The importance of HBcus

HBCUs (Historically Black colleges and Universities) were created to give those of African American descent equal opportunities with their education and careers. The first HBCU, Cheyney University in Pennsylvania, was established in 1837.

After asking a selection of questions to Cheltenham High School's African American scholars, students shared their opinions to enlighten those who lack knowledge about HBCUs' importance.

I questioned if it was important for black people to attend HBCUs and if they should remain for them only. Senior Yasmine Chestnut, in response, expressed that HBCUs are a place of celebration and success, and that anyone who isn't black should not feel entitled to attend.

"It just, like, shows the privilege of white people and even other minorities who aren't black. If you look at the history [of HBCUs], we were forced to go there and to have those spaces, so for [those who try] to infiltrate, it's like you want the best of both worlds and you can't have it all," Chestnut stated.

"[HBCUs] were created because we weren't allowed to go to the universities. It's not a good thing to go to an HBCU as an ally because you're used to being comfortable around black people...you're taking away the opportunity from another black person," senior Hayat West-Ingram said in agreement.

It's hard to understand why non-black people would want to be in an environment created for black people to celebrate and relate to the similar hardships they've experienced because of their race alone.

Another question asked to students was if HBCUs should be more accessible to black people in regards to affording it.

The cost of attending any university may be expensive and vary depending on where you live, which is why scholarships are important. As far as HBCUs, black people should be granted some type of beneficial contribution towards their expenses as they are already considered minorities and deserve to be in fellowship with those they relate to.

"A lot of the money that's donated doesn't even go to scholarships; it'll go to other things like a sports team. People aren't specific about where they want the money to go, leaving the school in charge of where it should go. A lot of times [the places selected are] not beneficial to the students...at the end of the day what's the point of having a space if you can't afford it?" Chestnut commented.

"I do feel like they need more state funding, they get a lot less funding than the PWIs (Predominately White Institutions). I think it's a problem [with donations] as well because when celebrities donate towards HBCUs they pick the main three like Howard, NCAT, FAMU. They don't think about the smaller HBCUs that actually need the money as well," West-Ingram voiced.

She feels that for the rest of her life she's going to be around spaces that are predominately white so college is her time to connect in a space of people who look like her. Howard is her number one school because she deems the environment to be uplifting while also providing a lot of connections and networking for after she graduates.

Chestnut expressed that for a majority of her education she's gone to predominately white schools and hasn't been around like-minded black people. The idea of being around people who look like her and have similar goals influences her decision to go to an HBCU. Her top choice being Howard as well because of the internships and reputation it has that will most likely lead their students to a successful career following graduation.