A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson

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We celebrate our fifth annual Takisha A Davis Scholarship presentation, awarding promising HBCU students across the country. The competition was fierce with over 70 initial applicants narrowed down to ten outstanding finalists representing schools including Florida A&M, Prairie View, Howard, and Spelman.

• Co-host Anthony H. Brown joins to help present the scholarships and shares news about his book "Inspire Me Moments"
• Special guest Pamela Davis emphasizes the importance of educational foundations and returning to basics in teaching
• Board members are introduced, highlighting the dedicated team behind A Better Chance for Yout...

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Building bridges that connect students to historically Black colleges and universities takes dedication, collaboration, and vision. This powerful conversation between Dr. Monique Robinson and board member Leon Frye unveils the critical work happening in San Antonio and beyond to create pathways for young scholars to discover HBCUs.

At the heart of their discussion is the formation of the South Texas HBCU Alumni Alliance – a collaborative initiative bringing together graduates and supporters from various institutions to amplify their collective impact. "It's more strength if more people have it," explains Dr. Robinson, highlighting how...

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The bittersweet milestone of college move-in day takes center stage as two remarkable HBCU freshmen share their first weeks on campus at North Carolina A&T and Florida A&M University. Through candid conversations with students and their parents, we witness the emotional journey of families embracing this transformative chapter.

Devon, now proudly wearing the blue and gold at NC A&T, offers a glimpse into authentic campus life - from the synchronized yellow shirts of marching band members to the cultural phenomenon of "Fried Chicken Wednesdays" where students showcase their be...

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The college transition marks a pivotal moment for students and their families—a bittersweet blend of excitement, anxiety, and profound change. In this heartfelt episode, we witness the beautiful, sometimes emotional journey of exceptional young scholars who've reached our scholarship competition's top 20 while simultaneously beginning their HBCU experiences across the country.

From Howard University's historic campus to "the highest of seven hills" at Florida A&M to Tuskegee's rich traditions, these students share their first impressions of college life with remarkable candor. We surprise them with virtual visits from their parents, crea...

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We explore the journey of P. Smith as she prepares to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with her mother, Nashika Thomas, by her side, highlighting their experience in the scholarship competition and the college preparation process.

• P. Smith's has climbed from position #44 to #6 in the Takisha A Davis Scholarship Program
• Nashika describes managing scholarship applications, essays, and deadlines while Promys balanced cheerleading commitments
• Promys chose FAMU after participating in college tours during her freshman year, drawn to the cultural connection and community
• Summer program attendance helped Promys adj...

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Four families prepare to send their HBCU-bound scholars to college in just six days, sharing their emotional journeys and hopes for the future as part of the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship competition.

• Aniya Williams heads to FAMU to pursue orthodontics after being accepted to 50 schools and earning over a million dollars in scholarships
• Paris Holiday, described as ambitious and a natural leader, chose Hampton University to prepare for a career in anesthesiology
• Ja'Sean Boyd selected Prairie View A&M University to study childhood psychology with music therapy, focusing on mental h...

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"Every student deserves an opportunity, an opportunity for hope and a future," declares Dr. Monique Robinson as we dive into Round 3 of the Takisha A Davis Scholarship competition. Now in its fifth year, this scholarship program has transformed from a modest tribute to a late sister with a heart for young people into a significant platform celebrating exceptional student achievement.

The competition has narrowed dramatically from 70 initial applicants to the top 20 contenders, with only the top 10 vote-getters by September 5th remaining eligible for one of five scholarships. What makes this round pa...

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Change might feel uncomfortable, but it's where our greatest growth happens. Dr. Monique Robinson knows this firsthand, having launched a non-profit organization, television show, and written multiple books during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What seemed like an impossible time became the fertile ground for her most meaningful work.

As founder and CEO of A Better Chance For You Futures Incorporated, Dr. Robinson's mission burns bright: helping minority scholars access historically Black colleges and universities with minimal debt. Her passion is palpable when she speaks about education as a liberation to...

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What happens when family traditions shape your college choice? Zemyria Jones, a top 20 finalist in the Takisha A. Davis Scholarship Competition, stands at this pivotal crossroads as she prepares to attend Tuskegee University while continuing her family's rich HBCU legacy.

This heartwarming conversation between host Monique Robinson and Zamyria's mother, Joletta Ellington, reveals the beautiful complexity of HBCU family traditions. As a first-generation college graduate herself, Joletta started the family's HBCU journey, which now continues through Zamyria's choice of Tuskegee over Alabama A&M (where other family members attended). Their story of...

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The transformative power of educational opportunity takes center stage in this heartfelt exploration of parental pride, cultural connection, and academic excellence. As the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship Program enters its third round, we shift our focus to the remarkable parents supporting their HBCU-bound scholars.

From suburban Washington DC to rural communities across America, these families share the emotional complexity of sending their children to college. "She's my only one," confesses one mother with a blend of pride and hesitation, while another fulfills her late husband's wish that their daughter attend an HB...

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The profound impact of HBCUs stretches far beyond education, creating generational bonds and cultural legacies that shape families for decades. This heartwarming conversation between Howard alumna Marlena Powell and her daughter Sinclair, who's heading to North Carolina Central University, beautifully illustrates how the HBCU experience ripples through time.

Sinclair's journey to NCCU wasn't just influenced by her mother's Howard connection but by witnessing the deep, decades-long friendships her parents maintained with fellow HBCU graduates. These relationships created an extended family of "play cousins" that showed Sinclair firsthand what makes the HBCU co...

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Finding your people. Forging your own path. Making history in the hallways of your high school. These are the powerful stories emerging from this year's scholarship competition featuring exceptional students headed to HBCUs across the nation.

Meet Liliana from San Antonio, whose decision to attend Howard University represents a profound search for cultural connection after years in predominantly white and Hispanic schools. Her mother reveals the moment that changed everything: "My daughter was the first one to hang an HBCU flag" in her school's hallways. This simple act of representation speaks vo...

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Parents take center stage in this moving third round of the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship competition, where we meet the families behind our top 20 scholars heading to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The Jones family opens up about their daughter Mia's acceptance to Spelman College—a milestone representing generational progress. "This is a monumental accomplishment," her father explains, revealing how neither parent had the opportunity to experience campus life when they were younger. Growing up in Newark during challenging times, college seemed an impossible dream. Now, watching their daughter achieve what they...

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Dr. Tiffany Dent shares her experience as a parent navigating the college application process with her daughter Mia, addressing both the practical challenges and emotional journey while offering guidance on preparing students mentally for their transition to college life.

• Creating organizational systems like trackers to manage college applications and scholarships
• Balancing parental priorities during the intensive college preparation season
• Preparing students for independence through "enviable exposure" before leaving home
• Having candid conversations about dating, relationships, and consent in college environments
• Understanding the permanent consequences of digital content and technolo...

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What happens when education fails to provide students with the tools they actually need to succeed? Tanisha's powerful journey from correctional officer to education reformer reveals the often-hidden connections between our school systems and the prison pipeline that disproportionately impacts Black and brown youth.

Her story begins in the juvenile sector of an Indianapolis prison, where she witnessed teenagers—some as young as 15—serving decades-long adult sentences. Their common refrain still echoes in her work today: "If I had just known... if someone had just told me..." This experience launched Tanisha into e...

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"If you've ever felt like you don't belong, Jalen Halpin's story will move you to tears—and action. This remarkable high school senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma has transformed her painful experiences of racial isolation into a powerful children's book that's capturing hearts nationwide.

From the moment she joins host Monique Robinson, Jalen radiates wisdom beyond her years. As first chair in her orchestra and a student at both Booker T. Washington High School and Tulsa Technology Center, her achievements already impress. But it's her book "Mixed Feelings" that truly showcases her cour...

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Dr. Monique Robinson welcomes her longtime friend and Wilberforce University sister Dr. Crystallyn Bargers to discuss HBCU friendships, alumni engagement, and supporting future generations of HBCU students. Their nearly 30-year friendship showcases the lasting bonds formed through shared experiences at historically Black colleges and universities.

• Dr. Crystallyn Bargers serves as the first female chaplain for the Wilberforce University Alumni Association and leads the Pittsburgh HBCU Collaborative
• The importance of finding your "tribe" on campus after establishing your academic foundation during freshman year
• Reminiscing about traveling with the Wilberforce University Concert...

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Change isn't just necessary—it's where true transformation happens. Dr. Monique Robinson takes us on a powerful journey exploring how embracing change becomes the catalyst for discovering our deepest purpose, especially for Black women entrepreneurs and educators. Through personal stories, including how she launched a nonprofit and television show during the height of COVID, she demonstrates how closed doors often lead to greater opportunities.

Purpose stands at the center of this conversation. Not simply as a career goal, but as the "heartbeat of your life's mission." When you discover what truly exci...

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What happens when a community discovers its infant mortality rate is more than four times the national average? For Resha Clinton, it became a call to action that transformed her life and the lives of countless mothers and babies in Cleveland, Ohio.

This eye-opening conversation explores the critical difference between midwives and perinatal support doulas. While midwives focus on medical aspects of birth, doulas like Resha provide the emotional support that research shows dramatically impacts birth outcomes. She shares powerful insights into how stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy directly affect de...

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The next generation of Black excellence takes center stage as remarkable young scholars compete for the prestigious Takisha A. Davis Scholarship Award. From an initial field of 66 talented students nationwide, these top 32 finalists share powerful, personal essays about their connection to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their visions for continuing a proud legacy.

Each essay reveals not just academic ambition but a profound understanding of how HBCUs have served as foundations for Black achievement throughout American history. One scholar, aspiring to become an orthopedic surgeon, speaks passionately about healthcare accessibility an...

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Dreams, legacy, and Black excellence take center stage as ambitious young scholars compete for the prestigious Takesha A. Davis Scholarship Award. These remarkable students have already proven their exceptional abilities, advancing from an initial pool of 66 contestants to the top 32 finalists in a journey that showcases both academic prowess and passionate advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities.

The heart of this episode features four outstanding students sharing their meticulously crafted essays about the profound significance of HBCUs and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each essay reveals not just ac...

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The journey from high school graduate to college student represents a pivotal moment in any young person's life, but for the finalists in the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship Stipend Award Program, it marks an opportunity to become part of a powerful legacy. As we witness these brilliant scholars present their essays and engage in dialogue, their passion for education and commitment to creating change becomes unmistakable.

This scholarship competition has already narrowed down from 66 applicants to 32 finalists, with only 20 set to advance to round three. What makes this process unique is ho...

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Exceptional young scholars take center stage as the Takisha A. Davis Scholarship contest continues with powerful essays that showcase the bright future of Black excellence in higher education. This episode features Mia Jones, a Newark native with dreams of attending Spelman College, who articulates a compelling vision of why HBCUs remain vital institutions for developing tomorrow's leaders.

Mia's essay resonates with conviction and clarity as she explains how HBCUs represent more than academic institutions—they're foundations for empowerment, leadership, and community impact. She eloquently observes that "HBCU graduates are built differently," walk...

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Three exceptional scholarship finalists share powerful essays about the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while competing in round two of the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship competition. Each contestant represents a different HBCU—Howard University, Florida A&M University, and Hampton University—bringing unique perspectives on how these institutions foster Black excellence.

• J. Bruno from Hampton University discusses how HBCUs provide community, accessibility, and support for Black students
• M. LaGronne from Howard University emphasizes HBCUs' role in diversifying healthcare and her goals to become an OB-GYN addressing Black maternal mortality<...

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Two brilliant HBCU-bound scholarship finalists share compelling essays on the historical significance and personal value of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their passionate arguments highlight how these institutions foster academic excellence while creating lifelong family-like connections.

• Jasean Boyd presents a historical perspective on HBCUs from post-Civil War origins through segregation to their modern importance
• Sinclair Adina Powell draws on her parents' Howard University experience to illustrate the unique community and professional networks HBCUs create
• Both finalists have advanced from 66 applicants to the top 32 in the Takisha A Davis Scholars...

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From music education to political science to nursing, the semifinalists in the Takisha A Davis Scholarship competition are proving themselves as visionaries poised to transform their communities through higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This compelling episode features four remarkable scholars presenting thoughtful essays on the legacy of HBCUs in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, long before these concepts entered the mainstream conversation. Each contestant articulates not just personal career aspirations, but broader visions for creating more equitable systems in their chosen fields.

A standout music education ma...

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Three exceptional HBCU-bound scholars compete in the Takesha A Davis Scholarship Competition, presenting compelling essays about the value of historically Black colleges and universities in the 21st century. Each contestant shares personal connections to HBCUs and their plans to make an impact on campus through advocacy, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

• Aniyah Faith Williams (Florida A&M University) discusses how HBCUs provide access to higher education for marginalized groups and preserve Black history and culture
• Dontrell Martin (Southern University) shares his passion for mental health advocacy and plans to create spaces...

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What happens when young Black students look around a hospital and see no one who looks like them? They become the change they want to see. Meet Paris Holiday and Lenroy Elbowie, two extraordinary scholars headed to Hampton University and Florida A&M University, respectively, both with dreams of transforming the medical field through representation.

Paris, a Philadelphia native and future Hampton student, shares how breaking her leg years ago became a pivotal moment in her life. Looking around the hospital room at predominantly white doctors, she felt uncomfortable and decided th...

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The search for the next Takisha A Davis Scholarship recipient heats up as we meet exceptional finalists headed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities this fall. This unique award doesn't focus on GPAs but rather seeks students with unwavering determination, compelling essays, and the ability to shine through multiple interviews.

Host Dr. Monique Robinson welcomes two standout candidates who represent the incredible diversity of talent within the HBCU-bound student community. First, we meet Ayden Glover from Jacksonville, Florida, who will continue her family's powerful legacy as a fourth-generation Rattler at Florida A...

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We highlight remarkable students from across the country competing for the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship, which supports attendance at HBCUs with no GPA requirements. Each scholar shares their personal journey and why they've chosen HBCUs as their educational path forward.

• Lashari Patterson-Davis from Las Vegas is headed to Morgan State University to study nursing with plans to address diversity issues in healthcare
• Aniyah Faith Williams from Jacksonville will attend Florida A&M University for biology with a pre-dentistry focus, following a family legacy of FAMU graduates
• Amaris James from North Ca...

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Ever wonder what drives today's brightest young scholars to choose Historically Black Colleges and Universities? Join host Monique Robinson as she sits down with finalists for the prestigious Takesha A Davis Scholarship Award who share powerful insights into their educational journeys.

Meet Amari Bond from Baltimore, an aspiring music educator heading to Bowie State University this fall. Carrying forward a family legacy of HBCU graduates, Amari articulates how attending an HBCU will help him "connect to my roots" while preparing him to teach students from diverse backgrounds. His thoughtful perspective on ho...

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The future looks bright as we sit down with the top 65 finalists for the Takisha A Davis Scholarship, a dedicated award for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Each young scholar shares their unique story, revealing not just where they're headed this fall, but why they've chosen the powerful legacy of HBCUs to shape their futures.

From Liliana's chemistry aspirations at Howard University and plans to create inclusive skincare products, to Amari's dreams of wildlife conservation through Tuskegee's veterinary program, these students demonstrate remarkable clarity about their paths forward. Sinclair, a...

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Dr. Monique Robinson welcomes Dr. Justin Seay and four new members of the Wilberforce University Choir to celebrate their growing legacy and ambitious upcoming concert season.

• Choir membership has doubled to 72 students for the 2025-2026 season
• Dr. Say highlights upcoming performances including three AME conferences, Carnegie Hall, and Mother Bethel
• New members share their musical backgrounds and excitement about joining the choir family
• The choir will perform a concert version of Porgy and Bess in November
• Five specialized ensembles offer additional opportunities for students to develop their talents
...

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Kaylee Irving shares her journey as a first-year student at Prairie View A&M University, balancing motherhood, academics, and campus involvement while maintaining a strong GPA and clear future goals.

• Participated in Prairie View's Summer Bridge program to ease transition to college life
• Selected Prairie View to balance independence with proximity to her young son
• Maintains academic excellence with mostly A's despite additional responsibilities
• Serves in Student Government Association as Panther Aid Chair of the Judicial Branch
• Pursuing Criminal Justice major with plans to advocate for women, juveniles, a...

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Two old friends reconnect during Black History Month, delivering a conversation as rich and nourishing as Sunday dinner. Ashley Anya, once the first female drummer at Corinthian Baptist Church, now splits her time between the States and Mexico as a DJ and healthcare entrepreneur.

From the moment they start reminiscing about their shared past, the conversation flows with genuine warmth and honesty. Ashley's perspective as a Black American living abroad reveals something beautiful: "When it comes to the people who are of this land, they embrace us and respect us as br...

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We are honored to welcome Constance Beal as our special guest on the show! Constance is a lifelong educator and advocate who has dedicated her life to shaping young minds and ensuring every child has a voice. 

📚 Her Journey in Education
Born and educated in the Dayton, Ohio public school system, Constance's passion for learning was sparked at an early age. She earned her B.S. in Education from Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio) before continuing her studies at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and later earning a Master’s Degree in Educa...

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