We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Burns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am a PROUD HBCU graduate from the “Illustrious” Clark Atlanta University with my bachelor’s degree in Business. After graduation, I moved back home to Texas and started working as a higher education advisor for a non-profit, EIF. I assist high school students and they visit my office to get assistance with college applications, financial aid, FAFSA/TASFA, scholarships, essays, resume, SAT/ACT, internships, you name it! While working a full time job, I decided I wanted to obtain my Master’s in Business Administration. I’m housed at a diverse high school and after having conversations with the students and adults, I realized a lot of them were not familiar with Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). For some of them, it was their first time ever hearing about it. They haven’t been taught, and as the expert, that’s where I come in. Having a passion for HBCUs, I make it my mission to educate others on HBCUs. Before I started working, I knew I wanted to create my own business but couldn’t decide on just one business. I’ve had ideas about creating something for HBCUs but wasn’t sure exactly what it would look like. After obtaining my MBA, I made the decision to move forward with creating my business about HBCUs and would jot down ideas and plans for it over the years. I prayed about it and hesitated to start because I didn’t have everything I needed and wanted it to be perfect. I finally took a leap of faith and launched my business in 2019 and I’m excited to see where it will take me.

What should our readers know about your business?
The name of my business is ISupportHBCUs.I created it to spread the awareness of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), to educate others and create more conversations about HBCUs, and to provide scholarships to underprivileged seniors who want to attend HBCUs. I want to help educate more people about HBCUs because they are typically looked over or looked down upon. It’s imperative that more people know about HBCUs because it’s apart of history and many successful people earned their degrees from these higher institutions. Without financial aid assistance, millions of students wouldn’t be able to afford college and I want to help alleviate the stress. I know how hard it can be to afford college, especially if it’s a private university or out of state. Every little bit counts and scholarships plus grants can add up quickly. I encourage parents and students to apply to multiple scholarships so it can help lower their educational expenses. Since my business is small there’s only so much I can do, but eventually I want to offer huge scholarships to HBCU students.

COVID19 impacted everyone and millions of graduating seniors were getting ready to head off to college during August/September of 2020. Their freshman year would be like no other and even though it wasn’t much I could do, I wanted to help them. I created my 1st HBCU Book Scholarship and was going to choose one lucky student. However, I received numerous applications and decided to award three incoming freshmen, each with a book scholarship, so they wouldn’t have to stress about how they will purchase all of their textbooks. In order to provide scholarships to students, people can make donations to my GoFundMe Page or purchase items from my website. Currently, I’m selling T-Shirts, wristbands, masks, hand sanitizers and a portion of the sales will help fund scholarships. I’m working on expanding and providing more merchandise so I can give back to more to students.

As a business owner and HBCU Graduate, I’m proud that I can help influence the younger generation on their college decisions, especially to a HBCU, and award scholarships to seniors. What sets me apart from other businesses is not only will I provide scholarships for high seniors going to HBCUS but I’m also having events and workshops to assist and inform students and parents about colleges, HBCUS, etc. I’m excited to host these events because it gives me a chance to connect with future HBCU students, current HBCU students, and alumni. In February 2020, I hosted my first college fair and HBCU Discussion Panel and invited colleges/universities from Texas and the surrounding states to join us. High school students and their parents attended and received more information about colleges, scholarships, applications, and financial aid. etc.. Following the college fair, was the HBCU Panel Discussion, which featured current HBCU students and HBCU Alumni from Prairie View A&M University, Southern University, Paul Quinn College, Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and the “Illustrious” Clark Atlanta University (AUC). I was able to host the same events in 2021, but during the global pandemic, things completely changed so I decided the events would be held virtually. There were some challenges along the way but I had to remind myself why did I get started. Things won’t be perfect but it’s important that I have resilience and don’t give up because I have a message to share with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend, Bridgette, flew into town for a week, we would visit so many places. During her last visit, we went to this amazing restaurant called “Breadwinners” and we both enjoyed it, so that would definitely be on the list. They have delicious desserts and breakfast, including their Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Another little restaurant we would have to visit is “Biscuit Bar” and try their Brisket Biscuit, French Toast Biscuit, Money Cristo, and Fully Loaded Tater Tots. Another day we have to go to Waffle House because they’re a classic. After eating the most important meal of the day, we would explore the city by visiting Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum since that’s where “Biscuit Bar” is located. From there, we could check out parks, landmarks, and murals to explore some of the Dallas culture. We would also attend a fun, paint class that allows us to express our creativity. After that it would be time for lunch so we’d have to go to “Shake Shack” because they have the best burgers and shakes! Then it’s time to go to the nail salon for our manis and pedis followed by some shopping. We would also go to the Studio Movie Grill and watch a movie. One day we’d have to go to Six Flags Over Texas and another day we’d have to go to the State Fair of Texas because we enjoy amusement parks. At Six Flags, we would ride some of my favorites “Batman”, “Runaway Mountain”, and “Flashback” and they have some amazing Fried Oreos and Brisket Nachos. At the State Fair, we would also try various rides but it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t try any of the fried foods. We would try the fried ribs, fried collard greens, fried Thanksgiving dinner, etc.. You can’t go to the fair and not get a turkey leg, corn dog, cotton candy, or funnel cake either. It’s always a lot of fun going to amusement parks and you can easily spend hours there! For the others day we didn’t attend an outdoor amusement park, we would attend Dave and Buster’s and Main Event. These are two entertainment centers where you can eat, play arcade games, golf, bowl, laser tag, rock climbing, etc. Also, we both love roller skating so we would end our day at the skating rink. During adult skate night, all of the grown folks show up and show out! We’re no pros like them but it’s amazing to watch the different groups skate and see all types of tricks and routines they perform. We enjoy skating and dancing to the music and we always have an amazing time when we hangout. Dallas is one of the best cities to live in because of the opportunities and there’s always something going on.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout all of the people who have shown me support and motivated me when I needed it. Glory be to GOD because without him we are nothing. He has given me the vision and ideas for this business and I pray he continues giving me discernment and guidance along the way. Special thanks to my mom and beloved grandmother for giving me advice, support, and love over the years. My solid foundation started at home and they taught me a lot along the way. Shoutout to my best friend, Bridgette, and former college roommate from the “Illustrious” Clark Atlanta University, Aleisha, and travel buddy, Carrie for always giving me advice, assistance, motivation, encouraging words, and showing support. Shoutout to the “Get Fit” squad for their continued love, support, reassurance, and inspiration as well! I truly appreciate it! Thank you to everyone for their support on this journey so far, this is only the beginning.

Website: https://isupporthbcus.bigcartel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isupporthbcus_/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ISupportHBCUs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISupportHBCUs/

Other: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-isupporthbcus-fund-scholarships-4-hs-seniors

Image Credits: Josh Sherwood

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