Alumin Impact
Authors Who Impacted HBCU Schools
At HBCU Original, we proudly recognize the profound influence of literature on the landscape of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Join us as we explore the lives and works of notable authors who have left an indelible mark on HBCU campuses, shaping the intellectual and cultural fabric of these institutions.
1. Zora Neale Hurston – Barnard College (Attended Howard University for Bachelor’s): Zora Neale Hurston, renowned for her groundbreaking novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” spent formative years at Howard University. Her vibrant prose and exploration of African American folklore continue to inspire students and scholars at HB
2. Toni Morrison – Howard University (Late): Toni Morrison, a Nobel laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, served as an esteemed faculty member at Howard University early in her career. Her novels, including “Beloved” and “The Bluest Eye,” resonate deeply with students and faculty, fostering critical dialogue on race, memory, and resilience within HBCU communities.
3. Langston Hughes – Lincoln University (Late): Langston Hughes, a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, attended Lincoln University, where he honed his craft as a poet, playwright, and essayist. His works, such as “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “Montage of a Dream Deferred,” continue to be studied and celebrated on HBCU campuses for their profound social commentary and lyrical beauty.
4. Alice Walker – Spelman College: Alice Walker, acclaimed author of “The Color Purple,” is a proud alumna of Spelman College. Her literary activism and exploration of Black womanhood have resonated deeply within HBCU communities, inspiring generations of students to engage critically with issues of race, gender, and power.
5. James Baldwin – The New School (Attended Howard University for 2 years): James Baldwin, though he didn’t graduate from an HBCU, spent formative years at Howard University. His powerful essays and novels, such as “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “The Fire Next Time,” continue to provoke thought and inspire activism among students and scholars at HBCUs, urging them to confront systemic injustice and embrace the power of storytelling as a tool for social change.
6. Ralph Ellison – Tuskegee University (Late): Ralph Ellison, author of the seminal novel “Invisible Man,” attended Tuskegee University, where he was influenced by the teachings of Booker T. Washington. His exploration of identity, invisibility, and racial prejudice continues to resonate with students and faculty at HBCUs, prompting critical reflections on the complexities of Black existence in America.
7. Nella Larsen – Fisk University (Attended University of Copenhagen for Nursing): Nella Larsen, a groundbreaking novelist of the Harlem Renaissance, attended Fisk University before pursuing nursing studies in Copenhagen. Her novels, including “Quicksand” and “Passing,” offer incisive critiques of racial passing and societal expectations, prompting meaningful discussions on identity and authenticity within HBCU classrooms.
8. Gwendolyn Brooks – Wilson Junior College (Attended Wilson Junior College for 2 years): Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, attended Wilson Junior College before transferring to a predominantly white institution. Her poetry, infused with themes of racial injustice and urban life, continues to inspire students and faculty at HBCUs, fostering a deeper understanding of Black lived experiences.
9. Nikki Giovanni – Fisk University: Nikki Giovanni, acclaimed poet, activist, and educator, is a proud alumna of Fisk University. Her bold, unapologetic verses on love, race, and social justice have resonated deeply within HBCU communities, inspiring generations of students to find their voice and speak truth to power.
10. August Wilson – University of Pittsburgh (Attended Central State University for 1 semester): August Wilson, renowned playwright and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, briefly attended Central State University before transferring. His powerful cycle of plays, including “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson,” explore the African American experience with depth and humanity, leaving an indelible impact on HBCU students and scholars who study his work.
These notable authors have not only enriched the literary landscape but have also contributed to the intellectual vibrancy of HBCU campuses, inspiring generations of students to engage critically with issues of race, identity, and social justice. At HBCU Original, we honor their enduring legacies and celebrate their profound impact on the world of literature and academia.