HBCU's: Still Making Dreams Reality and Making Major Contributions to the World

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher learning that were established to serve African Americans during a time when they were excluded from most traditional universities.

The resilience of HBCUs is a testament to the power of community, and decades of struggle. Despite years of inadequate funding and continuous efforts to undermine their prominence, these universities have continued to flourish in providing educational, cultural and economic opportunities to generations of African Americans.

This essay will explore the history of HBCUs and their role in the world today. It will investigate how student and alumni participation has contributed to their rise and analyze the effects of the increasing demand for attendance. Finally, it will conclude with a discussion of how HBCUs create a bridge between generations of African Americans and serve as cultural hubs that strive to eliminate disparities and preserve history.

In recent years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have experienced a resurgence in relevance and importance to the African American community. This resurgence is evident at many universities, with HBCUs now seen as integral parts of global conversations on equality and education. In the past few decades, many HBCUs have made dramatic strides in terms of improving the educational and cultural opportunities they provide students. In addition to traditional four-year college degrees, they now offer a wide variety of programs and courses in different areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). HBCUs also participate in economic development initiatives, which can help propel the region around them and create new jobs. HBCUs have proven to be powerful forces for positive change and growth within their local communities. These universities are actively engaged in building a better future through the expansion of educational opportunities, encouraging economic growth, and providing a safe space for students to learn and engage in meaningful dialogue. According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the role of HBCUs is "to turn dreams into reality, by providing a safe and supportive learning environment, access to life-changing educational programs, and opportunities that could create a path toward fulfilling of life’s possibilities"(The State of HBCUs 2020). HBCUs will continue to remain an important part of the educational landscape and play a vital role in promoting equality and advancing civil rights within their communities and beyond.

In recent years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have seen a resurgence in popularity, as more and more students seek out their unique educational experiences. Although their primary mission of education remains, the landscape of the HBCU has changed to fit the ever-evolving culture of the United States. The HBCU has become increasingly multiethnic and has broadened its curriculum to include a wide range of fields, allowing students to both further their education in a historically supportive environment and branch out into new and innovative paths. In addition to educational programs, HBCUs have become legal, civic and social outlets, hosting events and organizations that bring the community together to make a difference (McMillan). They offer opportunities that are not always available in other universities, and their contributions to social justice and civil rights have been far-reaching. HBCUs may have a long and important history, but they are now providing much more than education; they are creating a space for students to grow, create, and make their voices heard in the world.

The resurgence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) over the past few decades has been greatly beneficial to the African-American community. HBCUs were first established in the United States at the close of the Civil War, primarily to provide educational opportunities to those who would otherwise be excluded due to segregation and discrimination. These institutions opened up opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to African-Americans, and they continue to do so to this day (Allen 4). While the original mission of HBCUs has remained the same, their educational offerings have expanded over time to include more advanced majors and opportunities for research. Furthermore, the range of students at HBCUs has expanded, allowing for a more diverse range of backgrounds and experiences (Allen 8). By providing high quality education, HBCUs are essential for breaking down racial barriers in higher education, and for contributing to the success of the African-American community.

Although some may argue that historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) should not exist because they perpetuate segregation, researchers have found that HBCUs lead to increased participation and success for black students in collegiate education (Ahmed and Hoops). HBCUs provide a critical role in creating a safe and affirming learning environment that was lacking at predominately white institutions (Stark). This creates a community that allows students to foster meaningful relationships and have opportunities to learn in a supportive and comfortable environment (Ahmed and Hoops). It is important to recognize the continued need for HBCUs to promote institutional support, academic success, and a sense of community for black students in developing their future.

HBCU's have had a significant impact in the world and continue to do so today. Historically, these institutions were created to provide education for African Americans during a time of tremendous racial inequality and injustice. These institutions remain a testimony to the strength and resilience of the African-American community and its fight for the right to access education and opportunity. HBCU's have continued to provide access to education for those groups that were once excluded from mainstream education institutions, which has made it possible for them to gain the skill set to become successful. They have contributed greatly to enrollments of Black students and to creating an environment of diversity and inclusion on college campuses, positioning these institutions as vital players in the future of higher education.

References

Ahmed, Iftikhar, and Marvin Hoops. “Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Empowering African American Students for Academic Success and Retention.” Social Work, vol. 60, no. 3, 2015, pp. 224–232.

Allen, William L. “A Historical Overview of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” Thurgood Marshall College Fund, 12 Dec. 2018, www.tmcf.org/about/a-historical-overview-of-americas-hbcus/.

McMillan, Brandon J. “What Is the Purpose of an HBCU?” The Journal of Negro Education, vol. 86, no. 4, Autumn 2017, pp. 409–414.

Stark, Patricia. “The Benefits of Attending a Historically Black College or University.” The Messenger, vol. 44, no. 1, Fall/ Winter 2018/19, pp. 12–15.

The State of HBCUs 2020. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, www.tmcf.org/about/a-historical-overview-of-americas-hbcus/.