Olandria Carthen, the Alabama-born Tuskegee University alum known as “Bama Barbie,” has been captivating audiences since her time in the Love Island USA villa. But her story goes far beyond reality TV glamour. With unapologetic pride in her HBCU roots, Carthen is using her newfound spotlight to celebrate the culture, community, and confidence that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) foster.
In a heartfelt TikTok Live on August 20, Carthen shared why she chose Tuskegee for her college journey, a decision that shaped her into the radiant woman she is today. “Literally the best five years of my life,” she said, per HBCU Buzz. For Carthen, attending an HBCU wasn’t just about academics—it was about finding a space where she could thrive as the majority, surrounded by people who looked like her and shared her cultural experiences. “I have the rest of my life to be a minority,” she explained. “I wanted to see how it felt to be the majority when I walk around and wake up and everybody looks like me. It truly felt good.”
Her love for Tuskegee runs deep, and she’s not keeping it to herself. On August 26, Carthen returned to her alma mater as a special guest for a back-to-school event, reinforcing her commitment to uplifting HBCUs. Whether on screen or in person, she’s on a mission to show the world the transformative power of these institutions, where culture and community lay the foundation for success.
On Love Island USA, Carthen was acutely aware of the stereotypes often placed on Black women—labels like “angry” or the expectation to always be the strong one. She refused to be boxed in. Instead, alongside her partner Nic Vansteenberghe, she leaned into vulnerability, embracing what she calls her “soft girl era.” Fans have been captivated by her authenticity, cheering her on as she navigates this new chapter with grace.
Her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen offered a glimpse into how her relationship has allowed her to redefine strength. “I’m so happy that I was blessed with this guy who allows me to bask in my femininity,” Carthen shared. “Usually, I’m a control freak, [but] I let him do everything. The support that I have from this guy is unreal. It allows me to be the soft woman I’ve always wanted to be.”
This shift isn’t about abandoning her strength but about balancing it with self-love and care—an evolution that resonates with fans who see her as a beacon of authenticity. Carthen’s journey from Tuskegee to television is a testament to her ability to rewrite the narrative, showing that success can be rooted in both resilience and tenderness.
Olandria Carthen’s rise is more than a personal triumph; it’s a love letter to her HBCU roots and a call to action for the next generation. By proudly representing Tuskegee and challenging stereotypes, she’s proving that the path to success doesn’t have to fit a mold. It can be vibrant, cultural, and unapologetically true to oneself.
From the Love Island villa to the national stage, Carthen is using her platform to shine a light on the institutions that shaped her. Her story is a reminder that HBCUs are more than schools—they’re launchpads for confidence, community, and change. And for “Bama Barbie,” this is only the beginning.