Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Rebranding Our Narrative in 2021

HBCU The Series

By Dave Devereaux

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have always been at the forefront of offering all students a comprehensive and thorough education. With the primary charge of educating blacks, Indians and most importantly women, they have been there and continue to offer opportunities that otherwise would not exist for some. Being an HBCU graduate myself, from the illustrious Clark Atlanta University, then Clark College, I recall the best days of my life. I landed on a campus that I immediately felt at home on and became a part of, despite being a very shy and quiet kid from Texas, who had never been in the presence of so many incredible people that looked like me. I thrived at Clark and became the man and professional that I am today. 

The atmosphere on an HBCU campus is always electric. You come into the self that you never knew existed and you begin to model the pride of a culture that is worthy to be celebrated. I found myself. I developed lifelong friendships that have endured over the decades. Living this experience, we did not truly appreciate the significance of our participation in the process because we were swept up in the activities and the opportunities that were provided to us on a yearly basis. But upon leaving, you definitely look back and appreciate all who came before you to make such opportunities possible. I would not change my experiences at Clark Atlanta University for any reason.

The election of Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard University graduate, shined a global spotlight on HBCUs and how powerful they are. The black community has always known the importance of the black college because early on, that was all we had. HBCUs originated from 1865-1900, with the greatest numbers starting up in 1867 after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. These were the prestigious institutions that black kids could attend and obtain degrees that would ultimately place them in the non-segregated workforce, albeit not always the job they wanted or that was worthy of their talents. It became a way of leveling the playing field somewhat. But much more work had to be done. 

The intense job of securing funding, increasing student enrollment and proving relevance has always been a challenge to any institution of higher learning, but particularly difficult for HBCUs. The drive for more funding means the school can offer more options and scholarships for students, yet the difficulty surrounding fund raising remains a challenge today. Schools now utilize sending mass emails and texts targeted to prospective student interests.  Another way to reach prospective students is to reach out to surrounding communities and school districts to build a strong enrollment management team. Presidents can no longer be only known to students attending that school, they must also go out into the community to become a part of it. Much like secondary school Principals who must become familiar with the community they serve in order to build trust and familiarity with who they are and their vision for that school. Black college and university Presidents must share their vision of how they want to move that school community forward and lay a framework of what they need from that community to maintain and flourish. It should be noted that HBCUs have survived many historical challenges as well: Jim Crow, poor funding, deferred maintenance and accreditation issues. The newest issues to face the HBCU is the issue of relevancy along with the ongoing political, social and academic discussions. These philosophies are much the same as those of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois in the early 19th century. Nonetheless, HBCUs are still here and I believe, here to stay. 

Today historically Black Colleges and Universities have begun to more aggressively recruit and support the efforts of women leaders to these fine institutions. Currently, of the 107 historically black colleges and universities, 19 have a woman president at the helm.  Female presidents are playing critical roles in the survival of HBCUs. They arrive with multiple management strategies for increasing enrollment and raising money to support new programs for the student and faculty populations.  Historically Black Colleges and Universities have always been instrumental in producing black female leaders. The HBCU had the idea of promoting a more inclusive educational opportunity for African Americans, Native Americans, and women even before it was common to do so. This may have been a catalyst in focusing on female leaders and desiring female Presidents.  

The recent case of Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones is a great example of recognizing one’s true worth amidst a firestorm of controversy. As the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill grappled with the idea of offering her tenure despite others who held that position prior with less impressive credentials but who also received tenure immediately upon accepting the job; an HBCU, Howard University, stepped in and poached her thus ending the controversy. Now the students at Howard University will benefit from her expertise and experience as a prize winning journalist with impeccable credentials. UNC Chapel Hill also lost the bioanalytical chemist Lisa Jones over this same matter. She withdrew her name for consideration at the institution basing her decision partly on the Nikole Hannah-Jones issue as well as whether the school would be conducive to her academic aspirations of promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. So true is the case of Cornell West, who recently resigned from Harvard University amidst the issue of tenure and respect. This demonstrates an unwillingness to just accept, but to demand equal treatment and respect in any workplace. Black educators are making huge decisions to matriculate among those who appreciate their credentials, talents and experiences. HBCUs are in the forefront again of acknowledging these positives along with celebrating their culture and promise. 

Today, 228,000 students attend HBCUs. There are 56 private institutions and 51 public institutions. Of this number, 87 are four year colleges or universities and 20 are two year program schools. 40% of all baccalaureate degrees earned by black students in America are obtained through an HBCU. Historically Black Colleges and Universities represent a culture of academic excellence that will endure the ages. As more graduates take higher positions within the American professional landscape, there will be greater HBCU visibility as all these schools have such incredible programs that foster excellence. The workforce is required to notice and must act  accordingly in order to honor the great work and knowledge base being presented. HBCUs are here to stay and thrive. We have no need to declare a reckoning as we have always been here. We no longer ask to be included, we take seats at the tables we want and lead the discussions of change.

HBCU The Series will consist of articles, stories, and profiles related to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.