Still a Need for HBCU’s in the 21st Century Part 1
|
Posted By: William Jackson on December 10, 2011 Still a Need for HBCU’s in the 21st Century Part 1 “If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong enough to get out of the ghetto.” Carter G. Woodson Having graduated from an HBCU (South Carolina State University) and now working at Edward Waters College, the oldest HBCU in Florida, I learned from past and current experience there still is a need for these culturally diverse educational institutions. HBCU’s are under attack it seems by the federal government, state governments and none Black institutions that see Black students only as financial aid receipts not as potential scholars and graduates. The need for Historically Black Colleges and Universities can be heard in media circles like the Tom Joyner Morning Show, blackamericaweb.com, hbcusonline.com/, hbcuconnect.com/ and uncf.org/aboutus/hbcus.asp that consistently promote the benefits and societal contributions of HBCU’s. The need for HBCU’s is evident in the understanding that students that lack exposure to advanced technology and technical instruction still need traditional methods of hands on learning and instructor led discussion and dialogue; this is still available at HBCU’s. Higher education institutions embracing technology lead the way for digital learning environments (DLE) and online platforms that demand technical skills. The unfortunate reality is not every student graduating from high school has sufficient technology knowledge to be successful in a high tech classroom of the21st century. The cost of technology implementation and supporting infrastructure along with obtaining and keeping teachers that use and can teach with technology are not always available. Those that have technical skills move to high paid jobs or seek benefits from non Black institutions that may pay more, but do not support students lacking technology skills. Many high schools do not have the resources to provide advanced technology instruction especially in many urban environments. The access to hardware and a sufficient ratio of computers to students, again students in particularly urban schools may have sporadic use of computers for academic and research work. Minority students more than their white counter parts embrace mobile technology that is acquired through cell and smart phones. This type of access is not the same as with standard desktop or laptop use and guided by an instructional model that is created for urban students to be successful. Mobile technology is the way most youth communicate so instruction should be molded to meet this need. When transitioning from high school to higher education HBCU’s serve a purpose in providing a needed traditional approach to providing educational services that many students still need. Even non Black students from urban areas benefit from attendance. Data shows that non Black students are accepted at HBCU’s from urban high schools have. They have lower opportunities for entrance in traditional white universities so enroll and graduate from HBCU’s where they are embraced as “family”. This is seen as a revere cultural discrimination as more white students seek entrance into HBCU’s. Critics of HBCU’s (mostly non Black) educational institutions claim HBCU’s have “no legitimate purpose” (Ebony.com 2011), dispelling these potentially racial statements, data shows 25% and higher of Bachelor’s degrees of Blacks come from HBCU’s and a large number of advanced degrees are earned. Instructors at HBCU’s encourage students to seek advanced degrees because they understand the challenges Blacks face even with earning a Bachelor’s degree. HBCU’s although have lower entrance standards this can be justified because young adults and adults are given opportunities to earn their degrees and provided support in a nurturing and culturally/ethnically familiar environment. My experience as an instructor at EWC an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida is that students are unique because of their age and maturity. Many already have families, jobs and other responsibilities; yes there are the “traditional” freshmen, first generation students, challenged students, those looking for a “second chance” in society. Many HBCU’s were founded after slavery and based on doctrines of religious expression and spiritual empowerment. Education for Blacks began in the Bible, reading, literacy and comprehension was started even before federal and state mandates for instruction in public schools. Second chances were understood by Blacks when slavery was abolished and learning opportunities where welcomed even those that were elderly wanted the oppourtunity to learn. In biblical scriptures from Jesus to Mohammed second chances are granted, how can educational institutions deny those that make mistakes in their youth continue to plague them into adulthood. HBCU’s see the potential to grow, the ability of students to mature and the possibility to be productive in society if only people are given a second chance. A quote that has Islamic origins, “Whoever will not endure the affliction of being taught, will stay forever in the debasement of ignorance.” END OF PART 1 If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
William Jackson
Educator, Duval County Public Schools South Carolina State University class of 1985 Member Since July 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JUNIQUES MAY 2026 GOSPEL MUSICAL REVIEW SHOW ON ROKUJUNIQUES MAY 2026 GOSPEL MUSICAL REVIEW SHOW ON ROKU
visit http://allnationstv.com
and
http://gospelmusicalreview.org
...more
rickey johnson • 148 Views • May 3rd, 2026 |
 |
Free Will and Universal Spirit Awesome Power!!!!!visit http://gospelmusicalreview.org
We move as a people whose choices are free, and whose power is fueled by Spirit.
We choose our path, and the Universal Spirit breathes purpose into that choice ...more
rickey johnson • 275 Views • April 30th, 2026 |
 |
Grammy Nominated Artist & Reigning American Idol Winner JAMAL ROBERTS Release New Single "Perfect For Me"@JAMALROBERTS #JAMALROBERTS
IG@OfficialJamalRoberts
TikTok@OfficialJamalRoberts
FB@JamalRobertsOfficial
You can "Catch Jamal Roberts performing "Perfect For Me" Live on American Idol MONDAY Ma ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 1,515 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
2026 Lexus LX 700h Review – One Week in the DMVI replaced my daily vehicle with the 2026 Lexus LX 700h Luxury Hybrid Premium and spent a week exploring D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, dealing with Beltway traffic, pothole-filled side streets in Prin ...more
Randi Payton • 220 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
1440 RIGHT NOW, THE VIDEO, Heaven Is the Destination, but Purpose Lives in the Present
1440 Right Now: Living the Message Behind the Music
The song “1440 Right Now” is more than a set of lyrics. It is a philosophy, a spiritual reminder, and a daily call to action wrapped in mel ...more
rickey johnson • 342 Views • April 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 71,169,083 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,514 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 77,750 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 62,712 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
