Justin Braylock, originally from Blytheville, achieved two significant goals recently. On May 10, he received a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff during the Spring 2025 commencement ceremony.
One week before, he represented UAPB at the Unity Experience and 2025 Met Gala in New York.
Braylock, a recent graduate of UAPB’s Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute, participated in a series of exclusive events, including a welcome session at Soho House; a panel discussion featuring leaders from Condé Nast, Netflix and Soho House; and a networking and cultural exchange with industry executives. He also attended a Broadway performance of “Gypsy” starring Audra McDonald.
Braylock took part in a special Met Gala press preview.
“So that’s the press preview that happens before the gala. The gala itself was at night, and the press preview was during the daytime. But it was nice seeing everyone,” Braylock said.
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“I saw Colman Domingo … he spoke, and a few other people spoke about how they got into fashion and kind of what to expect from the gala. However, I did not attend the gala, but I did see the Metropolitan Museum after the press preview, and that was a beautiful experience as well,” he said.
Frank D. Dorsey II, UAPB dean of student involvement and leadership, applauded Braylock’s accomplishments.
“We are proud of Justin for representing the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and showcasing the excellence, creativity, and leadership of our Golden Lions on a national stage,” said Dorsey.
According to Dorsey, Unity is a national initiative that connects talented, underrepresented students with extraordinary opportunities to engage with top companies, cultural institutions and industry executives. Through real-world experiences and storytelling, Unity creates meaningful access and lasting career pathways for future leaders.
“Some things that I was able to grasp was that there’s always going to be someone who connects a relationship,” Braylock said. “It kind of ties back to strategic communications and public relations.”
The press preview opened his eyes “to all of the versatility surrounding fashion,” which “goes hand in hand with communications, as well, because you’re always going to need that person. You’re always going to need that point of communication to get things done such as events and planning for events (and) things like that,” Braylock said.
He mentioned a highlight that included a “unique monologue” presented by Verna Myers, a featured guest speaker who recounted world issues from when she was growing up. She pointed out the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the past and present disconnect occurring in the world. She led an exercise in which neighboring audience members determined moments they used courage. Braylock recalled that Dorsey had shared a story of courage emerging when stepping into a leadership role.
Although Braylock had watched Broadway shows debut on television, he had never experienced a live production in New York.
“I kind of went in with a mindset of it’s going to be another Broadway production,” he said, laughing. “But I left with the show being far beyond expectations. I can’t even describe it. It was just one of the best Broadway shows I’ve seen in a long time.”
Since graduating from UAPB, Braylock is considering opportunities to either become a writer or journalist in St. Louis or pursue a career in radio or television in Memphis.
While at UAPB, Braylock was the recipient of the Golden Lion Scholarship for four years, a member of the Black Male Achievers since 2021, a member of the Freshman Leadership Academy since 2022 and a member of the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Band since 2021.
He credits his academic success to Dorsey, the institute staff and his adviser.
“The staff of ESLI was very beneficial. Dr. Tim Campell, Dr. Kathy Richards and Dr. Jillian Cheatham were definitely helpful. My adviser, Cozetta Jones, definitely encouraged me, and she could resonate with me because she’s also going to school to get her doctorate,” Braylock said.
He says UAPB taught him to use his resources wisely and expect the unexpected.
“Definitely be prepared,” Braylock said.