“What My HBCU Taught Me” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a reflection of the growth, leadership, and legacy that defines the HBCU experience. In this special Class of 2025 spotlight series, we’re highlighting newly graduated HBCU alumni who made an impact on their campuses and are now stepping boldly into their next chapter.
Each feature explores the lessons these graduates carry with them and the advice they’d give to their freshman-year selves—offering both inspiration and insight for the next generation of HBCU students.
Today, we’re spotlighting Christian Locke, a proud Wilberforce University graduate, former student leader, and longtime scriptwriter for our HBCU News segment. Her journey is a powerful example of what it means to serve, grow, and evolve within the HBCU community—and beyond.
Christian Locke
Wilberforce University / Major- Mass Communications
Campus involvement and leadership positions held:
– Wilberforce University’s Miss UNCF (United Negro College Fund)
– Social Media Manager for Wilberforce’s “Dawg Team” Media
– Lead Photographer / Point of Contact for Wilberforce’s “Dawg Team” Media
– Mentor in “Big Brother Big Sister” Org
– President for Kappa Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
– Secretary for Kappa Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
– Social Media Manager for Kappa Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
– Secretary for National Pan-Hellenic Council “NPHC”
– Member of President’s Council
– Secretary for “Women In Business” Org
– Social Media Coordinator for “Women In Business” Org
– Social Media Coordinator for Wilberforce Alumni Association
– President of the UNCF Pre-Alumni Council
What are some of the biggest lessons your HBCU taught you?
Graduating a year early from Wilberforce University with a degree in Mass Communications is more than a milestone to me —it’s a reflection of everything this HBCU has poured into me, and how it has shaped me. Wilberforce taught me to lead with purpose. Through my roles as Miss UNCF and President / Basileus of the Kappa Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., I learned that true leadership is rooted in selfless service and impact. The WU taught me the strength and importance of community—from mentoring in “Big Brother Big Sister” to collaborating on the President’s Council and serving on the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Wilberforce showed me that success is a collective effort. Juggling multiple roles—as a media leader, photographer, and social media coordinator of multiple organizations—taught me time management, resilience, and how to execute effectively with excellence. I didn’t just find my voice here—I learned to amplify it for myself AND for others. Wilberforce didn’t just prepare me for a career. It gave me lifelong friends, family, an abundant network, plus the confidence, clarity, and courage to lead in any room I step into. And for that, I’m forever grateful.
What would the senior you, tell freshman you?
To the freshman version of me: I know you’re intimidated and have no idea what’s about to come because you’ve never been to Ohio before — but you’re going to find your roots here. You’re going to have a good band season, but band wouldn’t be the reason you stay here. You’re going to find your identity outside of the music program, and my oh my, are you going to soar. You’re going to grow into a woman who leads, creates, mentors, and represents with power and grace.
You’ll wear many hats—Miss UNCF being one of the most beautiful crowns you’ve ever seen, you’re going to join the best sorority on Earth and develop lifelong connections, you’re even going to become a photographer — something you always dreamed of doing, and so much more — every single thing you touch will teach you something about strength, balance, leadership, and impact. There will be long nights, tough decisions, and moments where you question yourself and everything around you. But you have to keep going.
Every challenge will sharpen you. Every opportunity will push you closer to who you’re meant to be. And yes—you’re going to graduate early, with a 4.0 and a résumé full of accomplishments, with an even bigger heart overflowing with gratitude. Be the leader you wish you had. And never shrink to fit into spaces that were never designed to hold your full potential. Wilberforce will change your life—but even more, you will help shape Wilberforce. Proud of you already, Senior You
