Celebrity and Central State alumnus, Nubian Queen Jazmyne Byrd takes you on a journey from where she was born and raised to her times at CSU and her aspirations now and for the future. Sit back – Read and Receive!
Where are you from? How did you first hear about HBCUs?
I was born and raised in Cincinnati,Ohio. I always wanted to attend school. I was raised in an educated family that stressed how important education is. My grandfather was the one that introduced me to HBCU’s. Although a majority of my family attended them he was an advocate.
He went to Knoxville College and he would tell me about his years there. He pledged Alpha Phi Alpha and played football. Before he passed I got accepted into Central State University and the expression on his face was priceless.
What made you choose an HBCU over a pwi?
The pride and the history behind them. The history painted this picture that no matter how much we were tested as a race,and no matter how much others challenged African-Americans we rose to the occasion and created instiutions just for us. A place were we could come and recieve an education, feel at home and make something of ourselves.
How did you decide to become a student at Central State University?
I went on a tour of Central State and the tour guide was so knowledgeable and the students were so friendly. I was sold.
CSU Campus Tour Guides; Image Cred: Central State University
I remember walking into the student union when the tour was complete and telling my mother “I want to come here”. It was close to home and far enough to have a great college experience.
What professors at Central State University 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?
Edison Perdomo and Rose Woody were the best. They pushed me and challenged me to be my best.
Dr. Edison Perdomo
Dr. Rose Morgan-Woody
Although like any student I was rebellious but on graduation day all their pushing was made worth it. I cried because now all the training and teaching was done it was up to me to show and prove.
What is the story of your “experience” to date at Central State University given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?
My story is simple. I went to school to recieve and education and instead I found who I was. I discover passions I didn’t know I had. It made who I’am.
Where were the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Ha Ha who made this question up Lol. Yes of course there were. But I will not kiss and tell.
What were the best restaurants on and near campus? Which dishes did you enjoy the most?
Well this was an HBCU so you know they could throw down southern style. Plus the Cafe was just the place to be, to laugh and kick it.
What were the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
I’m so Glad I go to CSU,I’m so Glad I go to CSU, I’m so Glad I go to CSU(WOO) Glory Hallayluya I go to CSU.
Who was your College crush?
I plead the 5th. Just know he was FINE Lol.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
You know what I wasn’t nervous. I was super excited to go away lol. I’m an only child and when I moved into Green Hall in 2004 all I could think about was the fun I was going to have. I had a room to myself 1st semester and I made alot of friends. So there was no nervousness.
What was your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major was psychology. I chose it because I have always wanted to be a Doctor. I don’t like blood so I knew anything in the medical field dealing with blood was not for me.
Depressed? Talk to a professional
So psychology will allow me to be a Doctor by 2015 and help people overcome their issues in life.
What was your proudest moment @ Central State University?
My proudest moment was when I recieved the notice that my graduation application was accepted and approved. OMG that day I believed I cried a river I was so excited that I made it.
What was your saddest moment @ Central State University?
The deaths that we had. It was sad when people died I mean to see people break down it was undescribable. But it made the student body and faculty come together and be there for each other.
How were you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I worked in the Student Activity office, I was a mentor, I had a Fashion Organization, I acted in plays, and I was in fashion shows.
Where was the “yard” located?
The “yard” was mainly every where. Since Central State is a smaller campus the Greek plots, basketball courts, football stadium, and “The Sunken Garden”were considered to be the yard.
What and where were the historical places on campus?
The Carnegie Library and the National African-American History Museum.
Are there any ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
Yes there was the “cry baby river” and The old Wilberforce Dorm that had been abandoned for years and was labeled haunted.
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.)
My first trip to Chicago, My first trip to Howard, K-State and Morgan State University, My first trip to the Circle City Classic, Battle of the Bands in Atlanta.
If you could speak to those family members that have risen but that live forever through you, what words would you speak?
I would say thank you for advocating education in my life. Thank you for telling me about how attending an HBCU would benefit my life.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
I would let them know that yes CSU is small but there is alot of knowledge to be gained. Attending college in general is a learning experience but getting that live-on campus experience is completely life changing.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into womanhood?
When i settled down in my dorm room after my family dropped me off freshmen year. It was like I’m on my own. They raised me now I have to take what I have been taught and put it into action.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
I have always loved fashion and I have always loved to write. So I combined the two and now I’m a writer for Four magazinees; Kingdom Voices Online, Exude, Full Figured News and Beautifully Said.
I’m also the Offical Plus Size Blogger for CurvesRockWeekend which is the team putting together the first Plus Size Fashion show in the nations capitol.
The team is a group of African-American Women all of which graduated from HBCU’s.
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
I was a class officer, in student council, JCG. I mainly did scholar activities.
How do you deal with racism if you encounter it?
I kill it with kindness. Racism never died it just simmered down. I learned that people are always going to have an opinion but it’s your perception that makes the difference. Smile and be friendly anyway. Killing people with kindness is far better than hurting them.
What’s your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?
Life is what you make it.
Repeat this phrase daily and be successful!
You have the choice to make it grand or make it less than it should be.
We thank you Jazmyne for sharing your time with us and anyone interested in speaking with Nubian Queen Jazmyne feel free to utilize her contacts below
Update 5/09/2013
“In 2013 Jazmyne Byrd participated in the organization of the “I.J.S 1st Annual Celebrity Charity Fashion Show for Lupus” by Michael Keith and the S-Firm.
She was also nominated for two awards, MD Fashion Awards 2013 as: “Emerging Media Member” and The Black Street Awards 2013 in two categories: Fashion and Newspaper/Journalist.
Jazmyne Byrd was chosen by the National Committee of “Beauties of the Nation 2013” to hold the city title of “Ms. Baltimore Beauties of the Nation 2013”.
She believes that being in leadership is one of the keys to being successful she was selected by the “Young and Powerful Group DC” as a member in leadership.
When asked what keeps her motivated and grounded Jazmyne Byrd said “God, lots of prayer and keeping a small circle of praying friends and family around me.”
Jazmyne Byrd may be reached on twitter @divah_j , Facebook and LinkedIn @ Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd. She can be reached by phone at 513-372-5704.”
