As part of SwagHer Magazine’s HBCU Shared Experience spotlight series, we’re honored to share the story of Trinity Colbert—a dynamic student leader whose journey through music therapy at Howard University is changing lives and uplifting communities.
Music therapy isn’t just a major for Trinity—it’s her ministry. From Atlanta to Washington, D.C., this proud Bison and senior at Thee Howard University blends creativity, compassion, and purpose to serve others through music. “Being an HBCU student, especially at Howard, means being wrapped in legacy, pride, and purpose,” she shares. “It’s a daily reminder that I’m walking the same halls as giants, and it’s my turn to leave a mark.”
Trinity’s path to music therapy was shaped by powerful women—her mother, a Stage Four Metastatic Breast Cancer survivor, and her grandmother, whose faith and strength inspired her to honor that legacy through healing. When she discovered that Howard was the only HBCU with a music therapy program, it felt like divine alignment. “It was the perfect blend of culture, purpose, and passion—a place where I could be seen, supported, and set up to thrive in my calling.”
Now serving as President of the Delta Nu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Trinity lives out her purpose with every recital, campus event, and moment of service. “My style, my confidence, my love for community and creativity—that’s all swag to me,” she says. “God only made one you. That’s why we have different fingerprints. So it’s best to be true to you!”
Looking ahead, Trinity aspires to become a board-certified music therapist, write a book on healing through music, and establish a private practice specializing in supporting neurodivergent children. “Music saved me in many ways, and I want to pass that same hope and healing on to others,” she explains. “Music therapy should be accessible to everyone, especially in Black communities where therapy has often been stigmatized.”
Through her studies, Trinity has learned that Black excellence is expansive. “It’s not just degrees and accolades. It’s resilience, innovation, healing, leadership, and grace,” she says proudly. “Excellence isn’t a competition—it’s a collective journey.”
For students considering an HBCU, Trinity offers this: “You have your entire life to be a minority—it’s time for you to be the majority. Don’t dim your light. Your HBCU will help it shine even brighter.”
You can follow Trinity’s music therapy journey and connect with her on Instagram and TikTok at @trinityprettygal.
