Life & Work with William Gregory

Today we’d like to introduce you to William Gregory.

Hi William, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all began my freshman year; I was attending Norfolk State University and apart of the Spartan “Legion” Marching Band. I had my first three internships with HBCU Grad, Historically Black Since, and Common Black College Application (CBCA). All aimed towards the progression, storytelling, and awareness of HBCU students and graduates all across the world. I would be in marching band rehearsal while juggling all of my internships at the same time, even though it was a rule to not have your cellular device during rehearsals. I was hungry, I wanted to make my mark more than ever and show that I was capable of doing what I’ve accomplished to this day. From there on, it was destined. Up until now, I’ve held 23 internships; HBCU Grad, Historically Black Since, HBCU Pulse, HBCU Career Center, Nurturing Wellness Group Foundation, The HBCU Brew, CBCA, created the HBCU Application page from scratch, a digital media internship with previous House of Representative member and former Detroit City Council President, Brenda Jones and plenty more. Varying in positions from marketing specialist, social media manager, and my main roles today being writing, publishing, and advertising management for Historically Black Since. I’ve written and published over 20 articles with various big names such as David Banner (activist and artist), Dubba-AA (Multi-platinum music producer and artist), Ky’Wuan Dukes, a young man that is taking over the NIL industry and plays Wide Reciever for Johnson C. Smith University, Casmé Gumbo, Professor Larry Jenkins (Assistant Director of Bands at Tennessee State University) and more! I’ve amassed over 25 million views and 2 millions likes in my media career so far throughout the various platforms I’ve worked for. Most can be found under the hashtags “HBCUGradStaff” and “CBCAStaff”. Aside from these endeavors, I’ve also helped people enroll in and attend HBCUs from 2018-2020. Helping almost 300-500 people enroll, including some from my hometown, Detroit, MI. I’ve done thousands of hours of community service for my hometown’s community and plenty of communities throughout the United States. Even being chosen to be a part of (For)bes The Culture, formed in Boston at the 30 Under 30 Summit in October 2017, to gather the worlds current and future e(lite), minority leaders, to network, collaborate, share opportunities and discuss issues related to their respective communities and the world at large. Service is a key virtue in my life and I just wish to see my people succeed while gaining an education at a Black school!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, from having to drop out of college due to tuition increases and confusion with scholarships, it was just time to find another option. I always had an internship and put my effort toward my mission despite my trials and tribulations though. Even through this darkest year, I’ve had in my life, I still continue to grind because that’s who I am and that’s one message I want to send to the younger generation. Never let life or someone stop you from your passion(s).

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in marketing, social media management, writing, publishing, and of course networking. I’m most known for my posts on social media mainly focusing on everything that screams HBCU excellence. Graduates, news, highlights, etc. I’m most proud of the fact I’ve helped with the awareness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities ever since 2018. What sets me apart from others? No one has done it like me.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve had PLENTY of help along the way. From my past ELA teacher and second mother, Dr. Jacqueline Blakely, who was one of the best educators in the Detroit Public Schools system, God rest her soul. Along with plenty of help from my friend, mentor, and nearly big brother, Chris Gray. Former Associate Director of Bands at Texas Southern University, we met at Northwestern High School in Detroit. He was my band teacher and saw a better path for me as at the time, I don’t think even I knew what I wished to pursue after high school. He gave me a Baritone for practice and told me that I’m playing Euphonium at Norfolk State University. Ever since that day, he’s been a constant mentor for me, reminding me to stay on the path. Plenty of people from my neighborhood, the Dexter Ave. area nearly in the heart of Detroit and 3 minutes from Motown’s Hitsville. Especially after they found out I do what I do and attend college, they want nothing more for me but to leave the nonsense and continue pursuing my career. They know who they are. Lastly, Ms. Adrena Martin, my boss at Historically Black Since. She gave me a chance to write for her and I’ve been a part of the family ever since! She’s a great writer, editor and has made sure I stay at Historically Black Since ever since I’ve started and I appreciate her so much for giving me the opportunity to do what I love.

Pricing:

• $500 -30 Day Marketing Package
• $250 -Bulk Media Package
• $150- Full Page Print Magazine Featur
• $80 -Half Page Print Magazine Feature
• $75 -Basic Individual Instagram Feed and Story Post With A link

Contact Info:

• Website: News.HBCUsince.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/0fficiallwill

Image Credits
Norfolk State University