What is an HBCU?

HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established with the primary mission of serving the higher education needs of Black Americans. These institutions were founded during a time when many colleges and universities in the United States were segregated and discriminatory, excluding or limiting the admission of Black students.

There are currently 107 HBCUs in the United States, located in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and the arts and sciences.

HBCUs have played a critical role in providing access to higher education for Black Americans, and have produced many notable alumni, including civil rights leaders, politicians, business leaders, artists, and scholars. Today, HBCUs continue to be important institutions for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, and for fostering a sense of community and cultural identity among their students.

If you're interested in learning more about HBCUs, I recommend checking out the websites of organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund or the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, which provide resources and support for HBCUs and their students.