The Future of Historically Black Colleges in America
Submitted by Wade Nembhard
Historically Black Colleges and Universities often called HBCUs have very deep roots spiritually, culturally, economically and academically. Most people don't realized that there are over 100 HBCUs in the United States today that educate more than 250,000 students. But where exactly do they rank in terms of academic success, prestige of name, and ability to compete against more than 3,000 colleges and universities across the United States.
While they've come a long way since establishment after the freedom of blacks, HBCUs are still often incorrectly viewed as academic institutions primarily designed to accommodate African Americans and other minorities from around the world. Those not familiar with the progress of HBCUs might be interested to know that thousands of non-black students enroll at HBCUs specifically for quality of education, and for a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a one of a kind cultural event.
The past of historically black colleges is well documented. The first Historically Black College being founded in 1837 in Philadelphia before the Civil War even started. After the Civil War, especially during the decades of harsh legal racial segregation in the United States, HBCUs became a beacon of hope and promise where blacks could learn to read and write without fearing physical retaliation from opponents of their existence. The future of HBCUs however, holds a lot of promise and has the potential to explode beyond racial barriers and stereotypes concerning their purpose and existence. The United States saw its first African American President since its founding over 200 years ago, and while he is not a product of a Historically Black College, his presidency gives hope to many minorities who attend them that their future hold a much richer pool of promises and possibilities than black in the previous 400 years. Enrollent of political science majors has increased dramatically in HBCUs and traditional colleges and universities in the U.S.
HBCUs play a variety of roles in and outside the black population. One major role being able to produce influential leaders and role models across many industries besides politics. The world knows about famous charismatic leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. who graduted from Moorehouse College, and late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall who graduated from Lincoln University and Howard University. HBCUs like Spelman College in Atlanta Georgia now rank among the best colleges in the United States according to National Rankings publication. Currently, there are only 105 historically black colleges and universities. One recent study showed that HBCUs make up just 3 percent of the United States academic institutions, with 24 percent black U.S. students beginning their college career at an HBCU. The principal mission is to educate black students. Nine of the top ten colleges that graduate black PhDs are HBCUs. Tennessee State University (TSU) is the top academic institution for producing black baccalaureates in agricultural related fields. OtherfFamous and powerful HBCU graduates include Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University), Alex Haley (Alcorn State), Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley), and Sean P. Diddy Combs (Howard University) to name a few. Some HBCUs however not kept steady with the trail of progression. Some have been mismanaged, decresed in student enrollent, have facilities that need to be upgraded, and do not receive sufficient funding or alumni support, but fortunately they are a very small percentage.
Who will be the next breakout, famous leader to help shape America's future and people's perception of of HBCUs? No one knows, but HBCUs are thriving and growing in prestige now more than ever. Changes in demographics are transforming the United States into a multicultural society. According to the U.S. Census projection, whites will make up barely 50 percent of the future population. Surprisingly, HBCUs' populations are becoming more diverse. Nationally, white student enrollment at HBCUs has climbed about 30 percent in the past several decades. Bluefield State, a HBCU, is predominately white now with an amazing 91 percent of students listed as caucasion. That shift in racial diversity to include many more white Americans can be accredited to lower cost of HBCUs, smaller classrooms, and top ranked professors and curriculum.
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Comments
Spelman College for example was founded in the 1880's by two white female Christian missionaries to educate black women. It gained the support of one of the richest white americans John D. Rockerfeller and wife Laura Spelman Rockerfeller. Thus the name Spelman College. HBCU's still have a long way to go in America. They have a lot more to prove to the world. And contrary to popular beliefs, they are not only for African American students. Any student can attend a Historically Black College, It's just that the majority of those students just happen to be black.