By Anna Marie Imbordino
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were born of necessity and powered by tradition, but today these institutions continue to empower generations through education.
Today’s college students might find it hard to imagine a world where education could be legally denied based solely on the color of one’s skin. But for Black Americans, both enslaved and free, living in the decades leading up to the Civil War, learning to read or write was not only forbidden but often dangerous and, in some cases, even deadly.
Unfortunately, few firsthand accounts from the period detail the personal experiences of the enslaved. However, Peter Fossett’s 1898 memoir, Once the Slave of Thomas Jefferson, offers a powerful glimpse into that reality. He recalls being caught reading by his then-master, Col. John R. Jones, who warned him, “If I ever catch you with a book in your hands, thirty-and-nine lashes on your bare back.” Jones then threw the book into the fire, called his sons into the room and told them that if they ever taught Fossett to read, they would receive the same punishment.
Sadly, this reaction was not the worst-case scenario for Black Americans who sought access to education at the time.
Emancipation Was Only the Beginning
After the Civil War ended in 1865, more than 4 million Black Americans were emancipated from slavery. For many, pursuing education became one of their first acts of freedom. However, with slavery abolished, new forms of oppression quickly emerged. Segregation laws, literacy tests and other discriminatory measures were put in place by those determined to maintain racial inequality and limit access to opportunity.
It soon became clear that the existing school system would not welcome Black students. In response, Black communities across the country, often in partnership with religious institutions, began establishing their own schools, colleges and universities.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were among these efforts. In their early years, HBCUs focused on teaching basic literacy skills, helping students gain the reading, writing and math abilities needed for personal growth and community development.
Photo Courtesy of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Over time, these institutions expanded their programs to prepare students for professions that were more accessible to Black Americans at the time, such as teaching, preaching, law and medicine. HBCUs helped develop a generation of professionals who would go on to challenge systemic injustice, fight for civil rights and serve their communities in meaningful ways.
The Founding of the First HBCU
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837, is recognized as the nation’s first HBCU. It was established through a $10,000 bequest from Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist and silversmith, who dedicated one-third of his estate to creating a school for the education of people of African descent. Originally named the African Institute and later the Institute for Colored Youth, the school initially focused on teaching trades and agriculture, as well as preparing Black Americans to become teachers.
In 1902, the institution expanded by relocating to a 275-acre farm owned by Quaker farmer George Cheyney, about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. This move allowed the school to broaden its academic offerings, and in 1914, it was renamed the Cheyney Training School for Teachers to reflect its evolving mission. The name Cheyney has remained associated with the university ever since.
Photo Courtesy of The Cheyney Foundation
Born of Necessity, Rooted in Empowerment
Since Cheyney’s founding, more than 100 HBCUs have been established nationwide. Born out of necessity and struggle, HBCUs continue to push boundaries and create space for students of all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Though HBCUs represent just 3% of all colleges and universities in the U.S., the strong sense of belonging and empowerment they foster continues to attract Black students today. Still, some question the relevance of these institutions in a post-segregation educational system.
“When questions about relevancy arise, I believe they often stem from a lack of understanding about why HBCUs were established in the first place,” says Clarence Williams, Chief Advancement Officer at Cheyney University. “There is a tendency to erase or avoid the uncomfortable parts of our history. When we don’t acknowledge those truths, it creates a void – one that’s often filled with false assumptions. HBCUs were founded out of necessity, not to promote segregation or exclude others, but to provide access to education that was otherwise denied.”
As Williams suggests, the relevance of HBCUs is not in question for those who know their legacy. For many, it is tradition, pride and a commitment to excellence that continue to draw students in year after year. These institutions are also recognized for their robust alumni networks and career support programs that help students succeed well beyond graduation.
A Legacy of Resilience and Academic Excellence
While all HBCUs contribute to a legacy of resilience and academic excellence, several have become national leaders for their influence, innovation and impact.
Spelman College in Atlanta often ranks as the top HBCU in the country. As a liberal arts college dedicated to the education of women of African descent, Spelman has built a strong reputation for academic rigor and the cultivation of future leaders across business, the arts and public service sectors. Just a few blocks away, Morehouse College, one of the few remaining all-male HBCUs, has shaped generations of Black male leaders, including civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.
Photo Courtesy of Morehouse College
Howard University in Washington, D.C., is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Black intellectual life in America. Offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Howard has produced an extraordinary number of scholars, artists, activists and public officials.
Photo Courtesy of Howard University
The Research Symposium
In Alabama, Tuskegee University, founded by Booker T. Washington, continues to build on its legacy of excellence in engineering, agriculture and veterinary science. Florida A&M University (FAMU), one of the country’s most prominent public HBCUs, is located in Tallahassee and known for its strong research programs and vibrant student experience.
Centers of Innovation and Opportunity
Many HBCUs have also emerged as national leaders in science, healthcare and technology.
North Carolina A&T State University, the largest HBCU by enrollment, is nationally recognized for its engineering and STEM programs. The school produces top Black engineers and is active in research areas like cybersecurity, agriculture and clean energy. Strong partnerships with major companies and government agencies help students gain hands-on experience and career opportunities both in Greensboro, NC, and nationwide.
In New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana is a leader in the medical field. It ranks first in the nation for producing Black graduates who go on to medical school and earn pharmacy degrees. With a strong focus on science education and mentorship, Xavier helps prepare students to serve communities that often lack access to care.
Hampton University in Virginia stands out for combining academic excellence with innovation. In addition to strong liberal arts and science programs, it is home to a leading proton therapy center for cancer treatment and research. Hampton also encourages cultural expression and leadership, helping students succeed in a wide range of fields.
Photo Courtesy of Hampton University
The Enduring Importance of HBCUs Today
Today, HBCUs continue to stand as vital institutions that honor their historic roots while embracing the future. They remain places of opportunity, empowerment and community, nurturing generations of change-makers. As society moves forward, the enduring legacy and ongoing contributions of HBCUs remind us that education is not just a human right but a powerful tool for justice, equality and progress.
