Like your average institution of higher learning, Historically Black Colleges & Universities aim at imparting general knowledge and developing intellectual capacities. But unlike those other schools, black colleges provide perhaps a sense of warmth to students, Afro Americans in particular. That is- the urge to help and work with students, accepting them as individuals and not just another number. However, some may say this assistance weakens students, disabiling the independence to apply a high leveled performance in the classroom. But there are greater reasons as to why and how HBCU's should continue to support the needs of African American and growing hispanic students in this country.
So, why should black colleges continue to support the needs of these minority students? Well, on the flipside of supposingly "weakening" these students, there is a definite positive outcome. The majority of the time, you'll find young African Americans coming from a more so lower class family and community in their transition to college. The same applies to hispanics, or Afro- Hispanic. Black colleges have given those less fortunate, but driven, the opportunity to grow into leaders of tommorrow at an affordable rate. In addition, we need to know our history. Reason is, because history runs much deeper than what we've been taught while growing up. Blacks, as well as hispanics, have played a huge role in our history. For instance, I took a history class at the junior college I attend. I found it fascinating the way my instructor was able to break things down from such a rather different perspective and relate it to what was going on in today's society. It is very important that our generation know these things, instead of lookiing at history as just a boring subject about wars. And if we appreciate and apply them to our everyday life, it will help better ourselves as individuals. What better place to learn all this material than at a black college!
Personally, I think the objective of how to support this matter is simple. In my solution, I sort of think psychology. Perhaps the best way to support the needs of the minority would be to raise the requirement level just a bit higher. But keep the cost of education the same. Because, as I mentioned earlier, most of us come from a rather lower class. However, it is time other black colleges raise the bar along with Howard, Tuskegee, FAMU, and other black institutions with higher standards. It'll help our youth develop a more competitive mind, which is definitely needed to make it out here in the world we live in today. Furthermore, our students wont look at these great institutions(HBCU's) as just a push over, or some place they'll "settle" for. If improvement is needed anywhere in black colleges, that's an area that should be taken into consideration.
In essence, there are much more reasons to why and maybe how HBCU's should continue to help young, proud African Americans and Hispanics.However, I think those few that I stated are most important. When it all adds up, we still may not be accepted as equals. Who cares? But in the mean time, our minds will expand and think beyond the opposition.
