I've got a presentation for history class and I thought I'd dive into something close to my prospective college journey. Anyone got the details on how HBCUs started? Like, what events led to their creation and what's the significance? If you've studied this or know resources I could check out, that would be seriously helpful!
Hey there! HBCUs, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have a rich history that dates back to the time before the Civil War. They were established primarily to provide higher education to the African American community during an era of segregation when access to mainstream institutions was extremely limited or altogether denied. The first HBCU, Cheyney University, was founded in 1837, in Pennsylvania.
Several factors led to their creation, including the abolitionist movement and the growing need to educate newly freed African Americans post-Civil War. The second Morrill Act of 1890 was also pivotal, as it required states with racially segregated public higher education systems to provide land-grants for institutions for black students if their public system was exclusively for white students.
As for resources, 'The History of Black Colleges and Universities' by Henry N. Drewry and Humphrey Doermann is an excellent read. There's also a wealth of information available through the National Center for Education Statistics and The Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Also, most HBCU websites have a history or about us page detailing their specific histories, which might offer more intricate insights for your presentation. Good luck, and it's great that you're linking this project to your college journey!
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