Imposing on Existence

I have never attended any HBCUs, because of my preferred major. But, I have always loved these schools for what they do and the opportunities that they provide. There are groups/ organizations now questioning if the HBCUs as a whole are relevent. :evil: This really peturbed me because of the simple fact that these schools are apart of each and every black students history. Even if they are like me and never went to a HBCU, the people that inspired me to continue me education (my mother & grandmother) went to HBCUs. They also stated that it was like reversing history because, blacks faught so hard for integrated schools/colleges. Then they turn around and have all black colleges. They say even if the institutions have other races it is at such a low percentage that it deosn't make a big difference!! I felt this needed to be brouhgt to some one's attention, Tell me how you feel.

I understand every point you are making and I understand how you feel. I think its important for people to realize that most HBCU's were founded because our white counterparts did not allow us into their schools. And may I add, most HBCU's were founded by whites, so they obviously wanted us to receive an education, but just not in the same schools as them. A lot of these HBCU's were centered around agriculture since they felt Blacks did a lot of work with their hands...which is true. But because of people like W.E.B. DuBois, we were not limited to only agricultural work. I don't see how people could think that HBCU's are irrelevant. Personally speaking, coming to an HBCU (even though I have been here for only a couple of months) has allowed me to learn about my history and how my people fought in order to keep my school alive and running. Coming from an all white high school, we never celebrated Black History Month because people could not understand why we (blacks) had to have an entire month dedicated to us. This really bothered me and furthered my need and desire to attend an HBCU. Yes, blacks fought hard to gain entrance into PWI's....but you can't help the fact that people might not want to attend PWI's. But, if you look at the percentage of blacks at most white institutions, you will see the numbers are growing each year. I know there are a large number of minorities here....but saying that there are few minorities at HBCU's is crazy. I don't know what numbers they are referencing. But in refute, one could say that the population of minorities in PWI's is not enough to make a significant contribution...so I guess it just depends on who you are. But, another thing that has been bothering me is that if you look at a lot of PWI's, many of the athletes are Black. But I do have to say, if I could have done things differently...because of my major I would have gone to another school. But I am happy with my decision and I feel I will learn life lessons and more about myself from being at an HBCU.

i've heard this same argument more times than i would have liked to. i personally feel that HBCU's are even more important today than they were in the past because of our generation's loss of culture. i think that a college is supposed to cater to your whole person, not just your mind. i think that HBCU's create an atmosphere where bright black students can come together with other black bright students. what is more inspiring and motivational than being around thousands of people who share your background AND are wildly intelligent and creative, etc? i don't know if i can speak on this topic as well as the next person because i don't yet attend an HBCU but these are the reasons that have attracted me to them.

hbcus are apathetic hotbeds of disillusioned and oasis-situated black students. the environment breeds to much comfort, making for some of the nations least active students. we focus to much on material gain (thus teh popularity of HUs business school!) and we are encased in a party-hardy attitude so deeply that the intellectual fervor on our campuses is seriously in need of a facelift. there are no intellectual students talking about issues here; for the most part Jay Z and Gucci dominate the our out-of-class confabulation! thats why im leaving!!!!! just my opinion tho.... :lol:

^^^ wow ur leaving Howard? Never heard that one before... Now that I don't go to an HBCU and have seen both sides, I have a newfound appreciation. While students at an HBCU do tend to stress fashion too much at times, u still get a priceless education about ur own culture...I hated it when I was there but now I kinda miss it (not enough to go back tho)...for some it's empowering to be surrounded by people of their own race who only want to succeed but for others, like me, it was just downright annoying to be surrounded by only black people 24-7. Still, when I get rich and "make it" I do plan to give to HBCUs, just as if they were my alma mater, because I believe in helping out ur own culture...I would never question the relevance of HBCUs because they have educated a large amount of our African American community leaders who would have otherwise may not have had the chance to succeed.