Historically black colleges and universities are often the subject of many common misconceptions. We’re here to debunk some of the stereotypes facing HBCUs today.
1. You have to be black to attend a HBCU.
FICTION: HBCUs were originally created to give African American students who were denied entrance into college based solely on the color of their skin, a chance at obtaining an education. Fast-forward about a hundred years and you’ll see that although African American students are still the majority at HBCUs, there are a wide and diverse range of cultures, sexual orientations, class backgrounds, religions, and races represented on HBCU campuses today. So no, you don’t have to be black, just come as you are.
2. HBCUs don’t provide the quality education that will prepare you for “real life”.
FICTION: While college will teach you how to be productive and successful in life, it’s unrealistic to think that any institution will single handedly prepare you for all of life’s challenges, no matter what kind of school it is. HBCUs have an extensive track record of producing some of the brightest and most successful minds in history including Oprah, Thurgood Marshall, Mary Winston-Jackson and Ralph Ellison to name a few. Many HBCUs even offer a variety of professional development opportunities in the forms of lyceums, internships, and workshops. At the end of the day, the kind of student you choose to be and what you make of your college experience will determine your success in “real life.”
3. Being in an all-black environment is limiting and artificial.
FICTION: For many students of color, there is a strong sense of empowerment in finding yourself in an environment where you are in the majority. It’s as if suddenly, you transcend from being viewed as a black person, to being just a person. In that space, you learn that there is diversity even within blackness. You are exposed to a diverse pool of people of color who are successful; who have been where you are, and can prepare you for the obstacles you may face, which is often different than the representation of minorities in the mainstream media.
4. Lower admission standards = lower value of your degree.
FICTION: HBCUs are not “easier” because they typically have fewer requirements for admission. Nor do they devalue your degree. There are highly selective HBCUs as well as some that have requirements more in-line with many state schools. HBCUs may take into consideration that a student’s performance on standardized testing does not always determine their full competence and capability to succeed in college. Their philosophy is to provide access to education for students who want to pursue higher education, period. Therefore, admission is often more inclusive, and coupled with the necessary support for all students to succeed.
5. All they eat at HBCUs is soul food.
FICTION: Though it’s nice to think that all of our mother’s are whipping it up in the cafeteria kitchen, this is a false statement. Many HBCUs are dedicated to exposing their students to not only food from African American culture, but also diverse cultural cuisines in the cafeteria or via other on-campus dining options. However, most HBCUs have a designated day of the week devoted to serving the following African American staple: fried chicken (or in some cases fried fish!). Yum!
6. Financial Aid is so unorganized at HBCUs.
FICTION: Financial aid at ANY higher education institution is a struggle! You will have the same here’s-what-you-owe-here’s-what-we’ll-give-you speech at any financial aid office you deal with, not just the ones at HBCUs. But, that’s why we provide all you need to know to navigate the financial aid office. Your experience will be a breeze!
7. Everyone is in a Greek organization or the marching band.
FICTION: While Greek life and the marching band are two of the most popular and widely recognized aspects of any HBCU campus, they’re not the only activities students participate in during their years at an HBCU. HBCUs offer a broad selection of various sports, clubs, committees, and organizations for students to be involved with ranging from arts to politics to STEM to community service.
8. Only black professors teach at HBCUs.
FICTION: Okay this one is just silly. While I was at my HBCU, of course black professors taught me but I also had instructors who were Middle Eastern, white, African, Korean, and even Brazilian. Teachers come in all ethnicities, backgrounds, and creeds, even at an HBCU.
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