a reflection by Jax, Jori, and Jon Johnson

Jax, Jon, and Jori posing with Dr. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice and Dr. Marc Sengstacke after receiving scholarships at the Bud Billiken® Annual Scholarship Gala. Photo Credit: He Shoots Lyfe Photography

“Oh my god!” is the reaction most people have when they first hear about Jax, Jori, and Jon. Not just because they share a birthday or look alike, but because they are triplets. And not just any triplets, but ones who attend three different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Their rarity as triplets is further highlighted when they step foot on three different HBCU campuses every fall. And with this comes a common question: “How do your parents handle four college tuitions at the same time?”

The answer, as their parents Janice and William Johnson will tell you, is simple: hard work, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to their children’s futures.

Janice and William, both educators, knew early on that their children’s education would be a priority. But they never imagined that they would one day be paying for the college tuition of not one, not two, but four children—all at the same time. Their oldest daughter, Jayla, attends Spelman College, and their triplets are at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A\&T), Howard University, and Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA).

Janice’s Perspective: The Power of Family and Education

Janice remembers when she first learned she was expecting triplets. “I was frantic,” she admits. “I associated a multiple pregnancy with complications, but I prayed for a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies. Everything went well, and I now have three incredible children—well-mannered, humble, and smart.”

The reality of four children in college didn’t hit Janice and William until their triplets’ senior year of high school. By the time Jayla graduated, Janice had to prepare for not one, but four children leaving the nest for college. “It was stressful,” Janice recalls. “It’s one thing to prepare one child for college, but to prepare three at once? It was like everything was happening three times over.”

Still, Janice and William made it work. “We do it by making ends meet the best way we know how,” Janice says. As educators, they always stressed the importance of education. “We gave each child the freedom to choose their university,” Janice explains. “Jax chose A\&T, Jori chose Howard, and Jon chose XULA. And Jayla chose Spelman. All four of them made their own decision, and we supported them.”

For Janice, there’s no question about the value of an HBCU. “My husband and many of our family and friends went to HBCUs. The stories we’ve heard about the culture and the opportunities are invaluable,” Janice says. “We want our children to have those experiences too.”

Despite the financial challenges of sending four children to college, Janice is resolute in her belief that the investment is worth it. “They’re doing a phenomenal job academically and socially. The struggle is real, but we see the fruits of our labor. What remains is the fierce, unwavering pride. We are doing it. They are doing it.”

William’s Perspective: The Pride of Parenting

William, a proud alumnus of Alcorn State University, shares a similar sentiment. “From the day we had our children, we knew education was the key to their future. We instilled in them the importance of hard work and dedication,” he says. “Seeing them thrive, especially at these prestigious institutions, fills me with pride.”

William also notes that the experience of raising four children close in age has been both challenging and fulfilling. “We’ve raised them to be excellent in everything they do,” he explains. “From their scholastic achievements to athletic accomplishments, they’ve always strived for excellence. Now, they’re doing the same in college.”

Although William misses the hustle and bustle of having all four children under one roof, he sees their absence as a sign of progress. “We miss the noise of the house, the Friday pizza nights, and the constant chatter,” he says. “But every empty chair at the dinner table represents a mind expanding, a future being built.”

As an HBCU alumnus, William is thrilled that all his children are attending similar institutions. “I know what HBCUs did for me. They gave me a foundation that prepared me for adulthood, and I want the same for my children,” he says. “It’s an investment in their future, and I’m happy to sacrifice for their success.”

The Triplets: Diverse Journeys, One Family

Despite growing up in the same home and sharing many experiences, Jax, Jori, and Jon have each charted their own unique path in college.

Jax: The Tech Enthusiast

Jax Johnson, the eldest of the triplets, is attending North Carolina A\&T, where he majors in Information Technology. “Being a triplet has always been unique, but the older I got, the more I realized just how rare we really are,” Jax explains. “Attending three different HBCUs is something you don’t see every day, and it’s an experience I’m proud to be a part of.”

Jax’s decision to attend A\&T was influenced by its strong tech program and vibrant campus culture. “A\&T had everything I was looking for—great technology programs, an amazing campus, and a community I could see myself thriving in,” he says. Despite his initial concerns about the financial burden his parents would bear, Jax is grateful for their unwavering support. “I’m thankful that my parents are making it work,” he says. “They’ve been incredible throughout this whole journey.”

Jori: The Creative Writer

Jori, the middle triplet, chose Howard University as her school of choice, majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing. “Being the middle child has always made me feel like I’m stuck between two worlds,” Jori says. “But that’s also made me more introspective, which helped when I had to choose between a PWI and an HBCU.”

When Jori received her acceptance to Howard, including a \$20,000 scholarship, she was initially indifferent. “I didn’t know much about Howard at first,” she admits. “But the more I researched and heard about its legacy, the more I realized how special this school is.”

Jori says her decision to attend Howard was rooted in the school’s academic reputation. “I wanted to go somewhere where I could focus on the arts,” she explains. “At Howard, I’ve found a community that supports my creativity and challenges me to grow.”

Jon: The Quiet Observer

Jon, the youngest triplet, chose Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), majoring in Computer Science. “Being the youngest has always meant I’ve taken a bit more time to observe and reflect,” Jon explains. “When it was time to choose a school, I knew I wanted something that felt right. I wasn’t looking for a big movie moment—I just wanted a place where I could grow.”

At XULA, Jon has found a community that nurtures both his academic and personal growth. “I’m still discovering what makes this place mine,” he says. “But I know I’m exactly where I need to be.”

The Impact of an HBCU Education

What sets the triplets apart is not just that they attend three different HBCUs, but the fact that each has chosen their path based on their individual passions and goals. While their paths diverge, their commitment to academic excellence and personal growth remains the same.

“People think it’s amazing that we all go to different HBCUs, but what’s truly special is how we’ve each carved out our own paths,” Jax says. “We support each other in our differences, and that’s what makes our family strong.”

As Janice and William watch their children thrive at these prestigious institutions, they know their sacrifices were worth it. “It’s not just about paying tuition,” Janice says. “It’s about giving our children the tools they need to succeed in life.”

The Johnson triplets are more than just three siblings at different colleges—they represent the promise of what HBCUs can offer: a legacy of excellence, a community of support, and a chance to become who they were always meant to be. With the unwavering support of their parents, Jax, Jori, and Jon are on their way to achieving greatness, and their journey is just beginning.