Later this summer, I will head to Maryland to attend Bowie State University–a historically Black college and university (commonly called HBCUs). I was recently asked by one of my peers why I want to go to a HBCU. My initial response was that maybe it was because I wanted to be around people who looked like me and because I would feel more comfortable. I never really took time to think about this question because I always knew that an HBCU would fit me perfectly. But since I was asked, I took time to critically reflect.
HBCUs provided educational opportunities for African Americans who were once legally prevented from being admitted to traditionally white colleges and universities because of racial discrimination and segregation. HBCUs offered blacks an education in a more culturally supportive environment. Many notable Black Americans have attended HBCUs, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Baptist minister and civil rights activist Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., television producer, talk show host, and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, and director Spike Lee.
I want to be a part of an educational community where I can call my fellow classmates brothers and sisters. I will attend an HBCU this fall as a freshman. To be honest, I am very excited because I know I’ll find people who will share many similar stories and backgrounds as me, even the cultural experiences. HBCUs are diverse — there’s not just one skin color; there are many, and that’s what makes it beautiful!
