NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service)– Tennessee State University’s newly conferred Doctor of Education Brandon Graham is a dedicated advocate and entrepreneur who is making significant strides through his Our HBCUs Matter Foundation. This vital organization promotes educational and economic mobility within the HBCU ecosystem, impacting hundreds of students, educators, and alumni across the nation.
Students wearing Graham’s My HBCU Matters clothing brand.
In 2015, Graham founded the My HBCU Matters clothing brand while transitioning from a full-time high school educator to an entrepreneur. This initiative arose from his experience managing the Youth Business Institute Program through the TJX Company Corporation, which supports college students facing financial hardship to complete their degrees. He created the brand to generate funds for essential student needs like dorm setup and tuition. However, the journey was not without challenges.
“I had to develop systems to understand and address the factors contributing to student drop-out rates while building brand awareness,” he recalls.
The foundation now includes the My HBCU Matters Scholar Academy, which provides essential support and mentorship, while the National Institute of HBCU Success leads in research and policy advocacy. Graham emphasizes the need for robust recruitment and retention strategies at HBCUs, stating, “Effective support systems are crucial to building strong academic services and ensuring students see clear pathways from education to economic opportunities.”
Originally from Atlanta, Graham was named Teacher of the Year from TJX Company in 2015. Inspired by the motto “Be Crazy Enough to Believe You Can,” he embraces a philosophy that emphasizes self-confidence and intentional growth, which he says, has shaped his journey as an educator and activist, particularly in efforts to uplift underserved communities.
“I firmly believe our communities are worth investing in, and our students deserve not only to dream but to thrive,” he explains.
Graham plans to relocate to Washington, D.C., to continue to grow and expand the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation, and the My HBCU Matters company through the Scholar Academy programs. He will also begin law school at the University of the District of Columbia, with the mission of becoming an attorney committed to dismantling systemic discrimination and inequities in educational access.
“My new (doctoral) degree has equipped me to lead transformative change at the intersection of education, policy, and law,” he shares.
He intends to maintain strong partnerships across the region, continuing collaboration in both D.C. and Atlanta. Brandon aims to serve as an advocate and collaborator with HBCUs, supporting institutional advancement, student success, and strategic innovation. He plans to remain engaged in higher education through teaching, research, and leadership while continuing to grow as an entrepreneur.
“I have seen first-hand how critical it is to push for sustainable investments and accountability,” he reflects. Building independent funding streams and strategic partnerships has become essential for ensuring HBCUs can thrive regardless of political changes.
Graham says the future success of HBCUs hinges on deep investments in student support models. “We must prioritize retention, academic interventions, and career readiness to prepare students for competitive job markets,” he asserts, adding that through fostering environments that promote academic excellence and preserving the cultural significance of HBCUs, Brandon believes these institutions can continue to empower future generations.
Learn more about the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation, Inc at www.ourhbcusmatter.org