It was an honor and a privilege to welcome everyone to the annual HBCU STEAM Fair in Simpsonville. In my opening remarks, I discussed the doors that higher education can open. Specifically, I spoke to the value of HBCUs, which provide first-rate education, unique learning environments, and strong alumni support. Those qualities combined help ensure minority student success in and after college. They also provide a number of opportunities to create affordability for students, making a college education attainable regardless of background. The HBCU STEAM fair is part of MLK Legacy Week and has been held in Simpsonville for at least as long as I’ve been on Council. It is geared towards students in grades 8-12 and their parents. Dr. King is well known for saying, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” And HBCUs put those words into action. As both a Councilmember and an educator, it was truly an honor to help kick off this event.