My boyfriend and I were having a battle royale, a debate to end all debates, about the role and necessity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Before I proceed with the outcome and – better yet – substance of this Great Debate, I will provide some context by offering a bit of background information about each of us.
About Us
My childhood was one of humble means. I was raised primarily by my mother in a lower middle income family. My family and I moved a lot across Illinois and eventually moved to Virginia to pursue opportunities. I encountered and befriended people from various backgrounds with a range of perspectives and cultures along the way, which really expanded my worldview. I was taught to love myself and others, as Jesus taught, so I did – which was very rewarding. Lastly, but certainly not least, I am a Black woman. I’m honored to be an alumna of Howard University. My background and life experiences collectively are the reason why I made a conscious decision to attend an HBCU.
Now, my boyfriend seems polar opposite to me on paper. While he also grew up in a lower middle income household, he mostly lived in one house, in one neighborhood with both of his parents. However, in his late teen years, he did spend a year in foster care in a nearby neighborhood as he finished high school. This experience informed his worldview as he grew into adulthood. He currently attends Temple University, a predominately white institution (PWI). He is a white Lebanese American male. We have many things in common though. One of them is this: we’re both idealists, sometimes in disguise of “realists”.
The Debate
The debate started when I probed him on his views on economic separatism (Black people buying from Black owned businesses exclusively). He responded that essentially he is in support of groups and communities supporting their own, BUT not exclusively. Meaning, “Buy black, but don’t shut off your business to others.” While expressing his viewpoints, he said, “I don’t think that anything should be catered exclusively to one group of people.” Me being me, I pressed him further. I said, “Well, Howard centers the education that students receive on the people that attend the school, Black students. So, evidently every course has a theme of what people of the African Diaspora have contributed to the advancement of society.” I was prepared for a rebuttal and more than ready for a debate. I dared him to say that there shouldn’t be any HBCUs and HE DID! At this point, I listed every reason why that statement is refutable.
Based on my experience at one of the most prestigious HBCUs, I highlighted reasons why I wholeheartedly believe that an HBCU experience is like no other. Allow me to preface this list by saying that in no way am I saying that a young Black student cannot find these values in a PWI. This is my personal experience and perspective along with some positive outcomes attributed to HBCU attendance.
- HBCUs instill the values of self-compassion and social justice in its students. This is evident even in Howard’s motto, “Truth & Service”.
- HBCUs have the highest rate of Black students graduating from college, not just attending.
- HBCUs encourage unity and mutual support.
- HBCUs foster an environment where young Black students can get to know themselves.
- HBCUs provide the tools for students to be active in and influence their communities.
- HBCUs produce world leaders.
- HBCUs are diverse. Students from all over the world pursue an HBCU education.
The Outcome
If I wasn’t startled enough by his comment, his response to my list of reasons completely took me aback. His response, “I agree. I think that you think I’m saying that HBCUs are unnecessary and I’m not.” He said, “Let me rephrase my statement. I don’t think that they [HBCUs] should HAVE to be necessary. I don’t think that we should have to have economic separatism. We are limiting ourselves by these devices. Ideally, we could support each other equally and education wouldn’t favor one group over another.” All of that talking that I did resulted in us coming to the same conclusion!
So, this battle royale, debate to end all debates, ended in an essential agreement. Until we reach an idealistic solution to our very real social inequalities, HBCUs will be necessary and required.
Originally posted on loveannjoy.com on April, 6, 2014.
