HBCU History
We all know that there are many different kinds of colleges and universities across our
nation. We have schools focused on liberal arts, agriculture and technology, engineering and a
host of other specializations. However, education has not always been as accessible and
diverse as it is today. At one point in our history, minorities struggled to receive their education
opportunities, which, as a result gave birth to alternative methods of learning. One such
alternative became what we now know today as an HBCU.
Most HBCU’s were established after the American Civil War, with the assistance of
northern religious missionary organizations. However, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the
oldest HBCU was founded before the Civil War in 1837.
Since then HBCUs have grown both in funding and size, enhancing equal opportunity
and educational rights for all students. Today there are more than 100 HBCUs across the South,
East coast, and Midwest.