During the Civil War, Fort Monroe in Virginia became a refuge for escaped slaves after Union General Benjamin Butler declared they would not be returned to bondage. Mary Peake began teaching them under the Emancipation Oak, leading to the founding of the Butler School for Negro Children in 1863. In 1868, Samuel Armstrong established Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute to train Black educators and workers in practical trades. Booker T Washington is among its notable graduates. By the 1880s, the school expanded its vocational programs, and in 1930, it became Hampton Institute, officially recognized as a college. In 1984, Hampton Institute became known as Hampton University because of the rapid growth and quality of the students, faculty, and academic offerings. Today, Hampton University continues to break new ground in academic excellence and achievements, staying true to General Armstrong's original promise of “The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life.” Hampton University has over 55 student organizations that help you learn new things, meet new people, and create memories. Hampton has a full calendar of events whether it be concerts, recitals, theatrical performances, and movies throughout the year.

Clark Atlanta is a research-intensive liberal arts institution that was founded in 1865, by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Few years later, CAU became a combination of Clark College and Atlanta University, and as of 1869, is the largest of the 4 institutions that make up the Atlanta University Center Consortium (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine). CAU, along with many other HBCUs, has a very vibrant social life with events like homecoming, parties, concerts, and cultural attractions. As the school life grew, so did the choices in majors, and opportunities granted for the students to experience. The most popular majors have included digital communication, business and management, psychology, criminal justice, and even fashion apparel. As stated before, HBCUs have educated and created many successful Black individuals who have done wonders for the community. One notable alumni of CAU is James Weldon Johnson, who was an American civil rights activist, and wrote the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Lincoln University is the oldest HBCU mentioned in this article. It was originally named The Ashmun Institute and was founded in 1854 by John Miller Dickey and Sarah Emlen Cresson, who were dedicated to educating young Black men. On April 4, 1866, it was renamed Lincoln University in honor of President Abraham Lincoln. Dickey aimed to expand the school into a full university open to students of all backgrounds, offering programs in law, medicine, education, and theology, alongside liberal arts. During its first century, Lincoln produced about 20% of the nation’s Black physicians and over 10% of its Black attorneys. Notable alumni include Thurgood Marshall. Today, Lincoln remains committed to being a top liberal arts institution, with graduates excelling in fields such as science, business, law enforcement, religion, and entertainment.

At Lincoln there are parties, concerts, step shows, talent competitions, and special speakers. Lincoln also has a recreation center where students come to kick back, relax and play video games, board games, billiards, and ping pong.  Lincoln also is home to 5 fraternities, 4 sororities, 2 social fellowships, and 3 music based organizations. 

Howard University is a Historically Black University in Washington, D.C. The university, established in 1867, is a diverse university providing postgraduate and undergraduate courses in various subjects, including sciences, business, medicine, and arts. Because of its extensive focus on research, social justice, and outreach to communities, Howard University produced various influential leaders such as Chadwick Boseman, Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, and Sean ¨Diddy” Combs who have made considerable contributions to society and culture. Howard is known for having university life and an inclusive culture.