Know Your History
Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established very early at the beginning of the 19th century, to provide undergraduate as well as graduate level educational access to people primarily of African descent. During that time in history, Black students were not welcome at existing Private and Public institutions, better known as PWI or Primarily White Institutions. In 1799 Washington & Lee University admitted John Chavis, who was noted to have been the first African American man to be admitted into college. While the first African American man to have earned a bachelor’s degree was Alexander Lucius Twilight, who graduated from Middlebury College in 1823 with his bachelor’s degree. While the first woman to obtain her bachelor’s degree was Mary Jane Patterson from Oberlin College in 1862.
What is an HBCU?
HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors.
"HBCUs are Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation.
Alexa Young, CA