Question

There are many different types of colleges and universities across the United States. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are one type, and they play an essential role in the Black community. They were the first schools to allow Black students to obtain higher education.


Howard University, an HBCU

HBCUs are schools that were founded on the belief that every individual deserves access to higher education. An HBCU is defined as any historically Black college or university that was established prior to 1964. An HBCU’s principal mission is the education of Black students. HBCUs offer all students opportunities to develop their talents and skills.


History

The first public HBCU was Cheyney University. Its mission was to teach Black students skills for employment. Students learned academics along with skills to find jobs.


The majority of HBCUs were created after the Civil War. HBCUs met the educational needs of Black students. These students did not previously have opportunities to attend college. Some HBCUs started with very little. They held classes in church basements and old schoolhouses. The Morrill Act of 1890 helped change this. It required states to provide land grants for colleges that serve Black students. HBCUs could build their own campuses.


HBCUs’ principal mission was to educate Black students. They also offered free education to students from low-income populations. These students might not otherwise have the chance to attend a university.


The logo of Morehouse College, an HBCU

HBCUs and PBIs

The majority of HBCUs originated between 1865 and 1900. The largest number of HBCUs opened in 1867. HBCUs were established before 1964 to educate Black students in the United States. Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) are colleges founded after 1964 for this purpose. Schools must meet certain criteria to be a PBI. At least 40 percent of a college’s students must be Black students. Also, at least 50 percent of graduates must be low-income or first-generation college students.


Dispelling the Myths

HBCUs were created with a focus on Black students. However, this doesn’t mean they offer a single cultural experience. HBCUs educate students of all races and ethnicities. Additionally, HBCUs enroll students from around the world. In fact, in 2018, non-Black students made up 24 percent of enrollment at HBCUs. Female enrollment at HBCUs has also continued to significantly increase over the years.


Students participate in a discussion at an event for the White House Initiative on HBCUs

Relevance Today

HBCUs began by filling a void that existed in higher education for Black students. However, they remain popular choices for students today. They provide a culture that prepares students to contribute to their communities.


HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and pride for the Black community and the entire country. Students from HBCUs are strong contributors to STEM fields. They also enter many other vital industries.


Twenty-five percent of Black college graduates earn their degree at an HBCU. The percentages are even higher for those entering high-level careers. HBCUs only account for 3 percent of all of the nation’s educational institutions. However, they play an essential role in developing Black professionals.

Because this text is a secondhand account, it focuses on:


Traditions among HBCU students


A comparison of HBCUs to other colleges


Factual information about the history of HBCUs


Firsthand knowledge of HBCUs

Answer 1

Factual information about the history of HBCUs.

The passage summarizes definitions, historical origins, statutes (Morrill Act of 1890), enrollment statistics, and the role of HBCUs — all characteristics of a secondhand, informational account rather than firsthand experiences or traditions.