Journal of college student development · 2008 · 411 citations · 54 references
HumanitiesAfrican American StudiesHigher EducationAfrican American EducationAfrican American HistoryHigher Education HistoryAfrican American Education HistoryAfrican American Educational AttainmentBlack CommunitiesBlack StudiesHistorically Black CollegesRace In SchoolingAfrican American Student AchievementBlack Higher EducationBlack Male EducationBlack Student AchievementRace In Higher EducationRacialized Experiences In EducationSegregationSocial Equality
Historically Black colleges and universities were founded to provide educational opportunities for African Americans when other institutions excluded them, and they have produced leaders who advanced social equality, though their continued relevance has been questioned as segregation ended and opportunities expanded. The study examined 11 African American men attending a public, urban HBCU to assess the impact of the university’s social capital. The university’s rich social capital makes it a unique fixture in higher education, with features not replicated by historically White institutions.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were created to provide educational opportunities for African Americans when other higher education venues restricted their participation. HBCUs are credited with nurturing and producing leaders who embraced W. E. B. Du Bois's concept of the "Talented Tenth," and exhibiting fortitude in advancing social equality for all. Over the years, as legalized segregation was overturned and efforts were made to expand opportunities for African Americans, some have questioned the continuing need for HBCUs. A study of 11 African American men attending a public, urban HBCU, indicated that the university's rich supply of social capital (a direct consequence of its mission and history) makes it a unique fixture in the landscape of higher education, one whose special features have not been replicated by historically White institutions.
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