HBCUs And Their Fight For Change
Written By: Elainey Bass
Historically Black Colleges and Universities breed greatness. No matter the major, concentration, or end goal, students leave their respective schools with the tools needed to succeed in an environment that is essentially designed for us to fail. However, the opportunity to attend an institution that can be considered a safe haven for African Americans was not easily accessible to many due to the lack of funding, safety, etc. To combat this, many institutions fought endlessly to be considered just as valuable as predominantly White institutions. Of course everyone knows about the legacy that is left behind from schools like Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. But many fail to realize that there are still 104 HBCUs that put in just as much work to make an impact.
Cheyney University was created by a philanthropist named Richard Humphreys in 1837. Previously called “The Institute for Colored Youth in Cheyney Pennsylvania,” Humphreys main goal was to create a safe space for slaves to learn basic skills. These skills include writing, reading, and even math. His end goal was that the slaves could be ready to successfully thrive in the real world once they were set free. With all of these groundbreaking ideals, it’s no surprise that this institution was the very first HBCU created and founded in the United States. Notable alumni from this school include activist Bayard Rustin, journalist Ed Bradley, and newspaper publisher Robert W. Bogle.
Even though Cheyney University was technically the first and oldest HBCU, Lincoln University was the first degree-granting university in Pennsylvania. Founded by John Miller Dickey and his wife, the institution received its charter from the state on April 29, 1854. Ironically enough, the university was named after President Abraham Lincoln. When Lincoln University first received accreditation, many people labeled the school as the “Black Princeton” due to the heavy curriculum, ties to the Presbyterian Church, and the educators were also Princeton alumni. Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes were actually classmates and graduates of this university.
Wilberforce University may be a school that many have not heard of. However, the history of this school runs deep, dating all the way back to 1856. Located in Ohio, this private university was the first Black-owned and Black-operated institution out of the rest of the HBCUs. Interestingly enough, it wasn't a single individual that acted on this. In fact, The African Methodist Episcopal Church established the school. Since Wilberforce University was around during the Underground Railroad, the university was often used as a destination point for people escaping from slavery. Over its lifetime existence, the school received a massive $276 million in earnings. James H.
McGhee, the first Black mayor of Dayton, Ohio was an alumna of this fine university as well as other smaller figures in Black history.
It is important to always pay homage to those that have set the standard before you. A lot of people don’t realize that the schools that paved the way for the bigger institutions still exist. Cheyney, Lincoln, and Wilberforce University started something that would go on to affect Black students for years to come. The seed was planted, and it will continue to flourish for years to come.