The Hidden Power of HBCUs

By: Aurora L. Threats

Black History Month isn’t just about looking back; it’s a time to celebrate, lift up triumphs, and honor those who paved the way. It’s also about recognizing the powerful network of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that continue to shape the future. HBCUs are the birthplace of visionaries and game-changers who flip the script.

While every HBCU has contributed uniquely to shaping the world, these institutions share a common thread: a commitment to empowerment, excellence, and service. HBCUs have been instrumental in the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity, and the ripple effect of their work continues to be felt across medicine, law, business, politics, arts, and beyond.

Take Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, who was shaped by the values instilled at Morehouse College. He didn’t just lead a movement; he redefined leadership in the fight for justice and equality. Similarly, Thurgood Marshall, educated at Lincoln University and attended law school at Howard University.  He became the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, transforming the course of American law forever.

HBCUs have produced countless leaders, including Dr. Charles Drew, a Dillard University graduate who revolutionized medicine with his groundbreaking work in blood plasma preservation, saving lives and reshaping the field.

Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of Bethune-Cookman University, dedicated her life to giving Black women and youth access to education and opportunities to succeed. Booker T. Washington, the founder of Tuskegee University, believed in the power of education as a means of economic independence and empowerment.

Beyond the classroom, the impact of HBCUs extends into fields like sports, media, and entertainment. The late Coach Eddie G. Robinson of Grambling State University became the first coach to reach 408 career wins in college football until his passing on April 3, 2007. He still holds the record for an unbeaten, unscored-upon season. Robinson wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor who taught his players the values of leadership, discipline, and excellence, empowering them to succeed both on and off the field.

HBCUs is a powerhouse that breeds icons. Just look at Morehouse’s own Spike Lee.  He changed the game in film and culture. As a filmmaker, Lee reshaped how the world views race and social justice. His films, like Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing, sparked global conversations about race, class, and identity, using film as both entertainment and a platform for social change.

Lee’s work is a reflection of the bold, creative thinking that HBCUs encourage in their students. At Morehouse, Lee was empowered to not just dream but to challenge the status quo and use his craft to make a difference.

Let’s take a moment to honor Ms. Cathy Hughes, a Howard University alum, who made history in the media industry. She became the first African American woman to own a major broadcast company when she founded Radio One (now Urban One). Hughes transformed the media landscape, providing a platform for Black voices to be heard across news, entertainment, and culture. Hughes continues to champion Black representation in media and uses her success to elevate other Black voices in the industry.

Ms. Eunice Johnson is another trailblazer. A Talladega College alum, Johnson revolutionized fashion and media. As the founder of Ebony Fashion Fair, she brought African American designers, models, and talent into the spotlight when the mainstream fashion industry overlooked them. Johnson’s work changed the global fashion scene, proving that Black beauty and style deserved to be showcased on the world stage. Through her work with Ebony and Jet magazines, she elevated Black culture and became a pioneer in shaping how the world sees African American representation in fashion and media.

Today, HBCUs continue to produce leaders who are reshaping the world in profound ways. Kamala Harris, a Howard University graduate, made history as the first Black woman to be elected Vice President of the United States, setting a new precedent for political leadership. Stacey Abrams, a Spelman College alumna, reshaped Georgia’s political landscape with her tireless efforts in voter rights advocacy, proving the power of grassroots activism and highlighting the impact of Black women in leadership. Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Florida A&M graduate, became the mayor of Atlanta, shaping local and national policy with her visionary leadership.

Did you know black women are the most educated demographic in America, earning degrees at higher rates than any other group. HBCUs have played a pivotal role in this rise, providing the tools, education, and empowerment that allow them to lead in every facet of society. These institutions have created a space where Black women can thrive, not just academically, but in business, politics, and community service.

Let’s talk: Grammy-nominated E-40, a Grambling State University alum, has become one of the most influential figures in both music and business, showing how HBCUs nurture entrepreneurial spirit alongside academic excellence. Tyrese Gibson (Florida A&M), Common (Florida A&M), Erykah Badu (Grambling State University), and Yolanda Adams (Texas Southern University) have all used their platforms to advocate for social change and amplify crucial issues.

HBCUs don’t just educate; they elevate. They shape industries, set standards, and make history.

Did You Know? The Lasting Impact of HBCUs:

• 50% of professors at non-HBCUs are HBCU graduates
  (Source: Experience the Legacy.org)

• 50% of Black lawyers come from HBCUs
  (Source: Thurgood Marshall College Fund)

• 80% of Black judges were educated at HBCUs

• 70% of Black doctors received their medical training at HBCUs

• 40% of Black dentists and 50% of Black pharmacists are HBCU graduates

• 75% of Black veterinarians

• Xavier University of Louisiana graduates more Black medical students than any other university

• 40% of Black engineers are HBCU graduates

• 25% of Black STEM graduates are from HBCUs
  (Source: UNCF)

• 40% of Congressional members and 50% of public school teachers are HBCU graduates

• 12.5% of Black CEOs and 75% of Black military officers are HBCU graduates

These numbers speak volumes about the lasting influence of HBCUs in shaping the professional world and ensuring that diversity and excellence remain at the forefront of American industries.

Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee was an American fighter pilot who was one of the first African American aviators in the United States military and one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. His legacy exemplifies the power of HBCUs to produce leaders who break barriers and achieve greatness in even the most challenging fields.

And, this is worth noting: According to Campus History - The New Plantation: Black Athletes, College Sports, and Predominantly White NCAA Institutions, black athletes make up approximately 50% of football players and 56% of men's basketball players at NCAA member institutions. This highlights that fact that if these student were HBCUs these universities would be dominating.  Instead they have been the driving force in athletics at PWI institutions across the country.

The legacy of HBCUs is not just rooted in the past; it is a living story of empowerment, innovation, and leadership. These institutions have shaped some of the world’s greatest leaders, and they will continue to produce the giants of tomorrow.

As we reflect on Black History Month, let’s honor the legacy of HBCUs and recognize their continued role in shaping the future. It’s not just about celebrating the past; it’s about carrying the torch forward, ensuring that the legacy of HBCUs endures for generations to come.

I know this is a long blog, but when it comes to the monumental legacy of HBCUs, every word is worth it. This isn’t just about reflecting on history; it’s about celebrating the untold power that continues to shape the future. So hang with me for a minute, because this journey through the brilliance of these institutions is one that’ll leave you inspired, informed, and ready to carry the torch forward.