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Introduction
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are universities that were founded before 1964 with the purpose to educate African American students who were denied admission to other schools. The success of HBCUs can be seen throughout history by the achievements of not only the universities but also the students who attended them. These achievements have improved the standards of education for African Americans. -
Lincoln University
On April 29th, 1854 the first HBCU was established in Chester County, Pennsylvania. When founded Lincoln was a private university. -
Fisk University
In 1866 Fisk University was founded as a private university in Nashville, Tennessee. -
Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute
On April 1, 1868, a private school called the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute was founded. The institute was established in Hampton, Virginia. -
Jubilee Singers
The Jubilee Singers, was a group of 9 students who set out to raise money for Fisk University with the help of a Fisk music instructor, by putting on concerts for anyone who would listen. A lack of support from the government left Fisk University with a lot of financial hardship that almost forced the school to close. The singing group was able to win the hearts of tough audiences and raised enough money for the university as well as fame for themselves and their talent. -
Booker T. Washington
In 1875, the well know Booker T. Washington graduated from the Hampton Institute. He was admitted to the institute after impressing the one of the teachers told him to clean a classroom. Washington payed for his education by working as a janitor. His later accomplishments include being a teacher, and founder of another HBCU, as well as spending time working in politics. -
Tuskegee Institute
On July 4 1881, Booker T. Washington established the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. Washington was sent to start the school at the request of two men from Alabama and the recommendation of General Samuel Armstrong who was the president of the Hampton Institute and Washington's boss at the time. The school would later be renamed Tuskegee University. -
W.E.B. Du Bois
In 1888, W.E.B. Du Bois graduated from Fisk University. Du Bois is one of the most influential civil rights activist. He was a strong supporter of a liberal arts education and publicly opposed Booker T. Washington another influential voice at the time. Du Bois was one of the founders of the NAACP. -
Fisk Students Protest
The Fisk University, Fayette McKenzie took action and cut funding and cancelled certain organizations as well as implementing new rules against the African American students of Fisk. Hearing of the presidents actions, Du Bois spoke out against the McKenzie. He encouraged the students that attended his alma later to take a stand for what was right. Students peacefully protested, for about 8 weeks. After Fisk, other black colleges protested and gained a voice in administrative actions. -
Fisk Accredited
In 1930 Fisk University became the first HBCU to receive accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. -
Lincoln Goes Public
In 1972 Lincoln University, the first HBCU to be degree- granting became a public university. Being a public university means that Lincoln receives a large amount of funding from the government. -
Hampton University
In 1984 Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute became an accredited. From then on it was known as Hampton University. -
Response
The events of this timeline highlight some of the important points in history for a few HBCUs. The list of achievements of HBCUs is very long, and the notable work of HBCU graduates is even longer. Many HBCU graduates have contributed to many professional fields and that is due to the education they received thanks to the hard work of those who first fought for the education of African Americans. It is important to not forget the history of HBCUs. They are key to education future generations.
