Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans. These colleges and universities were founded during a time when Black students were systematically denied access to most other higher education institutions, especially during segregation and the era of Jim Crow laws. Many HBCUs were created between the Reconstruction era after the Civil War and the mid-20th century to provide educational opportunities to Black Americans, including formerly enslaved people. HBCUs can be public or private and are mostly located in the Southern United States, with a few scattered in other regions. They continue to serve a majority Black student body but also enroll students of other races. These schools have played a critical role in the education, advancement, and development of the African American community, producing a significant number of Black professionals, leaders, and scholars. Some notable HBCUs include Howard University, Morehouse College, and North Carolina A&T State University. HBCUs also continue today to provide supportive and culturally affirming environments, contribute to educational equity, and help close racial wealth and opportunity gaps through higher education.
