DJ Dizzy Discusses HBCU Life and Legacy

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African-American community. I obtained an exclusive interview with DJ Dizzy to discuss his past, present, and future insights and experiences from being an instrumental part of the HBCU culture.

Please tell us about the HBCU(s) you've attended and how the experience was for you. Specifically, the Maryland HBCU.

DJ Dizzy: I attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore from 2014–2017. Then I transferred to Morgan State University from 2017–2021 and graduated from there. The experience literally created me. I was exposed to so many different cultures of people who look like me. I learned all my genres of music from school. I learned how to conduct business and work with school organizations to provide events for students. Your HBCU is also where you meet all your lifelong friends and connections. I loved it!

We would love to hear about all the contributions and accomplishments you've made during your HBCU days. What can you tell us about it?

DJ Dizzy: I've done so much work behind the scenes I don't even know where to start. Anywhere that I am at I ensure that I add value. Typically, I would get booked for a school's homecoming or special event just to DJ. But I typically extend my hand to help plan and set up the function and put the right pieces together. I've worked with administrations to bring out 1000s of students to an event. Even enticing students from neighboring HBCUs and inviting them to another campus to network. 

I would use my platform on Twitter or Instagram to openly discuss event ideas, issues, and concerns from the students and of course coordinate with the administration. I would throw major events following school events that expand and improve the college experience. Being able to say that I've worked at over 7+ HBCUs is an accomplishment on its own.

How did being a part of an HBCU help your DJ career?

DJ Dizzy: TBH HBCU life exposed me to the world. Being around so many young like-minded black individuals, I was introduced to cultures and genres of music I'd never heard of back home. I learned that each school has its own regions of music and you have to give the students what they like. Playing music from Philly, Jersey, New York, New Orleans, Texas, ATL, Baltimore, DC/DMV, reggae, afrobeatz, you can go on and on. Being a college DJ forces you to be versatile.

It also teaches you how to make things work with what you have and also budgeting! Being a young broke college freshman, I wouldn't have access to big speakers or proper equipment and lights and those extra materials that you need for events. I had to create savings plans for new equipment, I even learned about credit and my credit score because I wanted equipment with monthly payments and I didn't know how at first. I didn't know how to talk to venue owners to rent their buildings out and draw up contracts to solidify our deal. All of these things I learned being a DJ at my HBCU.

What events took place that you were involved with?

DJ Dizzy: I've taken part in multiple HBCU Homecomings, Spring Fest and Spring Flings. I've done HBCU Dj Battles along the coast. Showcases and fashion shows. Even AIDS Lock In's, Basketball and football games, Pep Rallies, and of course all the Greek parties too. Anything HBCU-related I've been a part of and still am. I am also a part of the Spring Break team that runs events in Miami for HBCU students. I try to keep myself involved in everything.

From your experience, what can you share with us about government funding and how it affects the campus and events?

DJ Dizzy: Being an HBCU Dj, you learn firsthand how funding affects campus life and what the students are allowed to do. Not only do the SGA and CAB of an HBCU need their own funding to plan the big concerts and events, but the smaller organizations who run events during the week also need their own funding as well! Going to an HBCU is NOT all about events and partying, but that is a part of it when your whole life is at a school. 

Students who get overwhelmed with studies need outlets and things during the week to give them a break! Alot of our events are also for support and discussing things that need to be talked about in a safe space. School events directly affect student retention. Schools that have a declining event/party culture lose students!

Why would you recommend anyone to attend an HBCU?

DJ Dizzy: HBCUs are not just for "anyone". It is for like-minded colored individuals who need an extra step and push toward adulthood and working in the US. HBCUs are where you network and grow and discover yourself. This is where you become a full individual outside of your parent's household. This is where you get resources and actually learn about the things you dream about. This is where you're placed around 1000s of driven people like you instead of what you're used to at home. If you don't have a solid plan to be successful and thrive at the age of 18, I highly suggest an HBCU.

Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

DJ Dizzy: HBCUs are amazing but they are all different. Align yourself with what you actually want to do in life and go to a school in a city that has that. Enjoy what your school has to offer and go speak to someone! Life is what you make it.

More on DJ Dizzy

DJ Dizzy has been featured on The Baltimore Sun, and TrueLaurels.Com

Connect with DJ Dizzy on Instagram @djdizzy__