Who We Are

We’re a group of African American men and women, who are committed to the youth of our communities. By offering services to enhance their overview of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBU), we aim to provide them with information that will help them achieve a well-rounded education along with core values.

Our purpose is to preserve the history, legacy and value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). To raise awareness of the opportunities HBCU have to offer to educators, students, and parents. To help students navigate the college admissions and financial aid process for successful matriculation. To encourage and increase the number of disadvantaged students enrolling at HBCU.

Inspiration for F.E.L.L.O.W.S.

You might say I was inspired to start F.E.L.L.O.W.S. from the time I was in high school in the
1970s and the homicide rates were so high that my teacher had us count off in 3s and when we
finished, he told us that a 3rd of us wouldn't make it to graduation because we would die first.
My goal was to make it through high school, graduate, and attend a Historically Black College or
University (HBCU) in Durham, North Carolina -- a place I had the opportunity to visit one
summer. I still remember that first experience of being on the North Carolina Central University
(NCCU) campus and getting to know some kids there -- kids like me. I felt like I belonged, and I
felt safe there.

Although I did not graduate from NCCU, I first attended Kittrell Junior College, another HBCU,
where I played basketball and met other students who would become lifelong friends.
Six of those friends and I have kept in touch for almost 50 years, including during COVID-19,
when we connected via Zoom meetings. After George Floyd's death, we talked at length about
our shared history of escaping violence through attendance at HBCUs. We also discussed what
we could do to impact the lives of young black men so more of them would survive and thrive in
their middle-age years as we have.

F.E.L.L.O.W.S. started as an organization focused on helping young black men learn about
HBCUs and the educational, cultural, and emotional benefits of believing hope and safety are
possible and that you can be part of a community that will nurture you, where you are wanted
and feel like you belong. We have since expanded our programs to young women and to all kids
from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds, regardless of race.

So, my lived experience as a young black man surviving a violent time and city, meeting other
young black men in junior college, staying connected with those men for decades now,
supporting each other throughout our lives, and wanting to give back in some way so that others
can survive too, that was and is the inspiration for F.E.L.L.O.W.S.

ECSU Chanclor and Me CIAA 2023_edited.pn

Bernard Brown

President & Founder

IN HONOR OF OUR FOUNDERS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and give honorable mention to all our founders, whose vision and dedication laid the cornerstone of F.E.L.L.O.W.S.. Thier pioneering efforts have shaped our mission and guided us to where we stand today. We also wish to recognize and commend those who continue this legacy by serving on our board. We thank you all for your services.