ASU Student Selected to attend White House HBCU Journalist Briefing with Vice President Kamala Harris

Albany State University (ASU) senior and mass communications major, Kalia Qawiy, was selected to represent ASU, virtually, in the 2023 White House Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Journalist Briefing on February 23. 

“This HBCU Journalist Briefing was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of these HBCU students to visit the White House and speak with officials. Ms. Qawiy represented our institution well. She is a testament to the talented leaders our institution is preparing. I look forward to the continued relationship between the White House and HBCUs for the educational benefit of our students,” said ASU President Marion Ross Fedrick. 

Students from over 40 HBCUs attended the press briefing, aimed at bridging a connection between the White House and HBCUs. The students were invited to ask questions of Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, and former Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Ms. Qawiy asked, “How can smaller HBCUs, like Albany State University, remain relevant in the changing educational landscape, especially those that are state-operated and funded?”

Bottoms answered, “So many things are great about Albany State. But you have the support of the people in the state of Georgia. That’s important for smaller HBCUs, especially state-funded HBCUs. Lean in on your representatives to make sure you’re getting the funding you deserve from the state. Finally, it’s important to own your space. Albany State is a great school. It may not be big in size, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a phenomenal school.”

Qawiy, hailing from Lagrange, Georgia, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, a news anchor for Ram News Network on ASU’s Channel 19, and an intern with the Office of Marketing and Communications. She aspires to become a TV journalist after graduation.

“I am very grateful for the experience of representing Albany State University at the White House. It was important for me to highlight the conflicts concerning HBCUs, and better understand how the White House plans to resolve problems that have a direct impact on students, such as underfunding, access to local and regional internships, mental health, and resources provided for students to better themselves while pursuing their degrees,” said Qawiy.

The full briefing can be viewed on the White House YouTube Channel.