Texas Southern University’s auditorium came to life as students poured in for the Essence Girls United Yard Tour. The campus became more than a meeting ground for a few hours; it transformed into a realm of possibility. In partnership with AT&T, the tour’s stop at TSU highlighted the future of technology and how its roots are grounded in HBCUs.
At its core, this event was transformational. It was designed to provide guidance, build networks, and create channels for conversations that help students shape the next chapter of opportunity for themselves and their communities. Through panels, Q&A sessions, and direct engagement, Essence GU and AT&T curated an intentional space where Black students could gain the tools needed to move forward.
The two panels, FUTURE CODED: Shaping Tomorrow’s Tech Through Innovation, presented by AT&T, and Let’s Be Real: How Gen Z is Redefining Professionalism, were the heartbeat of the day. Industry leaders, creators, and innovators gathered on stage to share their success stories, lessons learned, and practical guidance for navigating industries where Black voices remain underrepresented. Their stories sparked moments of recognition, reminding students that their ambitions are valid and vital.
Digital innovator Blake Newby captured the sentiment, saying, “Don’t always think that you have to network up. Pay attention to what your peers are doing. Be inspired creatively and financially by your peers. Be a sponge.”
At Girls United, their mission of carving out spaces where Black voices are at the center was clearly demonstrated at the first stop of the GU Yard Tour. Rechelle Dennis, co-founder of Essence GU, emphasized that this generation does not have to figure things out alone. “They have support, community, and access to tools. They have people like us aiming to bring those tools right to their fingertips,” she said.
TSU faculty were also engaged, noting how events like the Essence GU Yard Tour bridge the gap between the classroom and the evolving workplace. Professor Michelle DeSelle, a School of Communications professor, said she wants her students to be exposed to opportunities that can “catapult their careers in many different ways.” Highlighting the larger significance of HBCUs, she added, “We are dealing with future movers and shakers, leaders of industry, and I am so proud to be at an HBCU. We are one of many, but a step above the rest.”
AT&T’s participation in the event reflected its dedication to advancing access, representation, and opportunity. The company’s investment in HBCUs signifies a commitment that extends beyond TSU’s stop.
The Essence GU Yard Tour kickoff generated genuine momentum. The panels, conversations, and connections created more than a moment. They built a movement that students will carry forward. “Essence GU coming to campus gave me the space to both listen and lead,” said Brianah Dilworth, a TSU journalism student. “It showed me how important it is for young voices like mine to be amplified, and making new connections with like-minded people brought it all home for me.”