Father and daughter duo Bruce and Autumn founded HBCUs First. Bruce graduated from FAMU in 1989. While reflecting on his time at FAMU, he has always spoken of its impact on his life, and it has contributed to how he raised his daughter, Autumn. Instilling the importance of community and education, Autumn graduated from Hampton University in 2019. Her parents, both attending HBCUs and sharing their experiences throughout the years with her, pushed Autumn to want to attend one as well. She often credits Hampton University for shaping her into who she is today,

Attending an HBCU, Bruce and Autumn gained a one of kind experience surrounded by other like-minded, talented, and black individuals. 

Bruce and Autumn founded HBCUs First to create opportunities for others who want to attend HBCUs. While attending Hampton University, Autumn shared how she encountered so many conversations with individuals who wished and wanted they could attend an HBCU but didn't for various reasons. This sparked conversations about the need for more finances and resources available to potential HBCU students.