Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Douglass Fort.

Founder of The Blerd Academy (Black Nerds), a wealth-building and scholarship program for high-achieving Black youth. The conversation explores Fort’s personal journey, the mission of his organization, and the broader impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

🔑 Key Topics & Highlights

1. The Blerd Academy Mission

• Founded to support academically gifted Black students in securing scholarships to HBCUs.
• Has helped students earn over $8 million in scholarships since 2016.
• Focuses on debt-free education, wealth-building, and long-term financial planning.

1. Douglass Fort’s Personal Journey

• Grew up in East Palo Alto, California, during the crack epidemic.
• Survived being shot twice and turned his life around through education.
• Attended Jackson State University, where he became an honors graduate and started his first nonprofit.
• Credits his transformation to mentorship, faith, and the supportive environment of an HBCU.

1. Empowering Black Youth

• Fort emphasizes outcomes over talk—showing success stories to inspire belief.
• Encourages students to pursue entrepreneurship and homeownership early.
• Advocates for using HBCUs as a strategic path to success, especially for students who qualify for elite schools but may face high debt.

1. Scholarship Criteria Example (Jackson State)

• 3.25 GPA + 1130 SAT or 23 ACT = Full tuition.
• Higher scores can lead to full ride including room, board, and books.

1. Economic & Social Impact of HBCUs

• HBCUs produce a significant percentage of Black professionals:
• 70% of Black doctors and dentists
• 50% of Black lawyers
• 60% of Black teachers
• Fort and McDonald stress the undervalued role of HBCUs in shaping Black excellence.

1. Support & Funding

• The Blerd Academy is self-funded through merchandise sales at ProudBlackNerds.com.
• Fort encourages others to support by purchasing merch and spreading awareness.

💬 Quotes & Reflections

• “We exist to build a healthy community that is Black, educated, resourceful, and determined.”
• “Create a small business to fund your dream business.”
• “Let’s use our money efficiently to make long-term economic gains.”

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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