In an age of increasing racial and ethnic diversity, do we still need HBCUs?
Critics have labeled them as a race-based anachronism. Others have said even worse things, calling them inferior, saying they need a new overall mission or that they should be merged with the mainstream, predominantly white intuitions. Yet, the data show that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) contribute significantly to their local economies and to the national economy as well, in spite of fewer resources.
Said L. Sewell, provost and senior vice president of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, said, “HBCU’s provide an ethnically affirming, expressively supportive environment. Students don’t have to prove they belong here.” Lincoln University offers intentional and focused academic support systems, according to Sewell.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education show that HBCUs represent less than 5 percent of colleges in the United States but enroll at least 13 percent of all black college students and produce at least 23 percent of all black college graduates. They also educate half of the nation’s black teachers and 40 percent of all black health professionals. And they do this with much less funding support than traditionally white institutions.
HBCUs, like the newly freed black families of the 19th century, often started out with meager resources. In spite of their struggles – insignificant budgets, weakening infrastructures and revenue – HBCUs have proudly done more with less while simultaneously out-stepping majority institutions in training and producing most of the nation’s black professionals. Correspondingly, it has been reported that more than 75 percent of all black doctorate degree holders earned their undergraduate degrees at HBCUs.
It is my strong belief that we must provide comprehensive support to Missouri’s two HBCUs, Lincoln University and Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. More funding is the key! Our HBCUs need stronger partnerships and investments from the public and private sectors.
In 2015, the Missouri budget provided $42.1 million for performance-based funding for colleges and universities. In the budget, the governor recommended an allocation of $17,638,222 to Lincoln University and $9,793,757 to Harris-Stowe State University, while the governor recommended an appropriation of $407,511,996 to the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri is a much larger institution catering to a student population of 34,000, yet we cannot afford to ignore our only two HBCUs.
We want our Missouri HBCUs to be known not just for their close ties to the community, but for innovatively adapting the lessons of meaningful collaboration and partnerships with K-12, community colleges, business, philanthropy and international exchange programs.
We want our Missouri HBCUs to be known not just for tailoring personal support for black and other minority students, but to set the standard for other higher educational institutions in how to create a culture of completion for all students.
We want our Missouri HBCUs to be known not just for their illustrious legacy, but for their ongoing contributions in the world of science, technology and engineering.
We have to preserve and further invest in our HBCUs. HBCUs have shaped generations of black students, providing unique campus traditions and family-like environments. Add to that a curriculum that takes the social and historical concerns of black Americans into account. Simply put, HBCUs are not just teaching history – they make history every day.
John Collins-Muhammad, Democrat, is a candidate for state representative in Missouri’s 77th House District.
