by Jessamine Duverne.
Today, we are seeing more influential black people in the media who have graduated from Historically Black Colleges/Universities- Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Reverend
Raphael Warnock, and Oprah Winfrey, for example. In light of Black History Month in the United States, it is imperative to take a look into the history of HBCUs and their impact.
An HBCU is exactly what the name means- it is a university or college that in history was and is predominantly attended by black people. This namesake was adopted by The Higher Education Act of 1965, which was supposed to expand federal funding for all colleges and universities. HBCUs, however go way back to the nineteenth century to the Institute of Colored Youth (founded by Richard Humphrey) which was opened in Philadelphia in 1837 for black young adults who were discriminated against in the school system. They were mostly opened by philanthropists and free black people. There were also Private Black Colleges such as Lincoln University, which was founded in 1854 by John Miller Dickey and his wife, Sarah Emlon Cresson, who were both Quakers. Even in the North, which is famously known as being one of the ‘good guys’ amidst the Civil War displayed discrimination towards black people. After the Civil War, a plethora of black universities and colleges opened up in the south with the help of religious organizations such as the American Missionary Association.
Since no other schools were available for Black schools, predominantly black institutions usually schooled primary and secondary levels as well. According to the U.S. Department of Education, from the late 1800s to 1900s HBCUs trained 75% of all Black Americans who held doctorate degrees, 75% of all black police officers, and 80% of all black federal judges. Even after the desegregation of schools many black people still enrolled in HBCUs for a safer environment and being surrounded by other black people. Today, Historically Black Colleges are open to all races, though it is greatly discouraged for non-black people, especially white people to attend. Still, about 24% of the people in the HBCU system are white. Today, there are 101 Historically Black Institutions in the U.S. and unfortunately, many may be in danger of closing. Many HBCUs are severely underfunded by the state. Despite acts like the FUTURE act, which reauthorized mandatory fundings for these schools, many HBCUs still continue to struggle. Still, there are many influential institutions such as Spelman College, Morehouse University, and Howard University which are leading HBCUs. In fact, they are apart of an unofficial Black Ivy league which consists of Howard University, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Dillard University, and Fisk University.
There are important reasons why as a Black American, you should consider going to a HBCU over a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). There is more of an opportunity to learn about the black diaspora and their cultures and influences, not just the same three people
every February. Besides, you are more likely to get a better and unbiased education on black history compared to PWIs. Second, many black students who go to Predominantly White Institutions often feel unheard, or underrepresented in their universities. This is why, for people like them, HBCUs are the right fit. Or, since there are not many black people, they feel as if they aren’t connected to their blackness or African American culture. Lower costs, too, are always a bonus when it comes to HBCUs themselves. HBCUs are known for their lower classes and great student aid for lower-income families and students. While many black people do enjoy going to PWIs and enjoy the opportunities there, it is always important to consider your options.
Notable Alumni from Howard University:
1. Debbie Allen
Dance Teacher, actress, choreographer, singer-songwriter, director, and Producer. (Howard University)
2. Vice President Kamala Harris
32nd attorney General of California, United States Senator from California, Vice President of the United States of America. (Howard University)
3. Kasim Reed
59th mayor of Atlanta, Member of the Georgia Senate, member of the Georgia House of Representatives. (Howard University)