“You are the sum total of your life experiences”, is a quote that comes to mind when thinking of the wondrous contribution that HBCUs have made to American history. During the Civil War before and after, it was much chaos in funding these institutions of higher learning. Historically Black Colleges and Universities were founded to educate the freed descendants of enslaved Africans in the United States. Although there have been much controversy about providing any level of education for the descendants of enslaved African people; the existence and contribution of the HBCUs exude the great ambivalence about providing this education for African people. Due to the Founding Fathers these HBCUs have succeeded their mission and now offer these schools to Black Americans and to all Americans. Emphatically, The HBCUs exemplify there relevance because there is proof that for more than 165 years, these institutions have educated a population that has lived under severe legal, educational, economical, political, and social restrictions. The functioning of the HBCUs has often been questioned and was and still is today the objects of controversy and debate. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have exceeded their expectations and have been crucial in the development of black professionals such as preachers, lawyers, community leaders, federal judges, black army officers, and black physicians. HBCUs have provided an educational opportunity for many African Americans who were once pushed aside and legally denied an education. They have also provided educational access and assistance to those who were educationally under prepared to enter predominately white institutions. The role and function of these unique institutions have enhanced the quality of life of all Americans and have forced society to move closer to achieving its diverse ideal. I wholeheartedly believe that there are many lessons we can learn from HBCUs. These Founding Fathers have allowed students, just like myself to follow the role models who have been the influential pacesetters for their ambition. Harry S. Truman once stated “Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” This quote gives a synopsis of the most important lesson in establishing the HBCUs. African Americans were once denied an education legally; those who were courageous stood up and established the unique institutions that are still successfully standing today. It teaches us that there is always an opportunity to change things for the better. If at first you don’t succeed, pick yourself up and try again. It is palpable that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a unique chapter in American history. Despite the tremendous obstacles that these institutions faced they have inspired many other HBCUs to progress and provided many students with a sense of security and wisdom that prepare them for the “Real World”. It is important that we maintain these Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the quality of their education amidst increasing criticism. Together we can protect and maintain the history and heritage of these schools.
