New Bedford HBCU College Fair Set for April 11

A free college fair in New Bedford is helping students and families explore Historically Black Colleges and the unique experiences they offer.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:51pm

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The third annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair is happening Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m. at New Bedford High School. Students from all area schools and families are invited to attend the event, which will feature free pizza, entertainment, and guest speakers who are HBCU graduates discussing their experiences.

Why it matters

A lot of people living in New England may not know a lot about HBCUs, but an HBCU education can provide a top-notch education that highlights the contributions of people of color, as well as unique cultural experiences. The college fair aims to expose more students, especially those of color in the New Bedford area, to the benefits of attending an HBCU.

The details

The HBCU College Fair will feature free pizza from Domino's and entertainment by the Southeastern Step Team from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School. Speakers will include local HBCU graduates like renowned photographer Ronald Barboza, Rev. Sandra Gatlin Whitley, and Ja'Tavius Anderson, who will talk about their experiences and what an HBCU education has given them.

  • The HBCU College Fair is happening on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The players

Blair Taylor

Director of Education and Community at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, and founder of the HBCU College Fair event.

Ronald Barboza

A graduate of Morgan State University and a renowned photographer.

Rev. Sandra Gatlin Whitley

A graduate of Alabama State University and the Pastor of the historic Bethel AME Church.

Ja'Tavius Anderson

A graduate of Morehouse College and a science teacher at Nativity Prep in New Bedford.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone can stop by on Saturday. Actually, we would like to see families and younger kids there as well. You can never start planning too early, and it's important for families to get that information.”

— Blair Taylor, Director of Education and Community at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

“A lot of people living in New England may not know a lot about HBCUs. You get a top-notch education that really highlights the contributions of people of color, but it's really the cultural experiences that take it to the next level. It's not just the classroom, but also your collegiate life while you are there.”

— Blair Taylor, Director of Education and Community at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

What’s next

The HBCU College Fair is a free event open to all students and families in the New Bedford area. Those interested in attending can arrive at New Bedford High School on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The takeaway

The HBCU College Fair provides an important opportunity for students, especially those of color in the New Bedford community, to learn about the unique educational and cultural experiences offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. By exposing more families to the benefits of an HBCU education, the event aims to help students make informed decisions about their college options.