Originally hailing from Long Beach, California, and Slidell, Louisiana, Angelo P. Hopson has built a notable career as an artist, educator, and author. A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where he earned his degree in business administration, Hopson is now making significant strides in the realm of higher education. With a vision driven by his own experiences of growing up fatherless and economically disadvantaged, Hopson has dedicated himself to empowering young people to reach their full potential.
“I have always had a passion for the youth,” Hopson explains. “My mother worked her hardest to keep my siblings and I away from the harsh realities of growing up poor.” This commitment led him to enter the field of public education in 2022, starting as a substitute teacher before becoming a student success coach and MAP advisor at Central State University.
Higher Learning: Success Manual for the African American College Student
In his role, he primarily works with students on academic probation, helping them navigate the challenges that can hinder their educational success. His efforts have culminated in the release of “Higher Learning: Success Manual for the African American College Student.” The book provides practical guidance and support to underrepresented youth across the nation.
“Everything is a transition to something better,” Hopson says, emphasizing his optimistic outlook even amid challenges. While he faces obstacles such as limited social media reach and financial constraints for marketing his book, he is determined to connect with inner-city school districts, trade schools, and colleges to ensure his message of success reaches those who need it most.
What sets Hopson apart is his holistic approach to student development, focusing on what he calls the “Six C’s”: Communication, Critical Thinking, Conflict Resolution, College Preparatory, Career Readiness, and Community Service. His proudest achievements are the successes of the students he mentors. One noteworthy example is a student he guided through scholarship applications, who managed to secure four scholarships, overcoming a $4,000 financial barrier to continue her education. Hopson also assisted another student in winning a full-ride scholarship to Tuskegee University.
The HBCU Influence on Hopson
On his CAU experience, Hopson said, “Attending an HBCU was the best decision I ever made in my life… There is something magical about an HBCU; the family you create, the support you have, and the opportunities that are available is life-changing.” With aspirations to further serve his alma mater and start a scholarship fund in honor of loved ones, he remains committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders.