Most African-Americans agree that they have much to gain by earning a college degree. Most will also agree that this task is much easier said than done. Unfortunately, many African-Americans find that disparities in higher education eclipse their expectations of equal educational opportunity. For many, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a great solution. Since the founding of Cheyney University in 1837, HBCUs have continually been established to give African-Americans an education as they could not attend other institutions due to segregation laws. HBCUs became more widespread in the 1960s with twenty-seven institutions being established, twenty-four of which still exist today among the 105 institutions. HBCUs play an important role in the education of African-Americans compared to other colleges and universities. They historically provided a way for African-Americans to receive an education that Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) did not allow, they offer an inclusive environment that fosters better academic and social adjustment, and their open admissions policy along with efforts to enhance retention rates gives African-American students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity for success. Historically, HBCUs were the only way for African-Americans to receive a higher education. The fight for equal education was an ongoing struggle that African Americans encountered due to opposition from Whites when it came to African-Americans obtaining equal rights. For instance, the textbooks in the white schools portrayed blacks as inferior and other media, like literature, newspapers, cartoons, and commercial products showed them as imbeciles. The government condoned and promoted the idea of black in... ... middle of paper ... ...hese programs will help provide financial assistance to HBCUs to establish or strengthen their physical plants, financial management, academic resources, and endowment-building capacity. Clearly, HBCUs provide several benefits to African-American students. Not only have they helped to combat the cycle of discrimination that minority students experienced before the civil rights initiatives of the 1960s, but they strive to provide a warm, supportive and inclusive academic environment that addresses African-American college students as a whole person. Additionally, HBCUs are increasing their efforts to ensure that higher education is accessible, affordable and achievable for individuals with unique socioeconomic challenges. Despite obstacles, historically Black institutions will continue to play a vital and significant role in the fabric of higher education.
For almost two hundred years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs have played a pivotal role in the education of African-American people, and negro people internationally. These schools have provided the majority of black college graduates at the Graduate and Post-Graduate level; schools such as Hampton University, Morehouse University, Spellman University and Howard University are four universities at the forefront of the advanced education of blacks. For sometime there has been a discussion on whether or not these institutes should remain in existence or if they are just another form of racism. There were also concerning the quality of education provided at these institutions. In my opinion, from the evidence provided in our own world today, HBCUs are very important and significant in the education of black people throughout the nation, and are essential to our society.
The historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are fledgling to compete with Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). HBCU were established to serve the educational needs of black Americans. Before HBCU college was create blacks were generally was denied admission to traditionally all white institutions. Since black Americans was prohibited from whites schools HBCUs became the principle means for providing postsecondary education. There are several reasons why all blacks’ schools does not compete with predominately white schools. HBCU’s most of the time do not keep their accreditation, their tests scores are very low, and do not get as much funding
The exchange of views whether a student should attend an HBCU or a PWI has been a topic of discussion for some time now. Whether you attend an HBCU or a PWI you go for one purpose and that purpose is to get your education. So who says because someone goes to a predominantly black school they will not get the same education a person gets that goes to a predominantly white school ? Or vice versa. Many people have some sort of idea that by attending a Predominantly White Institution(PWI) one will receive a higher level of education but that is not truly always the case. Most individuals are under the impression that simply because of your skin color you have to attend that type of school. That is the problem with this case just people see it as one should attend the college with individuals who are like you but not keeping one 's education in mind.
Over the years there has been a significant decrease in the percentage of African American male success in higher education. Not only does this effect society as a whole, but more importantly this effects the African- American community as well. The high percentage of uneducated African- American males will result in increased crime rate, shortened life span and overall hard life. However this epidemic can be stopped by looking at the contributing factors of why there is a decrease in African-American male success in higher education and how to change it. Throughout the paper I will be addressing the issues as to why there are not more black men in higher education, by looking at the contributing factors such as environmental stressors, student’s perceptions, racial identity issues, academic and social integration, family upbringing and the media. The attrition rate of African- American male students could be changed and decreased drastically. Increasing our understanding of these differences would enable us to better meet the needs of young black men.
For centuries African Americans have fought for equal rights, one of them being an opportunity for the chance to get an equal education. Many people believe that African Americans have an equal or better chance at getting an education than other students. This is not the case when in fact, it is actually harder for these three reasons: African American students tend to come from harsh, poverty stricken atmospheres. Shattered family lifestyles that make it difficult to pursue a higher education because they have not received the proper information. Secondly, just because African Americans are minorities does not mean that they receive a vast amount of government assistance or financial aid to pursue a higher education. Lastly, African American students do not receive the same treatment as other students when they attend predominantly white colleges and universities.
The student population at the majority of HBCUs remains predominantly black, yet the racial diversity of such institutions have undergone tremendous changes over the years. Due to a decline in student enrollment, HBCUs have opened their doors to a more racially diverse student body. For example, the University of Texas at Arlington had a slight decline in percentage of black students enrolled and an incline in percentage of Hispanic students enrolled from 2010 to 2013. The incline provided a significant boost to the college that has grown to just under 300 students and was on the brink of collapse a few years prior (Mangan, 2015). Another example of racial diversification in HBCUs is seen in the case of Delaware University where its African American
HBCU’s have a line of history behind them. Each Institution provides examples of dedication and determination and they offer an education for “African-American” students and students of different backgrounds. HBCU’s prepare students for leadership and successful futures. Institutions today are facing major issues that could cause them to be non-existence but they work hard and push until they get what they need. This is a source of motivation to alumni’s and prospective students. The Colleges provide history, motivation, provision, and most importantly knowledge to every student that attends.
As previously stated, it appears there are persistant barriers present that hinder enrollment, retention, and rate of graduation for African Americans in higher education. It is imperative that educational concerns for African Americans are addressed at all levels, but it is particularly important at the post secondary stage. Higher levels of education are associated with both lower unemployment rates and a higher income. If...
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a prime example of Woodson’s argument on “miseducated” blacks. Although Thomas benefitted from programs like affirmative action, once he reached the high point in his career he supported legislature to end such programs. Hampton University and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities must take it upon themselves to teach their students the importance of contributing to their communities once they graduate and enter into the business world. Colleges like Hampton, Howard, Spelman and Morehouse have the opportunity to produce professionals that can restructure and save the black community. Students who graduate from these institutions have the resources and knowledge that are needed to revive the African American community and their economy. Black colleges must educate their students on the need for black businesses, role models and the importance of staying connected to their culture and community.
Imagine this; the year is 1836. You are a 17-year-old student interested in learning more about the world around you; however, such an opportunity won’t come your way because you are black. Due to this fact you have no hope of furthering your education past the reading, writing, and arithmetic their slave masters taught your parents. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. The minds of many African American’s go to waste due to individual ignorance of their people and thus of themselves. Historically Black Colleges and Universities were put into effect to educate the black mind and eliminate the ignorance. The discussion of whether Historically Black Colleges and Universities are still necessary in the 21st century has taken place in recent years. Within the discussion many debate that due to the fact that the world is no longer like it was in the 1800’s, the time period in which Historically Black Colleges and Universities were created, the purpose of them no longer exists. However, the cultural significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities seems to be overlooked by those who argue their importance and relevance in a time where blacks have the option of attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs). The purpose and grounds on which Historically Black Colleges and Universities were developed are still being served. The need to increase efforts to not only rouse, but support Historically Black Colleges and Universities is necessary now more than ever in order to preserve our past, fulfill the purpose of our present, and ensure our future.
The fight for equal educational opportunities for African-American students has left its indelible mark on the history of the state of Alabama. Alabama fought to maintain its binary public educational system. Through numerous memorable demonstrations and landmark cases African-Americans were finally able to achieve its worthwhile goal of equal education.
Through research of the literature, this paper will explore the history of black experiences in higher education, and the effects of historically black colleges on the field.
Phillip, Mary-Christine. "Yesterday Once More: African-Americans Wonder If New Era Heralds," Black Issues in Higher Education. (July 1995).
For over 100 years, black colleges and universities have be gaining momentum in society. Questions have risen whether this rise is helping or hindering the educational growth of the students in the 21st century. Since their institution in the early nineteenth century, the goal of HBCU’S has been, “dedicated to the enrichment and advancement “of the African American populace (Holfester). Dating back to the Jim Crow Era, HBCU’s have been the minorities way of gain post-secondary education. And, just as they are acclaimed for their achievements in educating the minority nation, they are criticized for ever changing ways. Black colleges find they constantly must prove their relevance in the educational system unlike their predominantly white counter
Before 1965, higher education institutions were mostly populated by white males from upper and middle families. Blacks and other minorities were prohibited from attending colleges due to the prevailing discrimination attitude. Women, unfortunately, also had limited access to higher education because of their lower social statu...