HBCU Relevance Today: Are We Still Building for Us?
By Here For You Central
The Legacy That Built a Movement
Before they were cultural symbols, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were acts of resistance. They were born out of exclusion—when Black people were denied access to predominantly white institutions after emancipation. The first, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1837), and others like Lincoln University and Howard University became sanctuaries of intellect and liberation.
HBCUs were never just about earning degrees. They were about creating leaders—teachers, preachers, lawyers, and thinkers who would build systems our communities were locked out of. They produced Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Kamala Harris, and countless others who carried the HBCU spirit into every arena of Black progress.
But as the world changes, the question resurfaces: Are HBCUs still meeting the needs of Black youth today?
From Liberation to Legacy: Why HBCUs Were Created
After the Civil War, more than 100 institutions emerged with one mission—to educate newly freed African Americans. Many were supported by churches, abolitionist societies, and, yes, white philanthropists. Schools like Fisk, Spelman, and Morehouse were created to teach not just literacy but dignity, critical thinking, and community uplift.
However, not all HBCUs were founded—or are currently owned—by Black people. Many early schools were backed by white missionaries or northern religious groups who, while sympathetic, still held power in governance and funding. This raises an important truth: HBCUs were built for Black liberation, but not always controlled by Black leadership.
Ownership, Funding, and the Politics of “Black” Institutions
Ownership has long been complex. Some HBCUs, like Howard University, have partial federal oversight, while others operate under predominantly white-led boards or state systems. In 2023, several schools faced lawsuits over unequal state funding, highlighting how public HBCUs are still underfunded compared to their predominantly white counterparts.
That financial inequity matters. Endowment gaps between HBCUs and non-HBCUs limit scholarships, research funding, and technology—key factors that affect how well these schools can serve today’s generation.
Yet, despite systemic challenges, HBCUs continue to outperform expectations. According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, HBCUs represent only 3% of colleges nationwide but produce nearly 20% of all Black graduates. That’s not just impressive—it’s transformational.
Degrees, Jobs, and Perception: Are HBCU Graduates Still Valued?
Here’s the truth that makes some uncomfortable: some employers still undervalue HBCU degrees. It’s not about academic quality—it’s bias. Research by the Center for Economic Studies found that Black graduates, even from elite institutions, earn less than white peers. For HBCU grads, that pay gap can widen because of stereotypes and lack of corporate exposure.
But HBCUs are fighting back with new programs linking education to innovation and entrepreneurship. Schools like North Carolina A&T and Prairie View A&M are producing engineers, tech founders, and agribusiness leaders shaping the future. The narrative is shifting—from “Can an HBCU degree compete?” to “HBCUs are building industries.”
The Complete List: Every HBCU in America
Below is the full list of recognized Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the United States (as identified by the U.S. Department of Education).
(Note: Several were founded or supported by non-Black individuals or institutions, such as missionary groups or state governments.)
- Alabama: Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Bishop State Community College, Concordia College, Gadsden State Community College, Lawson State Community College, Miles College, Oakwood University, Selma University, Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, Tuskegee University.
- Arkansas: Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shorter College, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
- California: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
- Delaware: Delaware State University, University of Delaware (HBCU-affiliated initiatives).
- District of Columbia: Howard University, University of the District of Columbia.
- Florida: Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, Florida Memorial University.
- Georgia: Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Paine College, Savannah State University, Spelman College.
- Kentucky: Kentucky State University, Simmons College of Kentucky.
- Louisiana: Dillard University, Grambling State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University at New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana.
- Maryland: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
- Mississippi: Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, Tougaloo College.
- Missouri: Harris-Stowe State University, Lincoln University of Missouri.
- North Carolina: Bennett College, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Winston-Salem State University.
- Ohio: Central State University, Wilberforce University.
- Oklahoma: Langston University.
- Pennsylvania: Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.
- South Carolina: Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clinton College, Morris College, South Carolina State University, Voorhees College.
- Tennessee: American Baptist College, Fisk University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University.
- Texas: Huston–Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian College, Paul Quinn College, Prairie View A&M University, Southwestern Christian College, Texas College, Texas Southern University, Wiley College.
- Virginia: Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Saint Paul’s College, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, Virginia University of Lynchburg.
- West Virginia: Bluefield State College, West Virginia State University.
The Modern Mission: Meeting the Needs of Black Youth
Today’s Black youth are global, digital, and driven by opportunity. Many are drawn to institutions that promise innovation and inclusion—not just tradition. HBCUs must meet that energy.
To remain relevant, they must:
- Expand programs in tech, AI, and global entrepreneurship.
- Build partnerships with African and Caribbean universities.
- Reclaim narratives through media, culture, and community storytelling.
- Strengthen alumni networks to mentor and employ graduates.
It’s not just about preserving history—it’s about modernizing legacy.
The Future of “Building for Us”
The question isn’t whether HBCUs are relevant; it’s whether we’re ready to keep them relevant. Their value lies not only in education but in their cultural and communal heartbeat. Every dorm conversation, homecoming step show, and mentorship connection is a continuation of the freedom dream that birthed them.
If we want the next generation to inherit institutions that empower rather than limit, the work is ours—through advocacy, giving, and enrollment. HBCUs built us. Now it’s our turn to build them forward.
Key Takeaways
- HBCUs were founded to educate freed African Americans locked out of traditional institutions.
- Many were funded or managed by non-Black entities, raising questions about ownership and autonomy.
- Despite funding inequities, HBCUs produce a disproportionate share of Black professionals.
- Modern relevance depends on adapting to the needs of digital-age Black youth.
- The community must actively invest in, attend, and advocate for HBCUs to sustain their impact.
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- For Us, By Us: The Quiet Revolution in Black Health and Education
Other Related Content
- “Why HBCUs Still Matter in 2025” – The Atlantic
- “Funding Disparities Between HBCUs and PWIs” – The Brookings Institution
References (APA Style)
- Center for Economic Studies. (2023). Earnings disparities between Black and white college graduates. U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund. (2023). Impact report on HBCUs and Black professional outcomes.
- U.S. Department of Education. (2024). List of Accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
- Brookings Institution. (2024). The racial funding gap in higher education.
