, Wells Fargo and CNN had giveaways and words of opportunity for attendees and of course our celebs closed the day by dropping science and humor.

Again, we like to sum it up using your words so here are a few of the comments we received:

"On Saturday November 6, 2010 I had the overwhelming opportunity of working with the UNCF HBCU Empower Me tour. This was a blessing to me as well as those who attended the workshops held by our special guest panel members such as Malik Yoba, and Tatyanna Ali, just to name a few. This was very beneficial in my learning process of how to prepare myself for my future in college as well as in life. This was a tremendous event that had an influence upon many especially our younger generation. I highly advise any and every one to attend any event such as this in the future, you will not regret it. I promise!"

Paulette Carter | Business Major

To Trent T. Daniel:

"Good Afternoon Mr Daniel! I was actually the gentlemen who got up and did the improv with Tatyana Ali! First, I would like to thank you so much for coming to my school and speaking to us. You, along with the panel, had such a huge impact on each and everyone of us that was there. Especially me. I would have never imagined I would be able to stand on a stage and act with my childhood crush! Thank You..."

Jude Vincent

"I thought the event was powerful and a nurturing event that not only empowered African Americans to be academically empowered but to search for your own uniqueness. I liked working the event because I worked on the film crew with celebrities such as Malik Yoba, and Tatyana Ali, just to name a few. This really was a great networking opportunity and I look forward to next year's tour."

Leno Bradby | Mass Media: Film and TV Major

We had another great day on the road and can not wait until the next tour stop!...