Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the success of HBCUs
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the success of HBCUs
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate - As America marks the debut of Juneteenth — the day slavery was effectively abolished in the defeated Confederacy — it is essential to reflect on the enduring legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This June 19, 1865, signified the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, ending the institution of slavery in Texas and, by extension, across the nation. Yet, this day also offers an opportunity to honor the institutions that emerged as lifelines for African Americans, empowering generations through education and opportunity.
The Foundation of HBCUs
Founded in the wake of slavery, HBCUs were established to provide higher education to Black people when segregation barred them from mainstream institutions. These schools became more than academic centers; they were crucibles of resilience, innovation, and leadership. From the first HBCU, Cheney University, which opened in 1837 in Pennsylvania, to the countless others that followed, they laid the groundwork for a more equitable future. By 1964, the U.S. Education Department recognized 100 institutions as HBCUs, a mix of public and private schools that collectively shaped the nation’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
While the Civil War was still raging, enslaved people were denied the right to education. In many Southern states, it was considered a crime to teach literacy to enslaved individuals, with severe punishments like beatings, amputations, or even death. For example, the Alabama Slave Code imposed fines of up to $500 — roughly equivalent to $20,000 today — for instructing either enslaved or free Black individuals in reading. Despite these barriers, some self-taught African Americans managed to gain knowledge, often through the help of sympathetic whites or fellow enslaved people who risked their lives for the chance to learn.
A Legacy of Transformation
More than just providing education, HBCUs became engines of social mobility. They nurtured minds that would later drive progress in fields ranging from law to politics to the arts. Before the war’s end, fewer than 30 Black students graduated from predominantly white colleges. By 1910, that number had grown to less than 700, a testament to the impact of HBCUs in unlocking potential. These institutions not only elevated their students but also contributed to national prosperity, offering a fresh perspective and talent pool that helped shape America’s rise as a global power.
The story of HBCUs is intertwined with the fight for freedom and equality. As the United Negro College Fund once stated,
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
This sentiment captures the essence of their mission: to cultivate excellence in a population that had long been denied it. The journey from shackles to scholarly achievement is one that HBCUs have championed, turning education into a weapon of liberation.
My own path was shaped by these institutions. As a graduate of two HBCUs in the 1980s — Morehouse College and the Howard University School of Law — I am living proof of their transformative power. My mother, a steadfast advocate for my academic growth, encouraged me to attend Morehouse, the alma mater of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. She recognized its unique role in developing leaders who would shape society, producing graduates who not only excelled academically but also became catalysts for change.
At Morehouse, I found a community that mirrored my identity and aspirations. Unlike my overwhelmingly white high school, where I was occasionally called the n-word, the campus was a sanctuary of shared purpose and pride. The students I met were driven, intelligent, and deeply invested in their futures. This environment fostered self-confidence and leadership, equipping me with the tools to pursue a career as a senior partner in a major law firm. Beyond the courtroom, these experiences fueled my commitment to advancing justice and equality through public service.
My journey continued at Howard University School of Law, where the same spirit of excellence thrived. The rigorous curriculum and passionate faculty, most of whom were Black, instilled a sense of responsibility to serve as a bridge between communities. The professors were not just instructors; they were mentors who believed in the potential of their students and worked tirelessly to nurture it. This combination of mentorship and academic excellence helped mold the person I am today — a leader who values the power of education to transform lives.
Despite their historic contributions, HBCUs continue to play a vital role in American higher education. Today, they enroll students of all backgrounds, with 24% of current enrollments being non-Black. This diversity is a reflection of their adaptability and the broader societal progress they have helped enable. Yet, their core mission remains unchanged: to provide opportunities for Black students to thrive and lead.
HBCUs are more than educational institutions; they are living legacies of perseverance and progress. From the moment Juneteenth was celebrated as a symbol of freedom, these schools have stood as beacons of hope, ensuring that the promise of equality is not just remembered but realized. Their presence in the American educational system is a reminder that the fight for justice is ongoing, and that every generation must honor the foundations laid by those who came before.