Born in the third ward of Houston, Texas, Nelson Bowman, III, the current Director of Development at Prestigious Prairie View A&M University matriculated from a young adult into manhood at the one and only Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia as part of the Class of 1984.
From being inspired to attend Morehouse by the great civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Junior and being registered to vote by Rainbow PUSH coalition leader Jesse Jackson; Mr. Bowman, III had many great experiences while pursuing his degree in Business with a concentration on Marketing.
Thankfully he has been kind enough to share those HBCU experiences with us and now you.
Where are you from?
3rd Ward, Houston, Tx (click to enlarge)
Houston, TX – Third Ward
How did you first hear about HBCUs?
Reading about MLK and his time at Morehouse College.
From that, my curiosity kicked in to find out about the other HBCUs.
What made you choose an HBCU over a pwi?
Attending white schools for the majority of my K-12 years, I wanted to be around more black people.
How did you decide to become a student at Morehouse College?
Well I was accepted into three – Fisk, Morehouse and Xavier.
Spelman College Scientists
I chose Morehouse because of its legacy and the fact that Spelman College was nearby:)
What professors at Morehouse College left the most impression upon you as a student and/or person? What did they do that continues to mean so much to you to this day?
Lydia Mckinney, John Williams, Ben McLaurin -all were my business professors that taught me to stand up, speak up and claim it.
Dr. John E. Williams
What is the story of your “experience” to date at Morehouse College given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?
A place where I came into my own as I met with, walked with and talked with black leaders regularly.
Jesse Jackson giving a speech at Thurman Day at Morehouse
Jesse Jackson, a public figure that I had seen on tv for years, actually registered me to vote. When I came to Morehouse, I didnt even know I mattered. When I left, I knew that I had arrived…Just that Morehouse Mystique!
Where were the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
At the crib…
Freshman Yr – 206 Graves Hall
The One and Only Graves Hall (click to enlarge)
Senior Yr – 10 26th Str. Buckhead, GA
What were the best restaurants on and near campus? Which dishes did you enjoy the most?
Pascals Restaurant – meatloaf
Ms. Winners Chicken – the two piece w/roll
What were the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
Go Tigers!
Who was your College crush?
Ain’t going there!
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to Morehouse?
Once I got to campus, I noticed 600 other freshman that were just as confused as I was. After that, I was good.
What was your major? and Why did you choose it?
Business w/Marketing concentration…I love the art of the deal.
What was your proudest moment @ Morehouse College?
Graduating on time and my parents witnessing it.
What was your saddest moment @ Morehouse College?
When Benjamin Elijah Mays (Morehouse Pres 1940-1967) died…sad day for our nation.
What did you pledge? And why? And if not, why not?
Didn’t pledge…went to a rush party and frat told me that soon, he’d be wearing my clothes & whipping my a***…enuff said, I’m out.
How were you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Texas Club
Where was the “yard” located?
Spelman College
What and where were the historical places on campus?
Graves Hall – Original Morehouse building where the entire college was located
Are there any ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
N/A
How many “firsts” did you have at college ? What were they? (e.g. first road trip, first job interview, first love, first “F or A”, etc.)
1. First time being away from home for more than 2 weeks
2. First time to vote in national election
3. First job interview w/Fortune 500 Company
If you could speak to those family members that have risen but that live forever through you, what words would you speak?
Thank You for giving me the opportunity.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Be curious enough to try. Listening will save you time, money and headaches.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman or manhood?
The birth of my son, Kyle B. Bowman
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
Passion – HBCUs. After a 15 career in corporate, I needed something more. Coming to work for a Black College, a place that educated me, my mom, wife and son…just makes me smile.
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
Girl Watching…
How do you deal with racism if you encounter it?
I think in my younger years, I may have reacted in a way that might of gotten me in trouble.
Today, I understand that most racists are just frustrated w/themselves and need someone to blame.,,,with that mindset, i can just walk away from the situation.
Whats your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?
Tomorrow is not promised, live for today
More Questions about Morehouse? Contact Mr. Bowman, III right now!
