The truth behind historically black colleges and Universities (HBCU’s)

January 25, 2010  
Filed under News, Top Stories

By definition, historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) are institutions of higher education that were established before 1964, with the intent to serve the black community. In the United States to date, there are one hundred and five historically black colleges and universities. These institutes of higher education include public and private two and four year universities, as well as medical schools and community colleges.

Ironically, all of the historically black colleges and universities were established in slave states, with the exception of these establishments in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Texas’ very own Prairie View A&M University was even built on a former slave plantation. This university is amongst many other historically black colleges and universities which carry rich history in the evolution of higher education for African Americans, dating back to the late days of slavery and postwar civil war. It seem as if one would be proud to attend an HBCU, however, this does not seem to be the case amongst many students who are seeking to enter college.

“I would not attend an HBCU, because the majority of them hold terrible reputations, such as being a low standard, low quality school,” said senior Dominiqua Wilburn. Wilburn has plans to attend either Texas A&M Commerce, or Stephen F. Austin University, and has never considered applying to an HBCU, due to the rumors and misconceptions she has perceived about the schools. However, most rumors and misconceptions that are perceived by many students are far from the actual truth of HBCUs.

“ I am not sure why this [students gaining the wrong misconception about historically black colleges] would exist.” Said principal Dr. Cheryl Ensley. “All one would have to do is look around in all facets of the community to find successful individuals from various college settings.” Ensley graduated from Grambling State University, a notable HBCU located in Grambling Louisiana. During college, Ensley experienced a nurturing, and emphasizing environment, along with constant opportunities to prepare her for post college life. Along with Ensley, many other successful, career oriented individuals have also attended HBCUs.

“Attending an HBCU was an unparallel experience.” Said community physician Dr. Katasha Perry. “Never in my life was I exposed to a number of highly successful and educated minority, and it made my dream tangible.” Perry attended Prairie View University and graduated with biology major. From there, she attended Thomas Jefferson University: Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. She then graduated with a masters in medicine and began practicing in 2005. She is currently a family physician in the community. Although there are many highly successful individuals such as Ensley and Perry who graduated from HBCUs

, there are still many rumors that have students hesitant to be a part of an HBCU.

According to surveys conducted by schoolguides.com, there are many misconceptions and myths that lead to the untrue rumors about historically black colleges and universities. These myths included statements such as: “Black Schools do not prepare you for the real world.” “Because HBCUs have lower admission standards and costs less than many of the competitive and highly competitive instructions, they must be lesser quality institutions,” “Being in an all black environment is artificial, and limiting.” and “HBCUs are party schools.” However, although these rumors may seem like they could be arguable, they are far from the actual truth.

Realistically speaking, the majority of individuals disagree that HBCUs do not prepare their students for the real world. “There were numerous job fairs and classes to prepare students for their after college life,” Said Dr. Ensley. Moving along to the misconception about costs, most HBCUs lower their prices so that everyone is given an opportunity to succeed in college, despite their financial backgrounds. Dr. Perry contradicts the myth about “being in all black environment is artificial and limiting,” by stating that there “is a profound great social experience that underscores the rich and diverse history of African Americans.”

Lastly, the misconception about HBCUs seems to be the furthest from the truth according to Ensley, and Perry. “Just about all schools offer the option of partying, but it is up to the student to stay determined and motivated towards their goal,” said Perry.

In the end, in response to those students seeking to attend a historically black college or university or any college for that matter should do their research before actually applying. “When choosing a college, be sure that it is a fit for you and your desired major,” said Ensley. “It is important to be sure that your major is offered and that the setting will be conductive to learning,”

Written By: Eboni Monroe Editor-in-chief

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