It is officially Black History Month 2021 and what better way is there to start it off than learning some new information about our beloved Historically Black Colleges and Universities? I had the privilege of attending Hampton University, an HBCU, founded in 1868 in Hampton, Virginia. These universities offer an abundant experience for students. They continue to produce some of the most outstanding individuals in the world. Here are 5 interesting facts about HBCUs.
- Most HBCUs were founded directly after the Civil War. Ninety were opened between 1861 and 1900. Education was of the utmost importance to African Americans although laws prohibited them from attending school in most parts of the country until after the Civil War.
- Early on HBCUs focused heavily on elementary, secondary and agricultural education. Many of the students had no formal education before attending these schools. Their priority was to enhance the students lives. Only in the early 20th century did they begin shifting to traditional college programs.
- There are currently 101 HBCUs spread across 19 states. Most are located in the southern region of the country.
- The first HBCU, Cheyney University, was founded in 1837. There were only 3 HBCUs before the Civil War. Lincoln University (1854) and Wilberforce University (1856) are the two others that followed behind Cheyney.
- 25% of students enrolled at HBCUs are non-African American. These schools are not exclusively for black students. In fact, they have always welcomed diversity. From their leadership to professors to students HBCU campuses have always embraced people of all races.
