I was fortunate enough to grow up with shows like "A Different World" and watched movies like "School Daze". Because of this I have always admired HBCU schools, particularly those that manage to become recognized for their excellence. It seemed like an opportunity to really connect with fellow Black people away from the madness of inner-city schools. It seems like an opportunity to connect in a more mature, enriching setting.
Though I didn't make it to one of the HBCU schools I continue to admire those Black people who chose to go to HBCU school. Many could try to go to state schools but they chose to go where they can be nurtured to work not only outside of the community in private sector but in the community as well. This benefits a race that needs to grow economically and socially.
I recently read an article titled "The Declining Pay off From Black Colleges". In the article the author explains that HBCU schools are increasingly thought to be unnecessary therefore the wages of those graduating from them have greatly declined compared to Black students who attend TWI's (Traditionally White Institutes).
One of the things that disturbed me about the article is not only the ENERGY of seemingly trying to destroy the creditability and necessity for HBCH schools; But also the subtle tone revealed through commenter's that these schools are being targeted due to their necessary funding through federal and state grants to it's students. Some believe many states are looking for programs and establishments to cut.
I find it important for HBCU schools to flourish. This is important because not only do they bring economical power to our communities, but many Black students who went to inner city schools can develop more racial identity and pride. This makes them more productive citizens. A recent study showed that those who have racial identity and know their heritage are happier people.
I'm curious to know if HBCU school graduates have a tougher time beginning a career with private sector companies, then their TWI (Traditionally White Institutions) Black counterparts?
Black people have yet to create economical development through becoming entrepreneurs of companies that are beyond a "Mom and Pop" type of establishment, companies ran by more then a few people. Therefore, there are less outright opportunities for Black graduates.They are immediately competing with their White counterparts who are coming from Traditional Universities. Despite this through the years many Black graduates have persevered.
To be honest, I believe this is another case of the dark-side of human nature rearing it's ugly head. The following comment reflects this:
The above comment has the tone of saying "We have things under control now you can step down, there is too much money we are passing up and there is no need for you."Until the 1960s, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (H.B.C.U.’s) were practically the only institutions of higher learning open to Blacks in the US. Using nationally representative data files from 1970s and 1990s college attendees, we find that in the 1970s H.B.C.U. matriculation was associated with higher wages and an increased probability of graduation, relative to attending a Traditionally White Institution (T.W.I.).
By the 1990s, however, there is a wage penalty, resulting in a 20% decline in the relative wages of H.B.C.U. graduates between the two decades. We also analyze the College and Beyond’s 1976 and 1989 samples of matriculates which allows us to focus on two of the most elite H.B.C.U.’s.
Between the 1970s and 1990s, H.B.C.U. students report statistically significant declines in the proportion that would choose the same college again, preparation for getting along with other racial groups, and development of leadership skills, relative to black students in T.W.I.’s. On the positive side, H.B.C.U. attendees became relatively more likely to be engaged in social, political, and philanthropic activities.
The data provide modest support for the possibility that H.B.C.U.s’ relative decline in wages is partially due to improvements in T.W.I.s’ effectiveness at educating blacks. The data contradict a number of other intuitive explanations, including relative decline in pre-college credentials (e.g., SAT scores) of students attending H.B.C.U.’s and expenditures per student at H.B.C.U.’s.
Traditionally White Schools seem to have the power to be able to dismiss the relevancy of HBCU schools because after-all companies can hire Black people from TWI schools without feeling guilty. They simply grow to view HBCU schools as an unnecessary deterrent and therefore potentially a hostile gesture.
This is another example of why Black people need to develop economical power. We are continuously at the mercy of those who control things. So if the relevancy of HBCU schools continue to be attacked, during the coming years Black peoplw will have to conform to a predominately white educational system. A system that can bring academic success but can't foster the character of a black student who did not learn about their heritage sufficiently in Inner City Schools.
The bottom-line is all students should have the right to choose any school that they want to go to. They should be able to go to these schools and be judged based on their academic success. There are many Black students who choose to go to traditional Universities. But there will always be those who choose to go to HBCU schools and be filled with the information and ambiance that reflect a heritage missed. Often times it's an experience they did not receive in inner-city schools amidst the chaos.
What do you think about the supposed dwindling power of a HBCU degree
