Harper encourages positive action

Many people filled the Florida A&M University’s Grand Ballroom Saturday with hopes of receiving a powerful message from best selling author and actor Hill Harper.

The “HBCU Empower Me Tour” is what brought Harper to the university. 

The tour visited 10 schools, including Bennett College, Johnson C. Smith University and FAMU.

Throughout the conference Harper discussed the importance of building a blueprint for one’s life.         

Other issues that he talked about were marriage, money and building a strong foundation.

One of the main points he discussed was laziness and excuses that are used as crutches in the black community.

“I don’t believe in mistakes, I believe in the another  “M” word and that’s modification,” Harper said to the crowd.

Many students said they enjoyed the event and really applauded FAMU for bringing him to the campus.

Rachel Hill, 22, a fourth year professional MBA student from Orlando said she got a lot out of the conference and it was very informative.

“It was very informative and I learned a lot about saving and preparing for my future,” Hill said.

Wachovia and Wells Fargo Foundation in partnership with The United Negro College Fund and the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation were responsible for the tour.

Tour organizers said the tour came “to help African Americans find ways to have a secure financial future.”

“We wanted to come to HBCUs especially to give a message of empowerment to plan for the future financially” said Gigi Dixon, senior vice president at Wells Fargo.

Dixon also said the reason they chose Hill to be the representative was because of his passion and commitment to help young students achieve their goals.

Harper told the crowd they shouldn’t be afraid or have fear of the future. He expressed that fear to him meant, false evidence appearing real.

Rugyah Cox, 22, a fourth year architecture student from Tallahassee, said she could relate to what Harper was saying because he was talking about her major.

“Since his subject was on architecture I could really relate, I got a lot out of it,” Cox said.

Cox also said Harper really encouraged her to think about making better financial decisions.

University Provost Cynthia Hughes-Harris said she was glad that the foundation contacted the university.

“It was excellent and compelling. It was something our students needed to hear,” Hughes said.

Hughes also said that one of Harper’s messages was believe in your self and make positive enforcements, which is something faculty members tell students everyday.
   
Dixon said Harper was really passionate about motivating students.

“He believes in young people and he has passion for building a better future for our students coming up,” Dixon said.

FAMU was the last stop on the tour and Harper told the crowd that it was one of best schools he has seen.

Hughes said that she is glad the event turned out well and she hopes that FAMU gained something for the future.