(Black PR Wire) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving African Americans. Most of these institutions were founded during the Reconstruction era and are concentrated in the Southern United States. During the period of racial segregation in the United States, the majority of American institutions of higher education served predominantly white students, and disqualified or limited Black American student enrollment. Years later, however, some universities, expanding their inclusion African Americans into their institutions.

Currently, the US Department of Education has given the HBCU label to 107 schools, both public and private. Alabama leads the nation with the number of HBCUs (13), followed by North Carolina (11), then Georgia (10).

HBCUs reflect the epitome of Black history, culture and pride. They provide an array of diverse programs while offering quality and cutting-edge educational services, training and enrichment.  From afternoon yard shows with Black Greek letter organizations – to homecoming celebrations, stomp shows and more – the HBCU experience is like no other.

Many prominent Black leaders, entertainers, athletes and business executives are proud graduates of an HBCU.  They include The Honorable U.S. Vice President Kamilah Harris, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Samuel L. Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Michael Strahan, (the late) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and (the late) Thurgood Marshall, along with countless others.

The National HBCU Week Conference takes place in Washington DC on September 24-28, 2023. This year’s theme is Raising the Bar: Forging Excellence through Innovation & Leadership, and will feature workshops, engagements, keynote addresses and interactive exhibits that will connect federal and private resources to the HBCU community. For more information, visit the website at https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/hbcu-week-conference/2023-national-hbcu-week-conference/

Special Note:  Now more than ever – OUR VOICE MATTERS.  Beginning in 2024, Black PR Wire will relaunch their HBCU’s Writer’s Project. Students, professionals and Comms/Journalism department from the HBCUs who are interested in participating are to contact BPRW at 1-877-BLACKPR for details and to register..