Today we’d like to introduce you to David Staten.
Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started an HBCU Times Facebook group on 2017. Shortly after that, I launched the HBCU Times Magazine. Fast Forward four years, the HBCU Times Magazine is an international digital and print publication.
The mission of the magazine is to share positive stories about HBCUs and their alums. The publication also focuses on Black
Excellence regardless of institutional affiliation.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Sometimes it’s a struggle securing corporate sponsorships. Other than that, it has been a pretty smooth road.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
HBCU Times Inc. is the LLC and umbrella company for the HBCU Times Magazine and apparel brand.
The HBCU Time Magazine showcases the best of HBCUs and Black Excellence. The magazine focuses on articles that seek to connect, motivate and inspire the next generation of movers and shakers. We only promote positive stories that are uplifting in our magazine.
Our publication is both print and digital. We focus on education, culture, legacy, politics and all things related to Black Excellence.
What sets us apart from other publications is that we only focus on positive stories. We don’t cover who was fired but we will highlight who was hired.
Our publication is also unique in the type of stories that we cover from academic excellence, sports, entertainment and politics. We have featured the likes of Terrance J. Congressman James Clyburn, Stephen A. Smith, Keisha Lance Bottoms and Tom Joyner and Kara McCullough on the cover of the magazine. The magazine is a quarterly publication and published 4 times a year. The brand offers premium journalism in a high quality publication. The magazine is owned by an African American couple who both attended HBCUs. I attended SC State University and my wife Bridget Hollis Staten attended Albany State University.
We also have an e-commerce business that sells HBCU inspired merchandise.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would advise those starting out to really conduct the necessary research before starting a business. Individuals should assess, set goals, formulate a plan and then execute their plan. I would also recommend partnering with individuals who have strong business minds and backgrounds.
I wish I had more of a business foundation when I started out.
Contact Info:
- Email: hbcutimes@gmail.com
- Website: www.hbcutimes.com
- Instagram: hbcu@times8892
- Facebook: HBCU Times
- Twitter: HBCU_Times8892
Image Credits:
Photos By Terrell Maxwell, Yolanda Rouse, LaQuan Sumpter and Rolando Davis.
