HBCU’s: Educating for Character, Success, and Black Excellence

Several years ago, I decided to create a bucket list as a way to examine who I am and identify significant things I would like to explore and experience during the remainder of my life. One of the items on my list is to visit all 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). This is my way to celebrate the Black College Experience and its impact on the lives HBCU’s have shaped. During the past three Spring Breaks and summers I have visited HBCUs and engaged with students, faculty, and staff. I’ve even purchased campus paraphernalia to remember my visits – hoodies, T-shirts, and refrigerator magnets. To date, I have visited thirty-two campuses in ten states. 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have existed since 1837, when Cheyney State University was established. Prior to the Civil War the education of Blacks was forbidden in most Southern states and dissuaded in Northern states. The majority of HBCUs were founded between 1865–1900 by free Blacks, philanthropists, religious organizations, or the federal government.

The purpose of the HBCU in the United States is to provide undergraduate and graduate-level educational opportunities to people of African descent. At an HBCU, you will find African Diasporic Cultural Identity, rich history, and rigorous academic programs. Key trends for HBCUs in 2025 include record breaking applications, increased new student enrollment, growing selectivity, and affirming environments. Given the political climate and polarization within the United States, Black students are migrating to these institutions of higher learning to experience a culturally relevant academic experience, affordability, and higher graduation rates. In other words, Black students want to succeed.

One of the HBCUs I’ve visited is LeMoyne Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. Upon entering the campus I saw a sign saying “A Source of Black Excellence.” What is Black Excellence? It has been defined as a high level of achievement, success, or ability demonstrated by an individual Black person or Black people. It is also used to refer to an aspiration or goal to be achieved. #blackexcellence.

Reflecting on my thirty-two HBCU visits I was inspired to create my own definition of black excellence. Black excellence is victory, achievement, and greatness exemplified by Black people individually and collectively. It is a perspective that originates in the mind and is embodied through fortitude and flourishing. Black excellence is the manifestation of our ancestors’ dreams and prayers.

HBCUs produce some of the greatest scholars, doctors, lawyers, educators, and entertainers in the United States while receiving less funding than predominately white colleges and universities. HBCUs promote living and learning environments that encourage student leadership, support, and research that is second to none. However, HBCUs are committed to teaching more than academics – they form students in character. William R. Harvey, who served as an administrative leader at Fisk and Tuskegee University and forty-four years as the President of Hampton University, shares twelve principles of success that will assist any educator who desires to help their students obtain success.

Harvey’s Principles (paraphrased) include: 

1. Never compromise honesty, integrity, respect, trust, and responsible personal behavior. 
2. There is no substitute for hard work. 
3. Be of service to others. 
4. Have a moral compass. 
5. Set your goals high and don’t dream small dreams. 
6. Never give up. 
7. Say NO to distractions. 
8. Make positive things happen in your life. 
9. You can’t finish a race if you don’t start it. 
10. Don’t allow anyone to steal your joy. 
11. Be significant in everything you undertake. 
12. Believe in yourself.

During my visits to the various HBCUs I witnessed Black Excellence. However, the traditional coursework and assignments were not the only strategies for supporting student growth and achievement. I also witnessed across all thirty-two campuses a commitment to producing thriving humans by teaching character development, positive values, perseverance, and strategies for success in their classrooms and in life. This wholistic approach to education – not just focusing on external achievement but on the whole person flourishing from the inside out – is what Black Excellence in education is all about.