Why Historically Black Colleges And Universities Remain Vital In U.S. Higher Education

Abstract

Many observers, including journalists, have sounded the alarm that historically black colleges and universities in the United States are in danger of losing their identity. “Historically Black Colleges are Becoming More White,” blares one headline; and another asks “White Students at Black Colleges: What Does It Mean for HBCUs?” Questions are being raised about the future of these longstanding institutions. That’s the great news. But the problem is that claims about what is happening in historically black colleges and universities are largely false and feed popular misunderstandings of their continuing nature and contributions. In this context, the author draws some insights and analysis around the question why historically black colleges and universities remain vital in U.S. higher education?