D’Andre Brown Jr., a dedicated student at Edison High School, actively engaged in a community initiative by organizing a fundraiser to support his dream of attending a historically Black College while also showcasing his commitment to inspiring others through his passion for dance.
On Nov. 24, 2025, mentors like Roger Brown from local nonprofit Breath of Evolution and family members rallied together to support D’Andre in hosting a dance-a-thon to raise funds for an HBCU college tour. HBCUs, or Historically Black Colleges & Universities, are institutions that foster academic success and educational equity, which produce a significant percentage of Black professionals and leaders.
“I grew up watching HBCUs in the movies. I grew up thinking about going to an HBCU because my grandfather and grandmother always talked to me about it. And once I was in school, I learned more about them by being in AP African American Studies. I learned more about Black colleges and what they can do for Black people, and I’ve been interested ever since,” D’Andre said…