I got the most adorable email from my little sister the other day. She started her first day at Florida A&M University, and was excited (with a CAPITAL E) at being able to take part in the unique experience of being surrounding by thousands of brilliant black individuals (as well as the Greeks hopping and people partying in the cut). It reminded me of my time at Hampton, the comfort of feeling AT HOME away from home. However, my heart was also a little heavy because I know the special challenges that come with attending these institutions. It shouldn't be this way.
When I say "special challenges," anyone who has gone to a black school knows what I'm talking about. The deplorable food and living conditions, the juvenile treatment of the student body and low alumni participation, the fear of financial disaster at the whim of the economy. These are all realities that face the students, faculty and staff at black schools and many times a blind eye is turned, or they are superficially addressed and swept under a rug. Students of color deserve more than this.
This issue is something that's been hashed out many times before, but recent news of President Obama's "cuts" to HBCU's federal funding brought this problem to light on a national level. HBCU's are upset because the President isn't giving them more federal money, but really, it was only a 2 year support program in the first place. The deeper questions that need to be asked are, how can HBCU's thrive and become sustainable? What steps to they need to make to propel themselves into the future, as opposed to clinging to outdated traditions? How will they keep bright black minds in their institutions (because PWI's are recruiting them more and more)? If these crucial inquiries are left unanswered, I fear I may see the death of the HBCU.
Let me know what you think, and if you went to an HBCU, what were your experiences?
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http://essence.typepad.com/
http://www.blackamericaweb.
http://www.the-savvy-sista.
http://www.govtrack.us/
http://www.blackenterprise.
http://www.npr.org/templates/
http://alumniroundup.com/?p=
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