Why this Ánimo Watts Alumnus Chose an HBCU

“I remember the first time I wanted to act: I was about four years old, my mom was watching the film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge starring Halle Berry,” recalled Alyssa Nettles, Ánimo Watts College Preparatory Academy alumnus.

“Even at a young age I knew I wanted to be like Halle, Dorothy, and the many other African American women who graced the stage--I knew I needed to act.” Her mom inadvertently introduced her to acting, but also instilled in her a strong value for higher education. This seeded her dreams of joining the celebrated theatre program at Alabama State University (ASU), one of 101 Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) across the country.