Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play an important role in American education by preparing African American students for the job market more successfully than traditionally white institutions (TWIs). “The reality,” according to Albany State University Vice President for Student Affairs Walter Kimbrough, “is that black colleges and universities are historical treasures, living reminders of the struggles and successes of African Americans. But more practically, they are critical vehicles for access to higher education and ultimately higher standards of living.” African American students from HBCUs are also more likely to go on to graduate school, successfully complete their graduate program, and pursue a professional career. Yet American historians at HBCUs are significantly underrepresented in OAH. In an effort to highlight the role of HBCUs in American history education, we are hosting a series of events at the 2003 meeting in Memphis including a session on practicing American history at HBCUs, a chat room on historic preservation on HBCU campuses, and a reception sponsored by three public HBCUs in Georgia and Texas.

Friday, 4 April • 1:00 p.m.

Practicing American History at Historically Black
Colleges and Universities

Presiding: Felix L. Armfield, Buffalo State College

Bettye J. Gardner, Coppin State College
Ibrahim K. Sundiata, Brandeis University
Freddie L. Parker, North Carolina Central University
Cary Wintz, Texas Southern University

Comment: The Audience

Friday, 4 April • 6:30 p.m.

HBCU Reception

All meeting attendees are invited to a reception for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Join friends and colleagues for cocktails before the April 4th Foundation Commemorative Awards Gala. Sponsored by Albany State University Graduate School, Fort Valley State University Graduate School, Texas Southern University, and LeMoyne-Owen College.

Saturday, 5 April • 9:00 a.m.

Chat room: Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Historic Preservation

Historic preservation has come relatively late to HBCUs, but with federal government support now, a number of historically valuable structures may be preserved at these financially strapped institutions. How can historians assist HBCUs in this effort? What is the role of HBCU historians? Public historians? Federal government (including National Park Service) historians? Hosted by National Park Service Historians Antoinette Lee and Michele Gates-Moresi.