What do Erykah Badu, Megan thee Stallion, Puff Daddy, Rosalind G. Brewer, Jerry Rice, Spike Lee, and Kamala Harris all have in common? They all went to HBCUs. HBCUs are sprawled across America, delivering top-notch education that successfully prepares students to enter the workforce. These remarkable institutions have contributed to diversity in many White male-dominated industries by educating and training the next generation of young Black professionals. To truly understand the tremendous impact HBCUs have had on the Black community and America, it is essential to know why HBCUs were initially created.

HBCUs, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities, were first established during the 19th century to provide higher education to Black Americans. Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, racism in America prevented the Black community from obtaining undergraduate or graduate degrees. Thus, the highest level of education most Black students could get was a high school diploma. Before developing HBCUs, only two African-Americans received a college degree: Alexander Lucius Twilight and Mary Jane Patterson. Fortunately, several White and Black professionals came together to found HBCUs to serve the Black community.

The oldest HBCU in the United States, Cheyney University (formerly known as the African Institute), was created by Richard Humphreys in 1837. However, Wilberforce University, founded in 1856, was the first HBCU operated by African-Americans (Thurgood Marshall College Fund). From Cheyney onward, many HBCUs were created between 1865 and 1900, with the highest number being founded in 1867. From 1837 to the present, HBCUs continue to serve students of African descent and those who are first-generation and low-income.

HBCUs have consistently reported excellent outcomes and alumni have gone on to make up:

  • More than 50% of Black public school teachers

  • 70% of Black doctors 

  • 35% of Black lawyers

  • 50% of Black engineers

  • 80% of Black judges 

  • 40% of Black U.S. Congress members

(Sources: Answerenergy, Essence, and McKinsey & Company)

The history of HBCUs underscores how Black people fought to get the college education they deserved. Thanks to the creators of the first HBCUs, barriers have broken for Black students pursuing a college degree. History will continue to be made at HBCUs as new generations begin their college journey and later dominate the workforce. 

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