Meet The Founder

WHAT IS AN HBCU?

HBCU (Historically Black College and University)
/ˌāCHˌbēˌsēˈyo͞o/

As a result of the historic environment of legal segregations throughout the United states, Historically Black Colleges and Universities were originally founded to educate students of African American descent. This was before the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

OUR MISSION

Exclusively HBCU is more than just your typical subscription box service. As a company, our mission is to highlight and collaborate with other HBCU entrepreneurs, extend scholarships to current and future HBCU scholars.

Our aim is to bring awareness to HBCU's rich history and showcase why they are still relevant and essential today.

Meet the Founder: Derreka Shelton

Derreka Shelton, a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University, holds a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Mathematics and Business Management Marketing, as well as a Master’s degree from PVAMU. A dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc., and the Order of the Eastern Star, Derreka’s commitment to service and community runs deep.

Derreka founded Exclusively HBCU after realizing the need for accessible, stylish apparel that represents all HBCUs and the vibrant culture that makes them unique. Exclusively HBCU is more than a brand for her; it’s a heartfelt mission to celebrate HBCUs and create a space that honors students and alumni everywhere. Through this platform, she gives back to HBCU students globally, sharing her love for these institutions and their legacy. As she says, “Exclusively HBCU is the ONLY company that puts the HBCU experience in every bag and box, Cousins.”