(0:08) Hello everyone, welcome to the very first episode of Let’s Be Real, your weekly dose of campus advice, history, and culture. (0:17) This is your host, Zanai Dillard, a proud freshman computer science major here at the illustrious Alabama State University. (0:24) I am so glad that you decided to tune in with me today.
(0:27) Today is Thursday, September 18th, 2025. (0:32) And today’s topic is Bama State Basics. (0:35) As the first episode of many, this episode sets the tone for each episode to come.
(0:41) So let’s quickly discuss what you can expect from this podcast weekly. (0:47) This podcast was created as a safe space to have in-depth, unfiltered conversations about our HBCU experience. (0:56) On this podcast, we will cover topics ranging from the colorful history of our campus and traditions to the intricate culture that makes our campus so special.
(1:06) This is your place to learn and cultivate knowledge about what it means to really love your HBCU. (1:13) With that being said, this podcast will occasionally feature guest speakers in correlation to the weekly topic. (1:20) Guest speakers can be anyone from alumni to relevant members of the student body.
(1:24) My choice to include guest speakers stems from my strong appreciation and commitment to uplifting the student voice. (1:32) I believe the student voice truly encapsulates the buzzing spirit of our campus. (1:38) Now, speaking of buzzing, let’s buzz into this week’s topic, Bama State Basics.
(1:45) You may be wondering what exactly I mean by Bama State Basics. (1:49) Let me explain. (1:50) Today, we will discuss some of the most relevant baseline information for someone wanting to know Alabama State University on a deeper level.
(1:58) The honorable history of our university. (2:02) Being the oldest historically black college university in the nation, Alabama State University has cultivated a particularly expansive reputation. (2:12) The university was founded in 1867 by nine freed slaves.
(2:16) Their names are Thomas Speed, Joey Pinch, James Childs, Thomas Lee, John Freeman, Nathan Levert, David Harris, Alexander H. Curtis, and Nicholas Dale. (2:30) These men came together with nothing but $500 and a dream of a space dedicated to educating and empowering their people. (2:39) Alabama State University is known for strong business, STEAM, and health science programs.
(2:45) Academically, Alabama State University really shines. (2:48) With over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, the university gives students options in just about every direction. (2:55) Business, education, health sciences, the arts, and even cutting edge STEM fields.
(3:01) No matter what you’re passionate about, ASU has a path for you. (3:05) And here’s something a lot of people don’t know. (3:08) ASU is one of the few HBCUs in the entire country that offers a PhD in microbiology.
(3:13) That is a huge deal because it showcases the Hornet Nation’s dedication to producing scientists and researchers who are ready to compete at the highest level. (3:25) But the learning here doesn’t stop there. (3:27) Faculty bring in millions of dollars in research funding, which means students get hands-on opportunities with real projects that impact the world.
(3:35) From studying health disparities to pushing the field of forensic science forward. (3:40) The work being done at ASU isn’t just theory, it’s life-changing. (3:45) It’s training the next generation of leaders.
(3:49) The university also played a major role in the civil rights movement here in Montgomery. (3:54) Let’s talk about Rosa Parks. (3:56) Before she became the mother of the civil rights movement, she studied right here at Alabama State.
(4:02) Back when it was still called the Alabama State Teacher’s College. (4:06) And when she refused to give up her seat on that Montgomery bus, ASU faculty and students were right behind her. (4:12) Professors risked their careers to support the Montgomery Boys Quad Five.
(4:17) Then there was Fred D. Gray, one of the youngest and most important civil rights attorneys of his time. (4:24) He represented both Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in court. (4:29) ASU students also staged a sit-in at the Montgomery County Courthouse in 1960, demanding change.
(4:36) It was risky. It was bold. (4:39) And it sent a message.
The students of Alabama State would not sit quietly while injustice continued. (4:45) The state government tried to silence them, even threatening the university itself, but ASU stood strong. (4:52) Of course, we can’t forget the alumni who carry ASU’s legacy far beyond Montgomery.
(4:58) From trailblazing attorneys and judges to scientists, artists, educators and public servants, Alabama State graduates continue to make waves across the nation. (5:08) Their achievements are proof that the vision those nine founders had in 1867 is still alive and thriving today. (5:17) And that leads me to this.
(5:19) Alabama State isn’t just history. It’s culture. And culture doesn’t sit still.
It grows. It adapts. (5:27) And it continues to inspire generation after generation.
(5:30) We honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and we preserve their legacy by not keeping it locked away, but by living in it every single day. (5:39) Whether you are a freshman, a senior, alumni, or even a prospective student, this university has something to offer you. (5:48) So yeah, Alabama State Basics isn’t just about knowing new facts.
It’s about understanding why this school is so special. (5:55) It’s history. It’s academics.
It’s culture. It’s community. It’s all of that rolled together.
(6:04) That being said, I just want to thank you all for tuning in with me this week. (6:07) Be sure to tune in for next week’s episode on campus traditions and why we uphold them. (6:12) You don’t want to miss it.
(6:13) Again, this is Anai Dillard, and I’ll catch you next week on Let’s Be Real. (6:19) Let’s be real.
