Roberta Flack, the legendary Grammy-winning singer and pianist, left an indelible mark on the music industry with her soulful voice and intimate style. Her passing at the age of 88 marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations, particularly students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who dream of making an impact through their talents.

A Musical Prodigy at Howard University

Roberta Flack’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and extraordinary talent. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, she displayed an early gift for music. By the age of nine, she was already mastering the piano, and by 15, she earned a full music scholarship to Howard University, making her one of the youngest students ever to enroll.

At Howard, Flack initially studied classical piano, a field dominated by white artists at the time. However, her passion for music soon led her to transition into voice, where she honed her signature sound. She became an assistant conductor of the university choir, where she directed a production of Aida that received a standing ovation from faculty and students alike. Her time at Howard not only refined her technical skills but also deepened her connection to the rich history and culture of Black music.

Howard University: A Foundation for Greatness

HBCUs have long been breeding grounds for excellence, fostering some of the greatest minds and talents in various fields. For Flack, Howard University was more than an institution—it was the place where she discovered her artistic identity and gained the confidence to step into the world as a musician. Her professors and peers recognized her genius early on, encouraging her to push the boundaries of classical and contemporary music. The rigorous training she received at Howard gave her the foundation to become one of the most influential artists of her generation.

Flack’s success serves as a beacon of hope for current HBCU students who aspire to leave their mark in the arts. Her journey demonstrates the power of Black institutions in shaping history-making individuals. Her story is a testament to the fact that HBCUs are not just places of learning but incubators of greatness.

Breaking Barriers in the Music Industry

After graduating from Howard at 19, Flack briefly pursued graduate studies before the sudden death of her father forced her to take a teaching job in Farmville, North Carolina. Even while teaching, her passion for music never waned. She performed in Washington, D.C. clubs at night, where jazz great Les McCann discovered her. Her breakthrough came in 1972 when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his film Play Misty for Me, catapulting her to international fame.

Throughout the 1970s, Flack dominated the charts with hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song, Feel Like Makin’ Love, and duets with fellow Howard University alum Donny Hathaway, such as Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You. Her ability to blend jazz, soul, and classical influences set her apart in an industry often reluctant to embrace versatility in Black artists.

A Lasting Legacy for HBCU Students

Roberta Flack’s journey from a gifted child to a global icon is a powerful reminder that HBCUs provide a platform for greatness. Her legacy should inspire today’s students at Howard and beyond to embrace their unique gifts and persevere despite obstacles. Whether in music, business, activism, or academia, HBCU students continue to make groundbreaking contributions, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Flack.

Her impact extends beyond music—she was a cultural icon who used her voice for social change, performing at Jackie Robinson’s funeral and advocating for civil rights. Her contributions to music education, particularly through the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York, ensured that future generations could access the same opportunities that propelled her to success.

Conclusion

Roberta Flack’s legacy is deeply intertwined with her roots at Howard University and the HBCU experience. She stands as proof that Black institutions nurture world-changing talent. As we celebrate her life, let us continue to uplift and support the next generation of HBCU students who, like Flack, have the power to redefine history.

Top 10 Cities for Science & Tech Jobs in 2025: Insights for HBCU Students

With tech roles projected to grow significantly through 2033, here are the best cities to consider for launching a career in science and technology. These cities offer diverse job opportunities, competitive salaries, and strong networking ecosystems.

Wilmington, DE – January 4, 2025 – Lincoln University (PA) women’s basketball delivered an offensive masterclass on Saturday, powering past Shaw University 89-78 in a critical CIAA showdown at Goldey-Beacom College.

Senior guard Ciani Montgomery (Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic Prep) was unstoppable, dropping 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting while adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the Lions. Fellow senior Anyssa Fields (Long Branch, N.J./Long Branch) nearly notched a double-double, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Kaziah Akinniyi (Baltimore, Md./Poly) added 18 points of her own. Freshman Hunter Conway (Belleville, MI/Belleville) chipped in 10 points in a solid supporting role.

Lincoln’s offense was in rhythm from the jump, shooting an impressive 56.7% from the floor and 50% from deep. The Lions dominated the paint with 44 points and capitalized on Shaw’s mistakes, turning 19 turnovers into 21 points. A 51-38 first-half explosion set the tone, and while Shaw made a late push, Lincoln never let the game slip out of their control.

The win moves Lincoln to 6-8 overall and 3-2 in CIAA play, helping the Lions rebound from their previous loss. Up next, they’ll face Fayetteville State University on Saturday, January 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA, looking to build on this momentum.

Player of the Game: Ciani Montgomery – 27 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds.

Key Stat: Lincoln shot 56.7% from the field, including a blistering 50% from three-point range.

Next Up: Fayetteville State University, January 6, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA.

Wilmington, DE – January 4, 2025 – HBCU Original was on the scene to witness the Lincoln University (PA) Lions remain undefeated in CIAA action, defeating Shaw University 76-68 at Goldey-Beacom College. This electrifying matchup had the crowd roaring as the Lions improved to 9-5 overall and 4-0 in conference play, notching their fifth consecutive victory.

Senior guard Bakir Cleveland showed out with a standout performance, dropping 19 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc while also grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. Reggie Hudson, another senior leader, commanded the backcourt with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Contributions from Ethan Garita (10 points, 4 rebounds) and Freddie Young, Jr., who came off the bench to score 14 clutch points, sealed the win for the Lions.

Lincoln’s offense clicked from start to finish, with the team shooting 49.1% from the field and a blistering 47.1% from three-point territory. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers (15 points) and dominate in the paint (34 points) highlighted their versatility. Even as Shaw mounted multiple runs, the Lions maintained composure, holding onto a 32-28 halftime lead and closing out strong.

Next up, the Lions will face Fayetteville State University on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA. HBCU Original will be there to bring you full coverage of another exciting conference clash as Lincoln aims to stay perfect in CIAA play. Stay tuned for game highlights, exclusive interviews, and more!

For more updates on HBCU sports, visit www.hbcuoriginal.com and follow us on social media.

Charlamagne Tha God returned to his home state of South Carolina, bringing a special gift to the community— a Krystal burger chain in Orangeburg. The well-known radio and TV host celebrated the restaurant’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Friday morning.

Hundreds of excited people gathered for the event, with city leaders praising the new business for creating over 40 jobs and bringing millions of dollars into the community. Charlamagne, who was born in Moncks Corner, expressed his deep connection to South Carolina, sharing, “I was raised in Moncks Corner, but I did radio in Charleston, I did radio in Columbia, I did parties in Orangeburg all the time, so it’s all just home.”

The restaurant’s opening isn’t just about business for Charlamagne. “I want to inspire the next generation of people in South Carolina,” he said. Beyond creating jobs and generating revenue, the radio personality views the restaurant as an investment in the future of the community.

Three local cheerleaders were particularly inspired by meeting Charlamagne. “It’s very inspirational because we get to meet someone very successful, and it gives us confidence on what we can do when we get older,” said Skyy Blair. Her teammate, Lon’dyn Washington, also expressed gratitude for more fast food options in the area, while Willow Brown shared how thankful she was for Charlamagne’s contribution to the community: “We’re very thankful that somebody from this community came and gave back to us, and it just gives us a bunch of opportunities on how we can be in life.”

Charlamagne emphasized the importance of the Krystal location’s design, noting that it represents the success of many notable individuals who started their journeys in South Carolina.

In closing, Charlamagne shared his motto for success: “Keep God first, stay humble, and keep working,” leaving the crowd, especially the younger attendees, with words of encouragement to carry with them as they continue to pursue their dreams.