WHAT ARE HBCUs

 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have an intimate relationship with this country and how it connects to our past, present, and future. HBCUs grew from the ashes of the Civil War giving our ancestors, not just opportunity, but community. Beginning from the 1800s HBCUs provided African-Americans an opportunity to pursue higher education through public and private institutions, community and four-year institutions, medical and law schools. 

 

Alumni from 107 schools have changed not just our country, but also the world. HBCUs are American institutions that have produced some of our most accomplished citizens and provided a platform to advance values that we all hold dear. 

 

Over the past decade, we have seen HBCUs plagued with a myriad of challenges resulting in closure and enrollment decline. These challenges aren’t just the results of a free market system of college choice, but policies at the state and federal level that have intentionally weakened the foundations and resources of our institutions.  HBCUs have always been institutions to welcome students of all backgrounds and now they need our support.

 

WHO WE ARE 

 

We are a group of HBCU alumni and supporters who wanted to encourage collaborative support around funding initiatives for HBCUs.  We will continue to advocate for increased financial support for students, an increase in federal research grants, and funding for facility upgrades. We will encourage schools, organizations, students and alumni to unite with the HBCU Collective in order to achieve progress and change for HBCUs. 

 

WHAT WE STAND FOR 

 

In the coming weeks, we will send out HBCU Day of Action itineraries, scripts for meeting with your Congressional representatives, and other ways that you can advocate for HBCUs in your home district, state or for the National Action Day in Washington, DC on April 27, 2017. It is our responsibility to advocate for the preservation, health, and success of our alma maters for our children and our communities.