It is imperative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to meet the needs of the African American and Hispanic population. Minorities are still at a disadvantage in the world despite the progress that has been made in the past fifty years. Because of the circumstances by which African Americans arrived in America (via slavery), and Hispanics arrived in America (to escape dictatorship); minorities, statistically have been at a disadvantage. The role models, and various academic options that HBCUs provide are important in order for the liberation of minorities to occur.
In the media there are rarely any good depictions of African Americans or Hispanics. Either they are on low- end reality shows like “Cops”, or they are depicted in the stereotypical way like in “The Parkers”. The truth is that there are plenty of important and influential minorities and many of them have gotten their start at a historically black school. Anika Noni Rose, a graduate from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, was recently in the movie “Dreamgirls”; becoming a role model for an ample amount of young girls of color. By giving students of color an education they are consequently becoming role models to the people in their neighborhoods and have the ability to push people to make the most of themselves. Greek life is also plays a very important role in college life at HBCUs and many influential people in minority history have participated inn such organizations. The first Black Greek- letter organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, was established at Howard University in 1906. Since then there have been countless influential members like: Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, W.E.B. DuBois, Duke Ellington, and several more. On the side of sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated brought forth Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou, and many other women who have made an impact. The legacies of these and many other Greek organizations give students a role model that is there going through the same pressures they are going through. At a National Pan- Hellenic Greek Letter Organization open forum; one member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated said that, “…being in a Greek letter organization is like being a celebrity, you must constantly be aware of what you are doing because you are a role model to so many.” Having a role model that is close to the student; going through some of the same struggles ethnically and socially, can influence a person to become a great role model for those who have not been presented the same opportunities.
The various academic opportunities that Historically Black Colleges and Universities present to minorities is extremely important to the growth of a people. In times where minorities were denied their rights as people and were not allowed to vote, HBCUs let students voice their own concerns via student government. Giving individuals the courage to speak out has influenced generations; without such an outlet there would be no room for someone like Barak Obama to run for president, as a minority. Clubs focusing on academics, such as the honor society or psychology club, give students a chance to get to know students on their career path so they can help each other out. Since college is about networking, it is imperative for students to communicate with individuals who are headed in the same direction as they are. Internships within the community and studying abroad are two programs that can give students the training and experience needed in the real world without compromising their studies. There are certainly many Greek- letter organizations on college campuses. At a National Pan- Hellenic Greek Letter Organization open forum a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated said, “Being in a fraternity challenges a person weaknesses, if someone is not so strong in time management they may be in charge in of an event where they are faced with that issue”. All in all, colleges present the students with an opportunity to growth with people who are striving toward goals similar to theirs, and they are able to do so through these various academic organizations.
The struggle for liberation among minorities is far from being over, however, the opportunities that Black colleges present for minorities can not be measured by the school but by the individual. By continuing to meet the needs of African Americans and Hispanics, Historically Black Colleges and Universities are opening the door to success for generations to come. They are allowing students to grow mentally, spiritually, and physically in all that they have to offer.
