OUR MISSION
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Our mission is to provide the support and resources that foster the holistic well-being, social flourishing, and academic success of Black College Students.
OUR VISION
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Our vision is a future where every Black college student has the support and resources they need to overcome barriers, self-actualize, and emerge as soulful leaders, confidently driving social transformation and fully realizing their potential in college and beyond.
Our Values
Cultural Competency
We do not shy away from engaging with culture so that students develop the critical consciousness needed to succeed academically, make restorative societal contributions, and create more meaning for themselves and in the world.
Community
Our organizational decisions, resources, advocacy, and initiatives are informed by a fierce commitment to develop, cultivate, and foster an inclusive spirit of community that consists of social equality, solidarity, grace, and togetherness.
Courage
We believe love is justice, and justice is love. A bold and unashamed commitment to these ideals motivates us to celebrate the humanity of all people, resist hate, and choose courage over fear in our work, communication, and programming.
Compassion
We are committed to the kind of excellence, hospitality, and kindness in our programming and praxis that creates space and holds space for those with marginalized experiences or identities.
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Our History and Legacy
Our story traces back to 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia, where a group of determined Black college student leaders from across the U.S. came together under the guidance of their campus minister, Tamice Spencer-Helms. They spent time sharing personal narratives, discussing the unique difficulties they faced as Black students on predominantly white campuses and at HBCUs, with limited resources available to them.
A year later, the stark reality of their experiences echoed loud and clear. Several students were forced to leave campus over what might seem like minor crises. These ranged from the inability to afford car repairs or decent meal plans to losing scholarships due to circumstances that temporarily affected their emotional well-being. Some couldn't afford to travel home for family emergencies due to costly flights, while others found their academic progress hindered due to the inability to replace broken essential equipment, like a laptop.
Motivated by these pivotal conversations and real-life crises, Tamice Spencer-Helms was inspired to take action. She saw an urgent need to challenge these systemic barriers and committed to providing Black college students with the social and financial capital, professional guidance, and sense of belonging essential for their collegiate success. This passion led to the establishment of Sub:Culture Incorporated in 2018, an organization dedicated to empowering Black college students and aiding their journey towards academic success and social flourishing.
Our Founder
Tamice Spencer-Helms
Tamice Spencer-Helms (they/she) is a dynamic published author, speaker, and theologian hailing from Richmond, Virginia. With a passion for social transformation and youth empowerment, Tamice founded a groundbreaking nonprofit in 2018, dedicated to providing comprehensive support and crisis relief for black students.
Holding Master’s degrees in contextual leadership and theology, Tamice is currently pursuing their doctorate in social transformation, embodying a commitment to academic excellence and real-world impact. Over two decades, Tamice has cultivated expertise in young adult leadership development and undergraduate campus work, pioneering thought leadership in the realms of theoactivism, philosophy of religion, and soulful leadership development.
Their career has been marked by a dedication to fostering and facilitating inclusive learning environments for students with marginalized identities. Certified in religious trauma, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, instructional design, equity, & inclusion in higher education, Tamice excels in integrating concepts from a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary expertise, creating supportive and inclusive spaces where all individuals can thrive.
Tamice is the author of Faith Unleavened and the host of the Life After Leaven podcast, where she explores topics of faith, activism, and social change, engaging audiences with their friendly and down-to-earth approach to spiritual direction, coaching, public speaking, and teaching.
Besides their professional pursuits, Tamice enjoys quality time with family, indulging in Japanese whiskey, savoring good food, and sharing laughter with loved ones.
Meet The BOARD
