HBCU Survival: Re-inventing a Cultural Institution

HBCU...

The acronym itself conjures up ideas and images of both the best and worst of the education system in our country. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have become part of the very fabric of the Afro-American experience, as well as an integral part of American History and current culture. Some of these storied institutions have been home for both great tragedy and tremendous triumph for advancement of Afro-Americans. From Booker T. Washington to Dr. Ronald McNair, HBCU institutions have represented a unique cross-section of some of our best and brightest minds. The seeds of social reform started on the campuses of institutions like Alabama State University and Morehouse College and migrated to the drug stores and lunch counters of places of commerce in the deep south. As big of a catalyst HBCU institutions have been in the formation of our cultural identity in this country, there's a very stark and disturbing trend manifesting itself among our newer generation of potential students.

The allure that these places of higher learning once had is slowly but surely dissapearing for future generations of afro-american students. I went to an HBCU and it was an experience that really did alot to make me into the person that I am. i wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Naturally, I can't speak for every student that attended an HBCU, but I can say that there are alot of products of these schools that would echo my sentiment if asked. If these institutions mean so much to our culture and identity as black folks in this country, why are more and more afro-american students choosing to forgo that oppurtunity? More importantly, how can HBCU schools reverse this trend? The answer to this dilemma may very well mean survival or extinction for these schools collectively.

Amenities vs. Tradition