Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are alma maters to some of the most iconic figures in our communities, and one Howard University graduate is ensuring the preservation of their rich heritage. Dominique King was the first to bridge the spare change technology gap for these institutions with the launch of the I Heart My HBCU app. Her passion to preserve the viability of these institutions is deeply rooted in first-hand knowledge of the cultural significance of HBCUs, and the vital role that they have played in the many successes of African Americans for nearly 200 years. After witnessing the closure of historic institutions like Concordia College in Alabama, she developed a solution to combat those challenges.
This Women’s History Month, BlkWomenHustle® had the opportunity to speak with Dominique and discuss her history-making move in tech.
BWH: What inspired you to launch this app?
Dominique: I created the concept and launched the first iteration of I Heart My HBCU in early 2016. However, in 2019 as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. we banned together to help Bennett College, and it dawned on me that my concept was needed even more than ever! I expanded the I Heart My HBCU concept to not only include HBCU institutions, but support organizations like The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine 9) organizations. The old adage that it takes a community is true, and through the I Heart My HBCU app, we are mobilizing our community and supporters at-large to support and uplift our own.
BWH: We know tech is a breakout industry for many Black Women. What has your experience been so far as a Black Woman in tech?
Dominique: As a Black Woman in tech, it can be difficult. Often times our ideas are seen as less than or second best, which is why I think it’s so important to empower other young women to explore tech both in a traditional and non-traditional sense.
BWH: What do you love most about creating this type of solution for HBCUs?
Dominique: At the core of establishing this organization is my hope to support, empower, and elevate my community. HBCUs have given me and my family so much. They’ve provided love, fulfillment, and the opportunity to support these illustrious and deeply rooted spaces of higher learning to ensure our culture and history aren’t lost for future generations.
BWH: When users download I Heart My HBCU, what can they expect?
Dominique: The I Heart My HBCU app is continuously updated to provide a user experience beyond the typical “set and forget” spare change platform. It also includes communal interaction. The new chat integration transforms the app from just being a donor marketplace to a donor community for alumni, the Divine 9, and friends to network, exchange ideas, support other black-owned businesses, and most importantly, HBCUs. While HBCU alumni are large in numbers, preserving our HBCUs will take a community effort.
Black Women can expect to feel welcomed and valued in the I Heart My HBCU community. Black Women have long been the cornerstone of the Black community, and that is no different within our app. In addition, we want to ensure that our Black Men don’t feel left out! Black men are also empowered, encouraged, and uplifted in the community as well.
BWH: Let’s talk goals. What’s next for your app? Where can we find more information?
Dominique: What’s next for I Heart My HBCU is expanding our institutional and organizational partnerships, as well as 10,000 downloads per institution over the next 5 years. Feel free to learn more about how you can get involved at https://www.iheartmyhbcu.org/.
BWH: You’re standing on the shoulders of giants as a Black Woman in tech and an HBCU graduate. How does that make you feel? What do you say to that?
Dominique: I am my ancestors wildest dreams, empowering the next generation of young Black Girls and Boys to see the power in us and our community.