(0:04) Hello everyone, welcome to the very first episode of Let’s Be Real, (0:09) your weekly dose of campus advice, history, and culture. (0:13) This is your host Zanai Dillard, a proud freshman computer science major (0:16) here at the illustrious Alabama State University. (0:20) I am so glad that you decided to tune in with me today.

(0:24) Today is Thursday, September 18, 2025, and today’s topic is Bama State Basics. (0:30) As the first episode of many, this episode sets the tone for each episode to come. (0:36) So let’s quickly discuss what you can expect from this podcast weekly.

(0:43) This podcast was created as a safe space to have in-depth, (0:47) unfiltered conversations about our HBCU experience. (0:51) On this podcast, we will cover topics ranging from the colorful history of our campus and traditions (0:58) to the intricate culture that makes our campus so special. (1:01) This is your place to learn and cultivate (1:04) knowledge about what it means to really love your HBCU.

(1:09) With that being said, this podcast will occasionally feature guest speakers (1:13) in correlation to the weekly topic. (1:16) Guest speakers can be anyone from alumni to relevant members of the student body. (1:21) My choice to include guest speakers stems from my strong appreciation (1:24) and commitment to uplifting the student voice.

(1:28) I believe the student voice truly encapsulates the buzzing spirit of our campus. (1:34) Now, speaking of buzzing, let’s buzz into this week’s topic, Bama State Basics. (1:40) You may be wondering what exactly I mean by Bama State Basics.

(1:45) Let me explain. (1:46) Today, we will discuss some of the most relevant baseline information (1:49) for someone wanting to know Alabama State University on a deeper level, (1:53) the honorable history of our university. (1:57) Being the oldest historically Black college university in the nation, (2:02) Alabama State University has cultivated a particularly expansive reputation.

(2:08) The university was founded in 1867 by nine freed slaves. (2:12) Their names are Thomas Speed, Joey Pinch, James Childs, Thomas Lee, John Freeman, (2:20) Nathan Levert, David Harris, Alexander H. Curtis, and Nicholas Dale. (2:26) These men came together with nothing but $500 (2:29) and a dream of a space dedicated to educating and empowering their people.

(2:35) Alabama State University is known for strong business, STEAM, and health science programs. (2:40) Academically, Alabama State University really shines. (2:44) With over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, (2:47) the university gives students options in just about every direction.

(2:51) Business, education, health sciences, the arts, (2:54) and even cutting-edge STEM fields. (2:57) No matter what you’re passionate about, ASU has a path for you. (3:01) And here’s something a lot of people don’t know.

(3:04) ASU is one of the few HBCUs in the entire country that offers a PhD in microbiology. (3:10) That is a huge deal because it showcases the Hornet Nation’s (3:14) dedication to producing scientists and researchers who are ready to compete at the highest level. (3:20) But the learning here doesn’t stop there.

(3:23) Faculty bring in millions of dollars in research funding, (3:26) which means students get hands-on opportunities with real projects that impact the world. (3:31) From studying health disparities to pushing the field of forensic science forward. (3:36) The work being done at ASU isn’t just theory.

(3:39) It’s life-changing. (3:41) It’s training the next generation of leaders. (3:45) The university also played a major role in the civil rights movement here in Montgomery.

(3:50) Let’s talk about Rosa Parks. (3:51) Before she became the mother of the civil rights movement, (3:55) she studied right here at Alabama State, (3:57) back when it was still called the Alabama State Teachers College. (4:01) And when she refused to give up her seat on that Montgomery bus, (4:05) ASU faculty and students were right behind her.

(4:07) Professors risked their careers to support the Montgomery Boys Club. (4:12) Then there was Fred D. Gray, (4:15) one of the youngest and most important civil rights attorneys of his time. (4:19) He represented both Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in court.

(4:25) ASU students also staged a sit-in at the Montgomery County Courthouse in 1960, (4:31) demanding change. (4:32) It was risky. (4:33) It was bold.

(4:35) And it sent a message. (4:36) The students of Alabama State would not sit quietly while injustice continued. (4:41) The state government tried to silence them, (4:43) even threatening the university itself.

(4:45) But ASU stood strong. (4:48) Of course, we can’t forget the alumni who carry ASU’s legacy far beyond Montgomery. (4:54) From trailblazing attorneys and judges to scientists, (4:57) artists, educators, and public servants, (5:00) Alabama State graduates continue to make waves across the nation.

(5:04) Their achievements are proof that the vision those nine founders had in 1867 (5:08) is still alive and thriving today. (5:12) And that leads me to this. (5:15) Alabama State isn’t just history.

(5:17) It’s culture. (5:18) And culture doesn’t sit still. (5:20) It grows.

(5:21) It adapts. (5:22) And it continues to inspire generation after generation. (5:26) We honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, (5:28) and we preserve their legacy by not keeping it locked away, (5:31) but by living in it every single day.

(5:34) Whether you are a freshman, a senior, alumni, or even a prospective student, (5:39) this university has something to offer you. (5:44) So yeah, (5:45) Alabama State Basics isn’t just about knowing new facts. (5:48) It’s about understanding why this school is so special.

(5:51) It’s history. (5:52) It’s academics. (5:53) It’s culture.

(5:54) It’s community. (5:55) It’s all of that rolled together. (6:00) That being said, (6:00) I just want to thank you all for tuning in with me this week.

(6:03) Be sure to tune in for next week’s episode on campus traditions and why we uphold them. (6:07) You don’t want to miss it. (6:09) Again, this is Anai Dillard, (6:11) and I’ll catch you next week on Let’s Be Real.