In the course of reporting its three-part series on HBCUs, Journal-Constitution reporters conducted dozens of interviews. What they heard was sometimes depressing, sometimes heartening and usually memorable. Some highlights:

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez