Acquiring the right college education is a far-sighted idea for many Black Americans due to the stringent admission criteria and high tuition fee. Yet, for those who dare to dream, there are other options, such as the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). HBCUs are competitive institutions with a long history of academic excellence, influential alumni, and societal impact. There are several reasons why one should enroll in an HBCU. Let us help you out.
Understanding Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Historically Black Colleges and Universities date back to the 19th century. These institutions are known for offering higher education opportunities to only Black Students. They worked tirelessly before the Civil Rights movement came into motion to give students of color a chance to compete, if not beat, the white Americans. Among over 100 HBCUs, notable names like Howard University, Morehouse College, and North Carolina A&T State University have illustrious alumni like Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr., P. Diddy, Erykah Badu, and VP Kamala Harris to name a few.
Helping Black Students Prepare for the Real World
BIPOC have to endure a lot, especially when they enter their professional lives. College life is tough and significantly prepares them for life after graduation. Black students usually end up experiencing more struggles than their white classmates. The survey indicates that black students will be better prepared to establish their careers by graduating from an HBCU than any other university. So, if you’re a BIPOC student planning to get a college education, HBCUs can be a great choice. 40% of Black health professionals and engineers, 50% of Black lawyers, and 80% of Black judges are HBCU graduates.
HBCUs cultivate a safe space for all students but are especially a haven for BIPOC, as the students do not have to deal with the issue of race while attaining their degrees.
Celebrating Black Culture
One of the major reasons to enroll in an HBCU is that it offers a chance to explore the untapped territory of the Global Black community. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by the rich diversity of the African diaspora? For instance, the black Americans from across the United States, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Nigeria, or from varying socioeconomic backgrounds. It gives a chance to explore what the world has to offer who belong to the marginalized community.
A Supportive Culture
Although HBCUs were initially established to cater to Black students, their supportive environment is open to all. Often we see that teachers and professors play favorites when it comes to students. Professors at different HBCUs are more than just instructors; they become families. Ask any student enrolled in these organizations. These bonds live on well past graduation, the majority of HBCU graduates continue to stay connected to their university and friends.
Strong Social Existence
The Black community has been a part of racial discrimination for centuries. It’s a different ball game if you’re a student enrolled in a college. HBCU ensures that students stay closely knit with each other and understand the bigger picture. Further, unlike students of other universities, the students in HBCUs tend to be helpful to one another and cheer for each other’s success.
In her book Margie Wadsworth’s Unforgettable Senior Year, Lucy Smalls tells us why the main character, Margie, chooses to go to an HBCU. Lucy Small’s discusses the pride exuded from students that attended HBCUs, the care from their professors, and the resiliency in the institution and students.
Summing Up
Historically Black Colleges and Universities attract many students because of their historical significance. The best part about these institutions is that they breed prominent leaders. If these aren’t enough reasons to enroll here, these colleges offer a top quality education, sometimes, even the best in the entire country. Something to ponder upon, don’t you think?
A scientist by day and a writer by night, Lucy Smalls give us a chance to read through her little slice of life fictional novel. A beautiful story about a high school senior, Margie, and her last days in the school that she has seen all. Become a part of Margie’s journey by ordering a copy of Lucy’s book today.
Equipped with a Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree, Lucas Noah stands out in the digital content creation landscape. His current roles at Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC showcase his ability to turn complex technology topics into engagin... Read more