By Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel<\/p>\n
There is a dangerous misinformation campaign about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The false narrative that HBCUs are somehow fragile, dependent on foreign students, or lesser-tier institutions was most recently pushed when Donald Trump suggested HBCUs would go out of business without students from China.<\/p>\n
Like most of what Trump says, his take on HBCUs is false. International students are not the financial backbone of HBCUs and foreign students make up a very small fraction of the typical HBCU population. While Trump\u2019s HBCU claims are easily disproved, the need to articulate who and what HBCUs are still remains.<\/p>\n
HBCUs are not charity cases. HBCUs are engines of excellence, and the legacy \u2014 and future \u2014 of these institutions profoundly counters the lies and misinformation about who HBCUs are and their many contributions to society.<\/p>\n
The misinformation that HBCUs are \u201cfragile charity cases\u201d or \u201cunsustainable without foreign students\u201d is not just wrong \u2014 it subtly reinforces a paternalistic mindset, reducing Black institutions to dependencies rather than celebrating them as the self-sustaining, job creating, educational pillars of excellence that they are. These institutions have persisted, thrived, and evolved into powerhouses of academic excellence that shape American leadership and economic growth at home and abroad.<\/p>\n
And while HBCUs were born out of necessity \u2014 providing Black Americans access to higher education during segregation \u2014 they do not discriminate against white Americans.<\/p>\n
HBCUs are institutions deeply rooted in U.S. history, community, and leadership that are open and accessible to all while proudly embracing their principal mission of educating Black Americans. Students of all ethnic backgrounds are welcome at HBCUs and non-Black students make up a meaningful portion of HBCU enrollment, particularly at the graduate level in critical fields such as engineering, law and medicine.<\/p>\n
HBCUs more than carry their economic weight. According to a recent report from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), HBCUs generate $16.5 billion annually in economic impact and support over 136,000 jobs across the country.\u00a0If HBCUs were a company, their job creation would rank them among the Fortune 500 where many of their alumni currently serve in the corporate c-suite with distinction.<\/p>\n
Research also shows that HBCUs are especially effective in promoting social mobility. The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) reported that about 30% of HBCU students move up at least two income quintiles by age 30, nearly double the rate at non-HBCUs.<\/p>\n
HBCUs have produced some of America\u2019s most important leaders across sectors: government, science, academia, business, and more. From Thurgood Marshall to Martin Luther King Jr and Kamala Harris, from educators to medical researchers \u2014 HBCU graduates don\u2019t just contribute, they lead. And HBCUs collaborate with the private sector to build a diverse workforce that allows America to compete globally.<\/p>\n
But if we\u2019re being honest, we have to acknowledge that Black people also need to know who and what HBCUs are. Too many within the Black community misunderstand HBCUs\u2019 value, perpetuating ignorance such as HBCUs \u201cdon\u2019t prepare you for the real world\u201d or are \u201clesser than predominantly white institutions (PWIs).\u201d<\/p>\n
HBCUs are not fallback options. HBCUs don\u2019t exist for Black students who weren\u2019t \u201cgood enough\u201d for predominantly white schools. HBCU graduates are not disadvantaged in the workplace. HBCUs exist because they are powerful, enduring, and transformational. HBCU graduates are more than prepared for the real world as evidenced by the impressive roster of achievement from their alumni.<\/p>\n
HBCUs are not fragile, dependent, or second-rate. HBCUs are powerhouses \u2014 educating, innovating, and generating economic and social impact. When we speak of HBCUs, we should speak with respect, with truth, and with the full understanding that the HBCU legacy of Black excellence benefits all of America even when America seeks to delegitimize our skill and accomplishment.<\/p>\n
To misrepresent who and what HBCUs are is an attempt to disrespect generations of resilience, excellence, and achievement. HBCUs deserve better than that \u2014 and all of America should recognize our power.<\/p>\n
Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel are veteran Democratic strategists and proud alumni of Howard University and Morehouse College. They co-host \u201cMaroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast.\u201d<\/p>\n
Q: What is the main misconception about HBCUs?
\nA: The main misconception is that HBCUs are fragile, dependent on foreign students, or lesser-tier institutions.<\/p>\n
Q: What is the economic impact of HBCUs?
\nA: HBCUs generate $16.5 billion annually in economic impact and support over 136,000 jobs across the country.<\/p>\n
Q: Are HBCUs only for Black students?
\nA: No, HBCUs are open and accessible to all students, regardless of ethnic background.<\/p>\n
Q: Do HBCUs prepare students for the real world?
\nA: Yes, HBCU graduates are more than prepared for the real world, with many going on to become leaders in their fields.<\/p>\n
Q: What is the legacy of HBCUs?
\nA: HBCUs have a legacy of Black excellence, producing some of America\u2019s most important leaders and contributing to the country\u2019s economic and social growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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