Vice President Kamala Harris has made history as the first major party presidential nominee to graduate from a historically Black college or university (HBCU), spotlighting these institutions at a crucial juncture. Harris, an alumna of Howard University, was formally nominated by the Democratic Party during the convention in Chicago, marking a milestone for HBCUs.
This development has ignited a wave of pride among HBCU alumni and supporters. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), a Central State University graduate, praised Harris for showcasing the leadership and potential of HBCU graduates.
Representative Joyce Beatty and Adrienne Jones
These institutions, established in the 19th century to provide educational opportunities to Black Americans, continue to play a pivotal role in higher education. Presently, 107 HBCUs serve over 228,000 students and produce nearly 20% of the nation’s Black college graduates.
Harris’s connection to Howard University underscores the tradition of Black excellence associated with HBCUs. Adrienne Jones, a political science professor at Morehouse College, highlighted that HBCUs have nurtured leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting the supportive environments they provide for Black students.
Despite Harris’s achievement, funding disparities persist. HBCUs face financial challenges compared to predominantly white institutions. For instance, public HBCUs have endowments smaller than those of their predominantly white counterparts. Additionally, while the Biden-Harris administration has invested $16 billion in HBCUs, there is ongoing debate about the adequacy of these funds.
The visibility brought by Harris’s nomination could inspire more students to explore HBCUs, emphasizing their value not only for Black students but for all. Jarvis Hall, a political science professor at North Carolina Central University, noted that this recognition could reshape perceptions of HBCUs, affirming their role in fostering diverse talent across the nation.
