The Quick Version:
Erica Stovall White, PhD is a mother, author, psychologist, and proud HBCU alumnae. As a former college and university professor, she is committed to students of all ages, knowing their potential and seeing themselves in the world. She wrote A Is for Ancestors: My Black College ABCs to introduce a new generation of children (and some adults) to the possibilities that HBCUs can provide. Dr. White attributes her passion for HBCUs and the mental health and well-being of children and adults to her varied and unique life experiences. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two daughters.
The Not-So-Quick Version:
Dr. Erica Stovall White is a third-generation college graduate. She earned her BA in psychology from Spelman College and her PhD from the University of Michigan. While she continues to enjoy a varied and successful career as a clinical psychologist, she maintains a steadfast support for Spelman College and all HBCUs. She is the author of A Is for Ancestors: My Black College ABCs.
Dr. White’s inspiration for this book was born out of a desire to pass her love of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) experience to her children. Her connection to HBCUs is multigenerational and began before she was born. Her paternal grandmother graduated from Rust College and her maternal grandmother graduated from Alabama State College (University). Her parents met at and graduated from Tuskegee Institute (University). Other relatives graduated Hampton Institute (University), Grambling University, Clark Atlanta University, and Morgan State University.
As a young child, Erica attended preschool on the campus of Alabama State University, where her father was an assistant professor of Aerospace Studies. As a young professional, Dr. White taught psychology classes at Morris Brown College and her aunt taught reading at Miles College.
What made you choose an HBCU?
My parents, aunts and uncles and maternal and paternal grandparents all went to HBCUs and my dad taught at one when I was younger. While I was familiar with them, there was no pressure to attend an HBCU. However, when I started thinking about attending college, there was something about HBCUs that was very appealing to me. I had a strong interest in being at an institution that would nurture me and help me to flourish as a young woman. When I looked at the brochures, I saw people who looked like me. I like that and knew that was the best thing for me.
What is your fondest memory of attending an HBCU?
There are so many to choose from. I would say that all of my fond memories are related to feeling a strong bond with classmates and friends. I took a tour of Spelman College the summer before my senior year. I will never forget the feeling of HOME that I felt when I stepped on campus. In that moment, I knew that Spelman was where I was meant to be. I still get that feeling when I return to campus. It is a place I still consider HOME.
Funniest shenanigan in college?
I attended Spelman while the TV show “A Different World” was at the height of its popularity. During my freshman year, seven of my friends and I sold Krispy Kreme donuts to raise money to pay for our Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach. For the weeks leading up to Spring Break we would sell the donuts during the time when “A Different World” was on TV because we knew that people would be in their dorm rooms wanting a snack. None of our parents were happy about our plan, but we raised enough money to pay for a two cars, a condo and food for the whole week!
What inspired you to write a children's book on this topic?
My oldest daughter received a Christmas ABC book when she was a baby. She loved that book and we read it all year round. I thought it was a neat way to introduce the ABCS and popular Christmas traditions. The idea came to me while we were reading together. Why not combine my love of HBCUs with the ABCs? It took me 10 years, but I finally did it!
What were your favorite children's books growing up?
There are so many. I was a voracious reader as a child. I have fond memories of Amelia Bedelia and her antics. I had a hard cover set of Richard Scary books that were in heavy rotation at my house. Also, my grandmother sent us several books that were personalized with my name in the story. I loved those books and still have them.
How do you hope kids of this generation will change the world?
I hope that children of this generation will move beyond the barriers of hate that we continue to perpetuate in our society. There is room for all at the table. We struggle with that idea in our world today. I hope that they will set us all free.