Hailing from Pennsylvania, by way of Haiti, Jacob Bellevue is a freshman studying television and film at Howard University. In 1996, his parents migrated to America for a family emergency and stayed so that they could provide the best possible life for Jacob and his sisters. During the pandemic, the 18-year-old has been on a journey to make sure he is purposeful in the ways in which he shows up for those he loves.
After I got to the campus, I felt my identity constantly reaffirmed. Howard was the mecca of all things Black. Growing up, I was always around people that looked like me, and never questioned my identity, but something about attending an HBCU was like a “spiritual baptism in Blackness.” Meeting Black people from various walks of life, knowing that we’re all here to succeed, continues to be a constant source of inspiration for me. It makes me feel like I can do better and be better.
Overall, I just want to be around people who make me happy. When I was in high school I was figuring life out, now that I am in college I am in the process of learning, and one day I hope to apply these lessons to become the man that I’ve dreamed of since I was a child.
Me growing up thinking I want to be snow white.. that's what boys want I thought so I bleached my hair. Still couldn't find a prince charming. Me well happy with my Rastafarian man