The Relevance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities: From a Critical Race Theorist Standpoint

ABSTRACT

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were created to provide educational opportunities for African Americans when other educational pathways were closed or restricted. These higher education institutions with the assistance of the American Missionary Association and the Freedmen’s Bureau, churches and philanthropists, continue to educate African American leaders and advance society at large. From a Critical Race Theorists (CRT) perspective, the promotion and sustainability of HBCUs is relevant and much needed in the 21st century particularly with the gradual elimination of affirmative action standards at mainstream institutions. Acknowledging the persistence of racism, which CRT implores us to do, it is clear that HBCUs are critical educational entities as they lessen equity gaps and create opportunities for marginalized and disproportionately recognized students across the globe.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adriel A. Hilton

Adriel A. Hilton is director of Programs, Transition, and Youth Success Planning, a managerial appointment in the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. He recently served as vice-chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management and an associate professor of education at Southern University at New Orleans. Prior to this role, Adriel was dean of students and diversity officer at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., where he provided strategic leadership and direction to the office of Housing and Residential Life, Community Standards, First Year & Transition Programs, Diversity & Inclusion, and International Student Services.

Sheena Howard

Sheena C. Howard, Ph.D., is the author of Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation (2013), Black Queer Identity Matrix (2014), Encyclopedia of Black Comics (2017) and co-writer of Superb, a critically acclaimed comic book about a superhero with Down syndrome. She is the director, writer and producer of Remixing Colorblind, a documentary about the ways in which the educational system shapes our perception of race and “others.” She has appeared as a guest on networks such as PBS, NPR and ABC.

Crystal J. Bryant

Crystal J. Bryant is a program coordinator in Academic Programming and Accountability at A&M University.