HBCU Stories
Notable thoughts from Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students and alumni.
Ta-Nehisi Coates
"My only Mecca was, is, and shall always be Howard University. I have tried to explain this to you many times. You say you hear me, that you understand, but I am not sure that the force of my Mecca—The Mecca—can be translated into your new eclectic tongue. I am not even sure that it should be... And still, I maintain that even for a cosmopolitan boy like you, there is something to be found there — a base, even in these modern times, a port in the American storm."
Source: Between the World and Me, describing his HBCU experience to his teenage sonJanelle L. Williams
"Put simply, I chose Cheyney for two reasons: First, Cheyney is entrenched in important history that is reflective of both my culture and my identity. Second, Cheyney made a promise and commitment to my future and gave me an opportunity to pursue my goals while living out my ancestors’ dreams."
Source: HBCUs: For Colored Kids When Predominantly White Institutions Aren’t Enough