Class Of 2004 - profiles of African American college students

Ebony, Oct, 2000

1st-year students reflect a new dynamic of optimism and energy

THEY are focused, energetic and ready to take on the world. They're the class of 2004, students beginning their first year of college on campuses across the country. Leaving the comforts of home to pursue a life of their own, the 10 young men and women on the following pages are on the cusp of adulthood. They have lofty goals and an optimistic outlook on life. While their lives and careers will surely be filled with ups and downs, great achievements and likely disappointments, they're not afraid. They say don't underestimate them because, for them, the future is now and they are the future. They say they are ready to take the torch from their ancestors and run with it to socially, economically and politically superior places where Blacks can compete and live on a more level playing field. Maybe their rosy outlook will change as they make their way through school, interview for their first job, marry, buy their first home, have families. Maybe right now they're just idealistic dreamers. But maybe that's what the world could use more of.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

Avee Poston

Hometown: Monroe, N.C.

Major: Biology

Goal: Attend medical school, specialize in cardiology, practice medicine

Hero: I don't have heroes. My greatest mentor would be Gerald Baucum. He's a successful man who has given back to his community.

Favorite Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Favorite Entertainer: Whitney Houston

Hobbies: Playing saxophone, attending plays

Future: Optimistic about his future. "If I don't believe in myself, I can't expect anyone else to believe in me." And the future of African-Americans? "We are making progress in every thing we do. I see us making up progressively."

Prefers to be called African-American.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Brianna LeGrand

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Major: International Business/Theater Arts

Goal: To become an actress or a business marketer

Hero: Barbara Jordan

Favorite Author: Maya Angelou and Alice Walker

Favorite Entertainer: Nia Long

Hobbies: Reading, acting, playing basketball

Future: Optimistic about her future. "I really believe that I will be successful. There are so many opportunities out there for me. There is no excuse for me not to lake advantage of them." And the future of Black Americans? "Over the last 20 or 30 years, there has been such a rapid progression that I don't see it going in reverse."

Prefers to be called Black American.

FISK UNIVERSITY

Raeshon Botkin

Hometown: Lexington, Ky.

Major: Political Science

Goal: Attend law school, practice law

Hero: Grandmother, Marjorie Botkin

Favorite Author: Alice Walker

Favorite Entertainer: Laurence Fishburne

Hobbies: Traveling, singing in choir, debating

Future: Optimistic about her future. "The sky is the limit in terms of the things that I want to do." And the future of Blacks? "We are very focused and forward-thinking people. We are the leaders of tomorrow, so I know that we have nothing to worry about."

Prefers to be called an American.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

Kevin Johnson

Hometown: Durham, N.C.

Major: Physics

Goal: Attend graduate school, become a corporate, laboratory or university scientist

Hero: Teachers

Favorite Author: Ralph Ellison

Favorite Entertainer: Steven Spielberg

Hobbies: Writing, walking

Future: Optimistic about his future. "The future is what you make it. The future is uncertain, and you have to know where you are headed." He has mixed feelings about the future of African-Americans. "I'm optimistic about us being unified, but pessimistic because of the increased stereotyping of African-Americans."

Prefers to be called African-American.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Marques Redd

Hometown: Macon, Ga.

Major: English/Philosophy

Goal: To become a writer and political activist

Hero: W.E.B. DuBois

Favorite Author: Toni Morrison

Favorite Entertainer: Lauryn Hill

Hobbies: Playing piano, reading

Future: Optimistic about his future. "I have a lot of opportunities. I've spent my entire life preparing for this moment, and the time is finally here." But he has mixed feelings about the future of African-Americans. "There is a lot of cynicism with today's youth ... We are not taking advantage of our opportunities."

Prefers to be called African-American.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Javita Everhart

Hometown: Chicago

Major: Biology (Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient)

Goal: Attend medical school/ practice medicine

Hero: Grandmother Dorothy Everhart

Favorite Author: Toni Morrison

Favorite Entertainer: Mos Def

Hobbies: Dancing, singing in choir, volunteering

Future: Optimistic about her future. "I'm very optimistic. I take challenges head-on." And about the future of Blacks? "We as a people have goals. We reach for the stars. We don't limit ourselves."

Prefers to be called an American.

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

Lebanon L.L. Garrett

Hometown: Atlanta

Major: Physics/Nuclear Engineering

Goal: To become a nuclear engineer for the U.S. Navy.