Three Bulldogs take SC State perspectives to Capitol Hil
Students Atalia Lee and Matthew Williams joined alumna and administrator Angel Pointer for Our HBCUs Matter Day in Washington, D.C.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — They arrived on Capitol Hill from different points in their South Carolina State University journeys.
Atalia P. Lee and Matthew R. Williams came as Honors College students. Angel E.R. Pointer came as an alumna and university administrator who once sat where they sit today.
Together, the three Bulldogs spent July 21-22 in Washington, D.C., representing SC State during Our HBCUs Matter Day, an experience that put them in conversations with policymakers, higher education leaders, corporate partners, advocates and students about the future of historically Black colleges and universities.
For Lee and Williams, the experience came as Our HBCUs Matter Scholars. They joined scholars representing 10 other HBCUs, allowing them to network with peers while engaging directly with leaders and advocates working to advance HBCUs.
Young voices from HBCUs matter
"Having the opportunity to speak directly about the challenges and opportunities that impact students and our institutions reminded me of the importance of using our voices to advocate for meaningful change," said Lee, a senior biology major from Denver, Colorado. "Throughout the experience, I also gained a deeper understanding of the legislative, funding, and policy issues that are currently on the table for HBCUs and how decisions made at the federal level can directly impact our campuses, students, and communities.
"Being on Capitol Hill allowed me to see firsthand why student voices must be included in these conversations," she said.
Williams said Our HBCUs Matter Day was an unforgettable highlight of his summer.
"It is a recurring blessing to be in the room where it happens and be able to represent the institutions near and dear to my heart," Williams said. "In those two days, I was able to connect, build rapport, and highlight why the HBCUs have its place in this country."
He took great satisfaction in seeing leaders from across the government, higher education and industry come together with a shared commitment to strengthening HBCUs through The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act (Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for HBCU Excellence Act).
"It was encouraging to hear about the work already underway and the opportunities ahead to support innovation, access, and long-term investment in our institutions," Williams said. "A personal takeaway for me realizing my position to become a leader of tomorrow, paved by the sacrifices of who came before us. I must continue to set the concrete, a stable foundation, for generations after me as well."
A Bulldog perspective shaped by experience
For Pointer, SC State’s director of customer service, the trip offered an opportunity to advocate for those students while reflecting on how her own perspective has changed from her days as an SC State student.
“It was inspiring to watch them represent South Carolina State University so professionally while learning from students with diverse experiences from other institutions,” Pointer said.
The Washington experience also continued a mentoring relationship between Pointer and the two students. Lee and Williams joined her in Atlanta last year when Pointer was honored by the Foundation as the 2025 Alumni Legacy Builder.
“It was rewarding to continue pouring into them during this year’s Capitol Hill experience,” Pointer said.
Pointer’s own journey became part of the conversation on Capitol Hill.
On July 21, she delivered remarks during the Congressional Black Caucus Institute Reception alongside higher education, corporate and government leaders.
The student experience at HBCUs was a recurring theme during the reception, including how institutional challenges can affect students. Pointer discussed the importance of incorporating students’ voices and lived experiences into decisions about the future of HBCUs.
“Student voices and lived experiences are critical to shaping the future of our institutions and ensuring that strategic investments remain student centered,” Pointer said.
The following day, Pointer served as a panelist for “Federal, State, Local, & Private Partnerships for HBCU Student Success” at the Rayburn House Office Building. The panel included representatives from Wells Fargo, the office of U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, the University of the District of Columbia and other higher education leaders.
Pointer drew on her experiences as an SC State student, alumna and administrator to explain how her understanding of university decision-making has evolved.
Experiences and decisions she did not fully understand as a student, or even as an alumna, have become clearer now that she has an opportunity to help lead the institution. That perspective, she said, helps her understand the reasons behind institutional decisions while also helping external partners understand the complexities HBCUs navigate.
“I emphasized that when strategic partners understand the perspectives of students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators and institutional leadership alike, they are better positioned to develop meaningful partnerships that truly advance student success,” Pointer said. “I also had the opportunity to encourage the students in attendance to appreciate every perspective because one day many of them will become the very leaders making those difficult decisions on behalf of their institutions.”
Beyond the policy discussions
The experience extended beyond the conversations on Capitol Hill.
Lee and Williams visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, where the scholars explored the history, resilience, achievements and contributions of African Americans.
The museum visit complemented the policy discussions by connecting the nation’s history with the ongoing work to strengthen HBCUs and expand opportunities for future generations.
While in Washington, Pointer also attended a birthday celebration honoring U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn, one of SC State’s distinguished alumni.
Pointer reconnected with Adams and discussed the congresswoman’s efforts to advance HBCU students through federal legislation, including the INSIGHT Act. She also reconnected with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and met U.S. Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Joyce Beatty, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and South Carolina state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, along with other HBCU advocates, elected officials, alumni and higher education leaders.
For Pointer, Lee and Williams, the Washington experience brought together different generations of the SC State experience: students preparing for what comes next and an alumna whose path has brought her back to the university in a leadership role.
And on Capitol Hill, those perspectives shared common ground in a conversation centered on the future of HBCUs and the students they serve.