Meet Shaemekia Jamison | theHBCUmom & Quality Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaemekia Jamison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaemekia, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them…” – First Lady Michelle Obama

This quote perfectly encapsulates the passion that fuels my life’s work. It reflects the core values that continue to guide my mission: family, education, mentoring, and community.

Growing up in the small town of Burnt Corn, Alabama, I was surrounded by the kind of love and support only a close-knit family can offer. Our village included grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and seven cousins who felt more like siblings than extended family. The matriarchs of our family were unwavering in their commitment to creating better opportunities for future generations.

Though they chose to remain in Burnt Corn, their dreams for us reached far beyond our county lines. They envisioned a future where we would travel the world, pursue education, and expand our horizons. From an early age, the seeds of mentorship and academic achievement were planted and nurtured.

My Aunt April was the first to blaze that trail, earning her high school diploma and going on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Her example, paired with my mother’s relentless pursuit of excellence through education, laid the foundation for my ambitions. Their influence inspired me to chase my goals with purpose and to uplift others as I climb.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Whew—where do I even begin? By title, I wear many hats: employee, entrepreneur, influencer, mentor, mother, wife… and the list continues. For over two decades, I’ve proudly served at Lockheed Martin, navigating a stable and impactful career in both Information Technology and Quality Engineering. That employment has been my steady foundation. But the title that has truly stretched me, transformed me, and ignited my purpose is theHBCUmom.

Without the cultural references many of us grew up with, like The Cosby Show or A Different World, HBCUs aren’t always part of the mainstream conversation. That’s why I made it my mission to bring Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the fingertips of today’s students and families, right where they are: social media. I didn’t want to repost facts or statistics simply; I wanted to tell the story through the lens of a first-generation college graduate. And to round out that perspective, I teamed up with my husband, theHBCUdad, a proud third-generation HBCU graduate, to bring our dual viewpoints together.

So how did this journey begin? It started during my first-ever “mom-cation.” I was deep in conversation with my mentee about the value and legacy of HBCUs. Anyone who knows me, whether from school or my professional life, knows I rep Mother Tuskegee first. But more importantly, I aim to help students find the HBCU that’s the right fit for them. I’m not just here to get you in—I want to see you thrive, stay, and graduate. That’s where the real work starts: helping students identify their top five non-negotiables and teaching them to defend those decisions with clarity and confidence.

This path hasn’t been easy. With every intention of building a consistent and impactful online presence, I found my stride, only to be blindsided by a cancer diagnosis. It was like the wind was knocked out of me. Suddenly, my fight for HBCUs had to pause while I fought for my life. Could I have done both? Honestly, I doubt it. This journey brought its own waves of anxiety and depression, and I had to reserve my energy for healing and for my family. Only recently, after completing chemotherapy, did I emerge from that silence to share my story.

What sets me apart is that this isn’t just content—it’s my lived experience, my professional insight, and my whole heart. Through theHBCUmom, I share tips, stories, lessons, and reflections on life after college and life in general. Everyone advocates for HBCUs in their own way. I’m simply doing it while navigating one of the toughest personal battles of my life.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned? The power of showing up as your authentic self. That’s something I’ve carried into another passion project of mine: Curated by Five—a business I started with four of my closest girlfriends during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a gesture of love, sending curated boxes filled with Black-owned or Black-sourced gifts, blossomed into a brand built on intention, heart, and authenticity. It’s a reminder that while others may do similar things, no one can do it like you.

At the end of the day, here’s what I want the world to know: HBCUs weren’t just vital at their founding—they are still essential today. I want my sons, and every young Black student, to experience 4-5 years of their lives where they aren’t treated like a checkbox or burdened by microaggressions. I want them immersed in spaces that reflect Black excellence, heritage, scholarship, and yes—diversity. Because contrary to popular belief, HBCUs are cultural melting pots, full of international students, first-gens, legacy students, and so many rich experiences. HBCUs are not relics of the past. They are today’s Wakanda—thriving centers of culture, resilience, brilliance, and community. And I’m honored to help tell that story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s not a whole lot happening in my small town just south of Dallas, and honestly, I’m not sure what the current leadership’s vision is for this area, but it’s missing the mark. As it stands, revenue is constantly flowing out of our community and into surrounding cities that offer more diverse options and better experiences.

Now, if you know me, you know I’m a self-proclaimed foodie. So when you come visit, one thing we’re definitely going to do is EAT. And I’m not talking about the typical chain spots, we’re going on a curated tour of local Black-owned gems. Think Harris BBQ in Cedar Hill, Cookie Society in Addison, 2 Neighbors Southern Chicken in Mansfield, and a few other hidden treasures I’ve got bookmarked under my “Black-Owned Must Try” list on Instagram.

We’ll also get some culture in—starting with a visit to the African American Museum of Dallas and a stop at the historic Grassy Knoll. Then we’ll swing by Klyde Warren Park for some sunshine, photos, and a little fun. I’m always checking for local events too, because supporting and engaging with community-driven activities is a must.

If I were still sipping, I’d have us posted at some of my favorite Black-owned spots like Pur Noire Urban Wineries, Day Drink Wine & Cocktail Lounge, or Thibodeaux’s for vibes and entertainment. And if Manifest Your Purpose is hosting a pop-up while you’re in town, it’s non-negotiable—we’re going! You’ll be able to shop a variety of local Black vendors all in one spot.

Bottom line: if you’re visiting me, expect 85% to 90% of our dollars to stay in the Black community. I’m intentional about circulating our coins where they matter most—and that’s within our ecosystem.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A heartfelt shoutout to my village—my husband, our two sons, the incomparable Five Brown Chicas, my incredible parents and siblings, and my mentee-turned-mentor, Jalyn of Afrocentric Communiversity. Your unwavering love, support, and encouragement have carried me through every step of this journey.

Website: https://www.theHBCUmom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehbcumom/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbcu-shaemekia-jamison/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theHBCUmom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehbcuparents8856

Other: https://linktr.ee/thehbcumom