Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are academic institutions, both public and private, that were established before the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the United States. Since their inception, HBCUs have offered African Americans access to education that was once withheld from them during periods of slavery and segregation. These institutions have also fostered some of this nation's most influential leaders, innovators, visionaries, and activists. Notable HBCU alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Kamala Harris. Although HBCUs are no longer the exclusive avenue for higher education among people of African descent due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, black students still attend them in increasing numbers. This trend is not surprising since these universities remain a sanctuary for students who wish to explore their cultural heritage while excelling academically without fear of discrimination.
|
