It is important to acknowledge what Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have
contributed to the United States not just during February but all throughout
the year. It’s hard to believe that hundreds
of years have passed since Africans landed in America. They did not arrive by choice.
They were not immediately given their freedom but eventually it would
happen. The next generations has
witnessed the need for higher education.
There is an even greater need to prepare our K12 students to
successfully enroll in and graduate from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Each year thousands of students attend HBCUs with a great
sense of pride and anticipation of personal and academic growth. The students are
reminded how fortunate they are to live in a country where they are free to attend
the college of their choice. As we look
around the country we witness a high dropout rate of African American students. A HBCU is more invested in each student’s
success. We celebrate in America but we
must not forget our brothers and sisters must graduate from college. Here are 10 reasons why HBCU’s are still
important.
1. Historically
Black Colleges and Universities graduate more African American students than
all other institutions
2. Top African
American students are attending HBCUs
3. HBCUs are a place
for the next generation of African American leaders to be developed
4. Historically
Black Colleges and Universities encourage entrepreneurship of Africans around
the globe
5. It is a place where African Americans can be
prepared to take leadership at predominately white institutions
6. Historically Black Colleges and Universities
are an economic source of stability in terms of hiring people in the communities
in which they are housed
7. The research that is occurring at these
institutions captures issues that may not be addressed at other institutions
8. Historically
Black Colleges and Universities offer unique graduate school opportunities for undergraduates
9. Historically Black Colleges and Universities
may also be more affordable than some high priced institutions
10. It is good for students to see an African
American mana or woman as a leader of these institutions.
There have been many firsts during the last 50 years that
HBCUs have existed. There was the first
African American president, the first African American astronaut, the invention
of IBM computers, the cell phone, and the Secretary of State. The list could grow pretty long in terms of
what we have accomplished. African Americans
have produced some of the greatest inventions in the world. African Americans are coaches in the NBA and
NFL. We have accomplished things that
were never expected. It is a lesson that
persistence wins every time. Many of these leaders have attended or supported
HBCUs.
The importance of HBCUs is a reminder for the next
generation to invest in changing the lives of their fellow African Americans. It has always been an American tradition for K12
students and college students to volunteer in the community and with those who
are our older citizens. Volunteerism must continue to be a central part of the next
generations focus and to encourage other students to attend HBCUs. The desire to give back has made each
generation prosper. Responding to the
needs of others has benefits for the giver and the receiver of an individual’s
time. Giving through volunteerism is
core expectation in the HBCUs mission
The accomplishments of the African American community have
been written in many books. Each African
American must have a stake in making our society a better place to live. Thousands of African American leaders
received their start at HBCUs and it is the African American community’s
responsibility to ensure that they continue. African Americans live in a
country where everyone can prosper and firmly believe that they are a person of
worth. The hope that President Barack
Obama talks about must infiltrate the hearts and minds of the all African American
people and continue to elevate the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Dr Stephen Jones is CEO of SAJ Publishing and an Associate
Dean at Villanova University. He is a
keynote speaker and author of three college preparation books at
http://www.studyskills2u.com
