Why Are HBCUs Important?

Commentary by Aneara Burns. Photo: Huffingtonpost.com

MARCH 20, 2017: I utterly love HBCUs and what they stand for: the unity of black people. They show that young black scholars from different backgrounds can succeed and break stereotypes. They also provide a space for black people to fight for civil rights, equality, and black liberation.

Black students tend to feel more comfortable in a predominantly black environment.  According to Huffington Post, “Black Americans choosing to attend these schools know these campuses are psychologically and socially more liberating than the predominantly white ones.” Students are surrounded by people who can relate to them, so they can talk about certain issues that plague them. HBCUs can be a place where you can break away from white supremacy.

The diversity at HBCUs is remarkable. College Express reported that ”HBCUs do primarily serve African American students, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to have a limited cultural experience.” Exploring different cultures can be stimulating. It can also be comforting to students from foreign countries.

Black youth who attend HBCUs are portrayed as successful, hard-working, and intelligent. This is what the media should show us—not thugs, murderers, and delinquents.

Aneara Burns is a freshman at Friendship Collegiate Academy.