Why do you feel that historically black universities are important to black students?

Question

I have my own views on the matter I just wanted to see the opinions of others on the matter...

Answer 1

I am not black but I would imagine it would be helpful to have people from ones own cultural background to relate to. Also a lot of what you get from college is connections and it may be helpful to network and develope alliances with other African Americans since things aren't always equitable in the world at large.

Answer 2

Well, there are two sets of views I have. One that deals with the ideal HBCUs and others that deal more realistically with them.
Ideally, I would like to think that black universities are important to black students because of the traditions they have and the character they instill in their students. I would hope that HBCUs really give minority students who have fewer resources open to them a better chance at success.

Unfortunately, the reality is that many students only attend because their parents might have attended and they can get scholarships. Or because many, except some of the more prestigious HBCUs, have relaxed their standards so much that they become diploma mills, so students go there because they don't have to work as hard. The ones that do work hard wind up being cheated out of money or an education.

Ok...enough for my rant.

Answer 3

I suppose some (by no means all) black students feel more drawn to "historically black universities" because there they don't feel like they stand out because of their race and/or perceived misconceptions about their race. The quotes are because the black race seems to be the only group you can identify in that phrase: "historically ______ universities". (What's a "historically white university" or "historically Mexican university"?)

It's also important as a status of cultural achievement; even when people have come from opposite sides of the country or world, good or bad, they feel affinity with the people who look like they do. Tragically, the "color blind" society so many civil rights advocates trumpet often achieves the opposite effect and create cultural, social, and economic enclaves.

Bridge builders have the hardest time in any society, don't they? Many just prefer not to cross it, not necessarily because they're "racist" but because they see no logical, culturally viable reason to. That's true on both sides of the fence.

Answer 4

Historically? Certainly. It was the only place Blacks could get a university-level education, for a long time.

Many then went back to their communities to teach, doctor, write, and publish.

Now that Blacks are no longer prevented from higher education, it seems less important, though there's still the appeal of not having to deal with racism while getting that education.

Answer 5

Basically,no matter what the race that is actually attending the black university, you already no what to expect, as far as the people, I would say it's a comfort thing, surrounding yourselves with individuals that are more like you, similar interest,struggles,goals,etc.

Answer 6

pick a date for the British history month and start up printing posters to publicise it. And make a badge - you're "white pupils' officer". Congratulations you're a political pioneer. now and returned action and not undemanding artwork are greater effectual than moaning.

Answer 7

I dont care for HBCU's they never appealed to me and I never cared to go to one. I dont see how they are important. I prefer be on a campus where there is a diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and races.

Answer 8

I think it's important to maintain a cultural connection, if nothing else.

Answer 9

i think they are proud to go to a school that was either founded by blacks or has a predominantly black student body.

Answer 10

I'm sure it is good. There is nothing wrong with colored students going to regular schools too. They should be in with the rest of the population like normal folks.