HBCU Graduation Season: A Notable Time for Students & Families

By Roger Caldwell

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) play an essential role in the education of Black students in America. HBCUs open the path to higher education for Black students who did not have an opportunity, because Blacks were barred from a higher education.

These institutions have been serving the Black community for over 150 years, and the cost was 28% lower than the White institutions. HBCUs are rooted in the community, and they have always worked for the greater good of our community. HBCUs go back to the 1800s, workeing with the churches such as AME Church and Quakers.

In the 1850’s, Lincoln University and Wilberforce University were established, and in 1896 the Supreme Court created a law “separate but equal” giving birth to  Plessy v. Ferguson. This law was a turning point in  education for Blacks and more institutions of higher learning were created and started.

By 1953, more than 75,000 African American students were enrolled in private and public Black institutions – including Fisk University, Hampton Institute, Howard University, Spelman College, and Tuskegee Institute. As a result of more Blacks starting to get a higher education another 3,200 students were graduating and getting better professions such as teachers, ministers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and scientists.

In 2020-2021 academic year, HBCUs graduated 48,200 students with  degrees ranging from associate to doctorate. The HBCU mission was to educate Black Americans, but these schools have become an increasingly popular choice for students of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

In 2021, the Department of Education took a step toward addressing the imbalance by discharging some $1.6 billion in debt owed by HBCUs. The Biden Administration has also proposed up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness of Pell Grant for many HBCUs.

“Commencement marks a major milestone in our students’ lives, but to have the Vice President of the United States as your guest speaker makes this moment even more special for our students and their families,” says Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover.

In 2018 before he passed, the late Chadwick Boseman delivered Howard University’s 150th commencement. It was one of the most inspirational speeches on the entire internet. Not only did his message inspire the students of Howard, but it also inspired millions of young adults all over the world.

Many years ago I graduated from Howard University, and the keynote speaker was the great actor Ossie Davis. Ossie Davis left this message with the students who were mostly Black, to not sell too much to White people that you cannot buy back or feel comfortable with at night.

HBCUs continue to provide unparalleled opportunities for academic and personal growth to Black students. There are many challenges for HBCUs starting with funding.,. Last year the students were threatened with bombs, and safety became an issue at many schools. Many Black students who attend HBCUs face high levels of student debt, which affects their post-graduation opportunities.

Nevertheless, graduation is the time for celebration and the culmination of 4 to 6 years of hard focused work. It is never easy, and sometimes the days are long, but students must stay consistent. HBCUs must foster relationships with their surrounding communities that benefit from working with the institutions and communities. HBCUs face challenges from a financial perspective to provide quality education. Addressing these many challenges will ensure the HBCU legacy as educational institutions that continue to provide life-changing opportunities to Black and diverse students.