Historically black colleges and universities: A history of community engagement
Community engagement and service have been major themes at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) since the 1800s. HBCUs are defined as “any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans” (Higher Education Act of 1965). Jackson and Nunn (2003) expound even further on the idea that “not only is the goal of historically black colleges and universities to educate Blacks, but that they serve to advance the self concept and group identity of black youth and to cultivate community and political activism for Blacks locally, nationally, and globally” (p. 30). The concept of the “talented tenth” is an early example of these aims as African Americans worked together to provide their communities with meaningful resources. W. E. B. Dubois popularized the term and believed that black Americans had the capacity to become leaders of their race by educating themselves, writing books, and becoming actively involved with social change. In fact, much of HBCUs’ involvement with the community stemmed from such an emphasis on politics and activism. Due to the prevalence of postslavery discrimination, HBCUs, by default, played a vital role in liberating black community members from oppression and marginalization. These institutions provided services such as day care, voter registration, entertainment, adult learner programs, community outreach, food pantries, and overall community support (Gasman, Spencer, & Orphan, 2015). HBCUs provided students with a unique education that prepared them for both self and community advocacy (Albritton, 2012). HBCUs are truly an example of major themes in the black power movement/black pride, and education in the black community. The creation of HBCUs speaks to black people's commitment to racially uplift and empower the black community (Albritton, 2012). Historically, HBCUs have positioned themselves to solidify a major piece of American academic culture. Moreover, their focus on community and civic engagement became a precursor to a service and service learning movement of today.
