HBCU ORIGINAL

Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win

Published

2 weeks ago

September 17, 2024

HBCU ORIGINAL

Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win

By : Under Recruited Athlete

Bowie, MD – In a game dominated by defense, the Davenport Panthers narrowly escaped with a 17-14 victory over the HBCU Bowie State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. The win moves Davenport to 2-0 on the season and improves their record against the Bulldogs to 2 0.

The Panther’s first score on their second drive came off Brandon Gielow‘s foot when he successfully drilled a 42-yard field goal to give DU the first lead of the game, 3-0. From there, Davenport would control the momentum of the game when, in the second quarter, Mike O’Horo connected with Preston Smith on a fade route in the back of the end zone for the touchdown, making it 10-0.

Bowie State would respond 2 minutes before the half late in the second quarter. After a crucial stop by the Bowie Defense, Kevin Taylor‘s 11-yard drive would cap off an eight-yard touchdown pass to Awesome Waller, Jr., bringing the score to 10-7. However, Davenport struck back right before halftime when O’Horo found Antjuan Collins near the three-yard line, and after a quick juke, Collins took it into the end zone to give the Panthers a 17-7 lead at halftime.

The second half became a defensive showdown, with both teams struggling to capitalize on long drives. Bowie State finally broke through at the start of the fourth quarter when Taylor launched a 30-yard touchdown pass to Antwain Banks, who debuted for the Bulldogs after transferring from Lincoln University. This score narrowed the deficit to 17-14 and gave Bowie State hope for a comeback.

Why Antwain Banks’ Impact and the Story Is Important.

As a Maryland high school standout at quarterback, Bank was a dynamic quarterback at Edgewood High School in Edgewood, Maryland. Despite his success as a state leader in high school, college programs didn’t know what to do with him, leaving him under-recruited and without offers until just before graduation, when Frostburg University extended an offer to play quarterback. Ironically, he only played quarterback in high school after the starting QB transferred in the middle of his junior year at Edgewood. As the most dynamic athlete on the field, initially playing slot receiver, he stepped into the quarterback role because there were no other viable options. He took on the challenge, hoping colleges would recognize how explosive and versatile he was with the ball in his hands.

Despite his remarkable stats as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for over 4,000 yards and 46 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons, he led the state in rushing both years, ranking first in touchdowns his junior year and finishing second in touchdowns his senior year.

High School Honors:

1st in state for scoring & touchdowns (26) in 2018
2nd in state rushing (131 ATT | 1,686 YDS) in 2018
5th in state total yards (2,498) in 2018
1st in the 3A division for total yards in 2018
1st in 3A rushing (126 ATT | 1,544 YDS) in 2017
1st in 3A division touchdowns (20) in 2017
1st in 3A division total yards (2,629) in 2017
All-Metro mention, All-Conference, and All-County

Collegiate Honors:

Dean’s List with a 3.8 GPA in 2022
All-Academic Team with a 3.38 GPA in the 2023 slot as a redshirt freshman receiver

After redshirting at Frostburg, he transitioned to slot receiver at HBCU Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Earning a starting position at Lincoln, he soon realized he could better showcase his talents in a more competitive program. This led him to transfer to Bowie State during his sophomore redshirt to pursue a starting role. Banks’ journey to Bowie State is one of perseverance as an under-recruited athlete out of high school. His performance on Saturday—two catches for 57 yards and a touchdown—showed the value of athletes who may have been overlooked but possess the talent to make an impact.

Banks’ story mirrors that of his cousin, Deonte Banks, who also faced limited recruiting opportunities before earning a late scholarship offer from the University of Maryland. Deonte would be a first-round draft pick for the New York Giants, proving that under-recruited athletes can defy expectations when given the chance. Athletes like Antwain Banks are often overlooked by major programs due to their lack of star ratings and limited visibility in their high school markets, often because they come from more rural areas. Factors like a lack of recruiting networks among coaches and outdated recruitment philosophies also contribute to their underexposure. With the rise of social media, some recruiting budgets are being cut as recruiters rely more on online data. Colleges now prefer athletes to come to them through unofficial visits, mega camps, junior days, and game day experiences rather than actively scouting them in person.

Antwain demonstrated talent and knows no ranking. These athletes find ways to contribute at all levels of college football, often walking on or transferring to programs where they can showcase their skills. The Under Recruited Athlete platform exists to highlight these stories, ensuring that athletes with similar paths to Banks have opportunities to be seen and scouted by college programs.

Bowie State showed resilience and heart despite the loss, especially from players like Antwain Banks, whose story embodies the spirit of underrecruited athletes across the country. As college programs look to strengthen their rosters, Banks’ performance is a reminder of the untapped potential in athletes who may not have received high recruiting attention but are fully capable of impacting the field.

HBCU ORIGINAL

Harris-Walz Campaign Kicks Off HBCU Homecoming Tour to Engage Black Voters

Published

10 hours ago

October 1, 2024

HBCU ORIGINAL

With the 2024 election season heating up, the Harris-Walz campaign is hitting the road with a dynamic new strategy aimed at mobilizing young Black voters. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have officially launched their Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Homecoming Tour, targeting pivotal battleground states ahead of election day.

Connecting with Gen-Z and Millennials at HBCUs

As the race for the White House narrows with less than 40 days to go, Harris and her opponent, Donald Trump, are aggressively working to win over undecided voters, particularly in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nevada. Both candidates understand the growing influence of Gen-Z and millennial voters, especially within the Black community. This group has shown an increased level of engagement in the 2024 election, with voters under 35 making up 81% of new registrations on National Voter Registration Day, according to Vote.gov.

The Importance of HBCU Homecomings

HBCU homecomings are much more than just football games and reunions – they are powerful cultural celebrations that honor the history, heritage, and academic achievements of Black Americans. For many, these events are a reflection of the progress made in education and civil rights, and they provide a perfect backdrop for political outreach.

Homecoming season draws thousands of current students, alumni, and families to campus for a series of events. Harris and Walz are tapping into this unique energy by visiting some of the most prominent HBCUs across the nation, beginning with Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in North Carolina on September 28, where they hosted a tailgate for the WSSU vs. Bowie State University game. Despite the challenges caused by Hurricane Helene, the event brought together students and supporters alike.

Key Tour Stops and Special Moments

A particularly significant stop on the tour will be Howard University, Harris’ alma mater. As a proud graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Harris will join in celebrating Howard’s 100th homecoming on October 19. This historic occasion is set to be a memorable one, with thousands of alumni expected to attend and the Vice President herself leading the charge.

The campaign will wrap up in Georgia with stops at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, where Harris and Walz aim to energize young voters ahead of election day.

Tour Schedule

Here’s a look at the current schedule for the Harris-Walz HBCU Homecoming Tour:

Sept. 28 – Winston-Salem State University
Oct. 12 – Lincoln University
Oct. 12 – Virginia State University
Oct. 19 – Howard University
Oct. 19 – North Carolina A&T State University
Oct. 19 – Clark Atlanta University
Oct. 26 – Morehouse College
Oct. 26 – Spelman College

More campus visits may be announced in the coming days as the campaign continues its efforts to engage and mobilize voters.

Why This Matters

The Harris-Walz HBCU Homecoming Tour isn’t just about political rallies – it’s about recognizing the significance of these educational institutions in shaping Black leaders of tomorrow. By connecting with students and alumni, the campaign is making a concerted effort to address the issues that matter most to young Black voters, from education and healthcare to civil rights and economic justice.

Stay tuned for more updates from the tour as Harris and Walz continue their journey through HBCU campuses, rallying voters to make their voices heard in this pivotal election.

Events

President Biden Announces $1.3 Billion Investment into HBCUs at 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia

Published

6 days ago

September 26, 2024

HBCU ORIGINAL

Philadelphia, PA —
President Joe Biden made a historic announcement at the 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, unveiling an additional $1.3 billion investment into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The President addressed an enthusiastic crowd at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where he highlighted his administration’s record-breaking support for HBCUs, bringing the total investment to $17 billion since 2021.

“In just four years, working with HBCU leaders, we’re making the most significant investment in Black America ever in American history,” Biden declared to a wave of applause. The new funding will include federal grants to help eight HBCUs expand their efforts to diversify the STEM and education workforce, marking a major step forward in elevating these institutions’ contributions to the nation’s future.

Dietra Trent, Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, also underscored the importance of this commitment, stating, “We have never had this kind of investment before.”

HBCU alumni in attendance, like Cheney University graduate Antoine Mapp, expressed their excitement: “We’re finally getting the recognition and funding that we deserve and desperately needed.”

Biden’s remarks also touched on the urgency of protecting democracy, condemning political violence and referencing a recent apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The President closed his speech with a hopeful nod to Vice President Kamala Harris, an HBCU alumna, encouraging voters to support her potential presidential candidacy.

With this unprecedented funding, President Biden is ensuring HBCUs remain a cornerstone of educational excellence and opportunity for generations to come.

HBCU ORIGINAL

Knights Volleyball Sweeps Wiley for First Conference Win

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2024

HBCU ORIGINAL

Marshall, Texas- The SUNO Knights traveled to Texas this weekend to take on the Wiley University Wildcats on Saturday, September 21. The Knights finally saw their hard work pay off and returned to the win column with a three-sets-to-zero victory, notching their first HBCU Athletic Conference win of the year. The Knights had four players with at least six kills, and freshman Uriah Larry and sophomore Alaina Obianozie each led the team with seven. Setters Trinity Bloodworth and A’Lon Clark also combined for 25 assists on the day.

In the first set, the Knights got out to an early 8-3 start thanks to two service aces from Bloodworth and a few errors from the Wildcats. The Knights did not look back, thanks to contributions from Obianozie, who had three of her seven in this set, which led to SUNO taking the first set 25-17.

(Photo courtesy of Wiley University Athletics)

The second set was much tighter and saw a lot more of a scratch-and-claw fight from the Wildcats. The Knights still got out to a fast start and led 12-7 early as sophomore Malaysia Hudson got two of her six kills in this stretch. The Wildcats responded, and whenever the Knights tried to pull away, the Wildcats would bring it closer, which led to a 23-24 deficit for SUNO.

With help from Hudson and sophomore Regan McDowell and Clark who were all involved in a final 3-0 run to win the second set 26-24. In the third and final set, the Knights continued the hot start trend and led early once again, 9-4, as Larry and Obianozie each combined for four kills during this stretch. This set also saw errors as a whole for both teams as fatigue set in. Bloodworth helped sealed the win as she earned three of her 13 assists during this set, continuing her stellar season. This helped SUNO put the finishing touches on a sweep of the Wiley Wildcats.

The Knights will look to continue their winning ways when they travel to Tougaloo, Miss. for the first HBCUAC Crossover Tournament.

Score

	Set 1	Set 2	Set 3	Final
SUNO	25	26	25	3
Wiley	17	24	20	0

Records
SUNO (1-9, 1-2)
Wiley (0-7, 0-4)

Location:

Marshall, Texas – Alumni Gymnasium

Streak

SUNO (W1)

SUNO Top Performers

Freshman Uriah Larry led the team with 7 kills and 4 solo blocks along with sophomore Alaina Obianozie who had 7 kills and 3 blocks.
Freshman Trinity Bloodworth led the game with 13 assists
Sophomore A’Lon Clark added 12 assists
Sophomore Armoni Harris led the team with 11 digs

HBCU ORIGINAL

SUNO Knights Athletics Receives NAIA Award for Second Time this Summer

Published

2 weeks ago

September 17, 2024

HBCU ORIGINAL

Knights Women’s Basketball and Volleyball Receive National Academic Honor

This is the second time this summer that SUNO Athletics has been honored by the NAIA

NEW ORLEANS – September 17, 2024 – Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Athletics is proud to announce that its Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Basketball teams have been named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Scholar Teams for the 2023-24 academic year. This prestigious honor is part of the 2024 NAIA National Awards Day, which celebrates student-athletes, athletics personnel, and teams for their hard work, exemplary character, and significant accomplishments both on and off the field.

The NAIA Scholar Team Award recognizes teams that achieve a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the nominating institution. SUNO’s Women’s Basketball team achieved a 3.24 team GPA, while the Women’s Volleyball team earned a 3.08 team GPA.

“We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes for their dedication not only to their sports but also to their academics,” said James A. Matthews, III, SUNO Director of Athletics. “This recognition reflects the hard work these young women put in daily to excel in all aspects of their collegiate experience. It’s an honor to see their efforts recognized nationally.”

This is the second NAIA honor for SUNO Athletics this summer. In July, the department received the NAIA’s highest honors for character and community service and was recognized as a Champions of Character Five Star GOLD department for 2023-24.

The Scholar Team Award highlights SUNO Athletics’ commitment to fostering excellence in the classroom and on the court. These achievements build on a strong tradition of academic success within SUNO Athletics and reinforce the department’s purpose of developing well-rounded student-athletes.

The complete list of NAIA Scholar Team honorees is available here.

For more information about SUNO Athletics, visit sunoathletics.com.

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Campus

Celebrating Leadership: Presidents of America’s Esteemed HBCUs

Published

1 month ago

August 30, 2024

HBCU ORIGINAL

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been pillars of higher education, culture, and community for over a century. Their presidents play crucial roles in steering these institutions toward success, fostering innovation, and preserving the rich legacy of HBCUs. Today, we highlight the visionary leaders at the helm of these distinguished schools.

Alabama A&M University
Location: Normal, Alabama
President: Dr. Daniel K. WimsAlabama State University
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
President: Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.

Albany State University
Location: Albany, Georgia
President: Dr. Marion Ross Fedrick

Alcorn State University
Location: Lorman, Mississippi
President: Dr. Felecia M. Nave

Allen University
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
President: Dr. Ernest McNealey

American Baptist College
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Chancellor: Dr. Laurence B. Alexander

Arkansas Baptist College
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
President: Dr. Carlos R. Clark

Barber-Scotia College
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Interim President: Dr. David Olah

Benedict College
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
President: Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis

Bennett College
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
President: Dr. Suzanne Walsh

Bethune-Cookman University
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
President: Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II

Bishop State Community College
Location: Mobile, Alabama
President: Dr. Olivier Charles

Bluefield State College
Location: Bluefield, West Virginia
President: Dr. Robin C. Capehart

Bowie State University
Location: Bowie, Maryland
President: Dr. Aminta H. Breaux

Carver College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Robert Crummie

Central State University
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio
President: Dr. Jack Thomas

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Location: Cheyney, Pennsylvania
President: Dr. Aaron A. Walton

Claflin University
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina
President: Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack

Clark Atlanta University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. George T. French, Jr.

Clinton College
Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina
President: Dr. Lester A. McCorn

Coahoma Community College
Location: Clarksdale, Mississippi
President: Dr. Valmadge Towner

Coppin State University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
President: Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins

Delaware State University
Location: Dover, Delaware
President: Dr. Tony Allen

Denmark Technical College
Location: Denmark, South Carolina
President: Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr.

Dillard University
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
President: Dr. Rochelle Ford

University of the District of Columbia
Location: Washington, D.C.
President: Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr.

Edward Waters University
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
President: Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.

Elizabeth City State University
Location: Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Karrie G. Dixon

Fayetteville State University
Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Darrell T. Allison

Fisk University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr.

Florida A&M University
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
President: Dr. Larry Robinson

Florida Memorial University
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
President: Dr. Jaffus Hardrick

Fort Valley State University
Location: Fort Valley, Georgia
President: Dr. Paul Jones

Gadsden State Community College (Valley Street campus)
Location: Gadsden, Alabama
President: Dr. Kathy L. Murphy

Grambling State University
Location: Grambling, Louisiana
President: Dr. Rick Gallot

Hampton University
Location: Hampton, Virginia
President: Dr. Darrell K. Williams

Harris-Stowe State University
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
President: Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith

Hinds Community College at Utica
Location: Utica, Mississippi
President: Dr. Stephen Vacik

Howard University
Location: Washington, D.C.
President: Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick

Huston-Tillotson University
Location: Austin, Texas
President: Dr. Melva K. Williams

Interdenominational Theological Center
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Matthew Wesley Williams

J. F. Drake State Technical College
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
President: Dr. Patricia Sims

Jackson State University
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
President: Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony (Interim)

Jarvis Christian University
Location: Hawkins, Texas
President: Dr. Lester C. Newman

Johnson C. Smith University
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
President: Dr. Clarence D. Armbrister

Kentucky State University
Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
President: Dr. M. Christopher Brown II (Interim)

Knoxville College
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Leonard Adams (Interim)

Lane College
Location: Jackson, Tennessee
President: Dr. Logan Hampton

Langston University
Location: Langston, Oklahoma
President: Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.

Lawson State Community College
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
President: Dr. Cynthia Anthony

LeMoyne-Owen College
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
President: Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs

The Lincoln University
Location: Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
President: Dr. Brenda A. Allen

Lincoln University
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
President: Dr. John B. Moseley

Livingstone College
Location: Salisbury, North Carolina
President: Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Location: Princess Anne, Maryland
President: Dr. Heidi M. Anderson

Meharry Medical College
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. James E. K. Hildreth

Miles College
Location: Fairfield, Alabama
President: Dr. Bobbie Knight

Mississippi Valley State University
Location: Itta Bena, Mississippi
President: Dr. Jerryl Briggs

Morehouse College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. David A. Thomas

Morehouse School of Medicine
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice

Morgan State University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
President: Dr. David Wilson

Morris Brown College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Kevin James

Morris College
Location: Sumter, South Carolina
President: Dr. Leroy Staggers

Norfolk State University
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
President: Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston

North Carolina A&T State University
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr.

North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye

Oakwood University
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
President: Dr. Leslie N. Pollard

Paine College
Location: Augusta, Georgia
President: Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones

Paul Quinn College
Location: Dallas, Texas
President: Dr. Michael J. Sorrell

Philander Smith College
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
President: Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr.

Prairie View A&M University
Location: Prairie View, Texas
President: Dr. Ruth J. Simmons (Interim)

Rust College
Location: Holly Springs, Mississippi
President: Dr. Ivy R. Taylor

Savannah State University
Location: Savannah, Georgia
President: Dr. Kimberly Ballard-Washington

Selma University
Location: Selma, Alabama
President: Dr. Stanford E. Angion

Shaw University
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
President: Dr. Paulette Dillard

Shelton State Community College (C.A. Fredd Campus)
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
President: Dr. Chris Cox

Shorter College
Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
President: Dr. O. Jerome Green

Simmons College of Kentucky
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
President: Dr. Kevin W. Cosby

South Carolina State University
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina
President: Dr. Alexander Conyers

Southern University at New Orleans
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Chancellor: Dr. James H. Ammons, Jr.

Southern University at Shreveport
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Chancellor: Dr. Rodney Ellis

Southern University and A&M College
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
President-Chancellor: Dr. Dennis J. Shields

Southwestern Christian College
Location: Terrell, Texas
President: Dr. Ervin D. Seamster, Jr.

Spelman College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Helene Gayle

St. Augustine’s University
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
President: Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail

St. Philip’s College
Location: San Antonio, Texas
President: Dr. Adena Williams Loston

Stillman College
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
President: Dr. Cynthia Warrick

Talladega College
Location: Talladega, Alabama
President: Dr. Gregory J. Vincent

Tennessee State University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Glenda Glover

Texas College
Location: Tyler, Texas
President: Dr. Dwight J. Fennell

Texas Southern University
Location: Houston, Texas
President: Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young

Tougaloo College
Location: Tougaloo, Mississippi
President: Dr. Carmen J. Walters

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
President: Dr. Kemba Chambers

Tuskegee University
Location: Tuskegee, Alabama
President: Dr. Charlotte P. Morris

University of the Virgin Islands
Location: St. Thomas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
President: Dr. David Hall

Virginia State University
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
President: Dr. Makola M. Abdullah

Virginia Union University
Location: Richmond, Virginia
President: Dr. Hakim J. Lucas

Virginia University of Lynchburg
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
President: Dr. Kathy Franklin

Voorhees University
Location: Denmark, South Carolina
President: Dr. Ronnie Hopkins

West Virginia State University
Location: Institute, West Virginia
President: Dr. Ericke S. Cage

Wilberforce University
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio
President: Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard

Wiley University
Location: Marshall, Texas
President: Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr.

Winston-Salem State University
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Elwood L. Robinson

Xavier University of Louisiana
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
President: Dr. Reynold Verret

Fun Facts About HBCUs You Might Not Know

The legacy of HBCUs is rich with history, culture, and achievements. Here are some cool facts about a few of these remarkable institutions:

Howard University

Did You Know? Howard University is often referred to as “The Mecca” because of its pivotal role in African American culture and history. It has produced more African American Ph.D. holders than any other university in the world.

Spelman College

Did You Know? Spelman College is the oldest historically Black college for women in America. It was originally founded as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in 1881 and later became Spelman College in 1924.

Tuskegee University

Did You Know? Tuskegee University is home to the famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces. The university also has a National Historic Site, the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, on its campus.

Morehouse College

Did You Know? Morehouse College is the only HBCU dedicated exclusively to the education of African American men. Among its notable alumni are Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., filmmaker Spike Lee, and actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Florida A&M University (FAMU)

Did You Know? FAMU has one of the top-ranked public pharmacy schools in the nation. The university’s Marching “100” band is also world-renowned and has performed in venues like the Super Bowl and the Grammy Awards.

Xavier University of Louisiana

Did You Know? Xavier University of Louisiana produces more African American students who go on to complete medical school than any other college in the U.S.

Lincoln University (PA)

Did You Know? Lincoln University is the first degree-granting HBCU in the United States, founded in 1854. Notable alumni include Langston Hughes, Thurgood Marshall, and Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana.

North Carolina A&T State University

Did You Know? North Carolina A&T State University is the largest HBCU in the United States by enrollment. It is also known for its powerful engineering programs and is one of the top producers of African American engineers in the country.

Hampton University

Did You Know? Hampton University owns the largest free-standing proton therapy cancer treatment center in the world, the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute.

Bethune-Cookman University

Did You Know? Founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune with just $1.50 and a mission to educate African American girls, Bethune-Cookman University has grown into one of the most respected HBCUs in the nation.