Once the backbone of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black men are slowly disappearing from the very spaces built to educate and empower them. Once nearly 38% of HBCU student bodies in 1976, Black male enrollment has now dropped to just 26%, according to the latest national figures.

This isn’t just a statistic. It’s a crisis. And it’s one that could have ripple effects for generations.

A Growing Gap: Where Are Our Brothers?

The decline in Black male college enrollment is not exclusive to HBCUs—it’s a nationwide problem. But the decline at HBCUs feels different. It feels personal. These are the institutions that have historically wrapped their arms around young Black men, provided safe spaces for growth, and launched some of the greatest leaders in Black history.

So why are fewer young Black men walking through those doors?

What’s Causing the Drop?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about lack of ambition. It’s about the systems stacked against our young men before they even reach a college campus.

🔹 Systemic Inequities in K-12 Education

Black boys face disproportionate discipline, underfunded schools, and low expectations from educators. Far too many are underestimated long before they sit for their first college application.

🔹 Financial Barriers

College is expensive—and for many Black families, the math doesn’t add up. Rising tuition, limited financial aid, and immediate financial pressures at home often push Black men to skip college and head straight to the workforce.

🔹 Societal Pressures & Perception

Some Black men question the value of a degree when job prospects still feel limited post-graduation. The pressure to “start making money now” often overshadows the long-term benefit of education.

🔹 The “Belief Gap”

When teachers and counselors don’t believe in Black boys’ potential, it shows. That lack of belief sinks in early and shapes how they see themselves.

🔹 Shifting Perceptions of HBCUs

Despite their rich legacy, some young people perceive HBCUs as outdated or less competitive, not realizing these institutions have been—and still are—game changers in Black academic success.

🔹 Gender Disparity

Today, Black women significantly outnumber Black men on HBCU campuses. While that reflects the incredible strides Black women are making, it also highlights the imbalance and isolation some Black men feel.

The Real-World Consequences

The fallout from these trends is more than academic:

• Reduced Economic Mobility: Without a degree, Black men face fewer opportunities for high-paying, sustainable careers.

• Strained HBCU Communities: Enrollment drops hit budgets, alter campus culture, and weaken the support networks that make HBCUs so special.

• National Impact: When fewer Black men enter higher education, entire communities lose out on leadership, innovation, and generational uplift.

What Can Be Done?

The good news? This trend is reversible—but only if we act with intention.

✅ Fix the Pipeline

Invest early in Black boys. That means mentorship, college prep programs, culturally responsive educators, and access to advanced coursework in middle and high school.

✅ Close the Financial Gap

Expand scholarships and financial aid targeting Black men. No one should have to choose between education and survival.

✅ Change the Narrative

We must amplify stories of Black men who succeed in and after college. Representation matters. College must be seen as a bridge to opportunity, not a detour from success.

✅ Support, Don’t Just Recruit

Retention is as important as recruitment. That means mentorship programs, Black male faculty representation, mental health resources, and a culture that truly affirms their presence.

✅ Reimagine the HBCU Experience

HBCUs must reconnect with the needs and culture of today’s young Black men. From curriculum to campus life to career readiness, HBCUs can reclaim their space as the go-to institutions for Black male empowerment.

Final Thoughts: This Is Bigger Than School

This is about saving futures. It’s about equity. It’s about building a generation of leaders, fathers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. If we let this trend continue, we risk losing more than students—we risk losing the legacy.

So the question isn’t just Where are our brothers?
The real question is: What are we doing to bring them back—and help them stay?

Join the movement. Share this message. Support a young brother. And let’s keep the doors of opportunity open.

#HBCUOriginal #BlackMaleEnrollment #SupportOurSons #HBCUVoices #EducationCrisis #LegacyMatters

Virginia State University proudly celebrates its Lunabotics Team from the College of Engineering and Technology for being the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) selected to compete in the 2025 NASA Lunabotics Challenge.

From May 20–22, the VSU Lunabotics Team traveled to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to participate in the prestigious national competition, which challenges university students to design, build, and operate robotic systems capable of performing tasks on simulated lunar terrain.

The Lunabotics Challenge is a rigorous, two-semester systems engineering competition hosted by NASA that immerses students in real-world applications of robotics, space exploration, and systems design.

“The team’s perseverance and collaborative spirit throughout this demanding challenge truly demonstrate their readiness for real-world engineering,” said Dr. Nasser Ghariban, Chair of the Department of Engineering and Faculty Advisor to the Lunabotics Team. “This hands-on experience with NASA provided invaluable technical and professional development for their future careers.”

The VSU team, comprised of 15 students from Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Technology, successfully designed and built a high-functioning robot that completed all the required competition tasks with precision and innovation.

Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, added, “The exceptional performance of our Lunabotics team showcases their innovation, dedication, and technical excellence. Being the only HBCU represented in this competition highlights Virginia State University’s unwavering commitment to STEM leadership and student success.”

VSU congratulates these talented students for their outstanding achievement and for representing HBCUs nationwide on a national stage. Their efforts reflect the University’s mission to empower students with transformative learning experiences in engineering and computer science.

ATLANTA, Ga. – Coppin State standouts Reagan Rivera and Daniel Moore have been selected to compete in the Third Annual HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. Major League Baseball announced their participation last week, with both players earning spots on the National League roster for the prestigious showcase.

The game, which highlights 50 of the top HBCU baseball players poised for professional careers, will be held on Friday, July 11 at Truist Park in Atlanta during MLB All-Star Week. Baseball legends Brian Jordan and David Justice, both former Atlanta Braves stars, will manage the National League and American League squads, respectively.

Rivera, a right-handed pitcher from San Diego, Calif., earned Second Team All-Northeast Conference honors after posting a 5-4 record with a 4.91 ERA. He struck out a school-record 97 batters over 80.2 innings, including 10 games with seven or more strikeouts. His season highlights featured 11 strikeouts vs. Le Moyne and 10 Ks in just five innings against VMI.

Moore, an infielder from Benton Harbor, Mich., led the Eagles with a .330 batting average, tallying 12 doubles, 36 RBI, and two home runs. He recorded 13 multi-hit games, including four four-hit performances, and led the team with eight multi-RBI games.

When life throws you a curveball—a medical bill, a car breakdown, or even a job layoff—how ready are you?

According to recent financial studies, over 80% of Americans have no emergency savings at all, and most don’t even have $5,000 saved for unexpected expenses. That means millions of people are one crisis away from serious financial trouble. It’s a quiet crisis, but one that affects everyday folks, especially young adults and college students.

At HBCU Original, we believe in keeping it real—and real talk means getting serious about your money.

💡 Why Emergency Savings Matter

Emergency savings are your financial safety net. They help you avoid high-interest credit card debt, loans, or having to ask others for help when a financial emergency strikes. Whether it’s a surprise hospital visit, a missed paycheck, or emergency travel—having money stashed away gives you peace of mind and control.

🎓 If You’re in College, Start Now

College students, this message is especially for you. Between tuition, books, and late-night food runs, it might feel impossible to save—but this is the perfect time to build the habit.

You don’t need to start with $1,000. Start with $10.
Open a separate savings account.
Put something in there every week.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have not only money saved, but the discipline and mindset that will carry you forward in life.

🗣️ Let’s Be Honest… How Much Do You Have Saved?

This isn’t about shaming—it’s about growing. We’re starting the conversation because change starts with awareness.

So how much do you have saved for an emergency?
Comment on our latest video, share your savings goals, or DM us your plan. Let’s hold each other accountable and normalize saving—even in a system that doesn’t always teach us how.

✊🏽 Culture. Community. Confidence.

At HBCU Original, we believe that financial wellness is part of Black excellence. We’re here to uplift, inform, and grow together. Whether you’re in college, recently graduated, or building your empire—start saving, stay consistent, and stay empowered.

—

🔗 Follow us on social
YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
📧 Join our newsletter at www.hbcuoriginal.com for tips, resources, and giveaways!

#EmergencyFund #HBCUOriginal #StartSaving #CollegeTips #FinancialFreedom #BlackExcellence #BudgetWisely #SaveSmart #RealTalk

Steve Settle III, a former standout at Howard University, has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat following the 2025 NBA Draft, according to DraftExpress’ Jon Chepkevich.

Settle, a 6-foot-11 forward from Glenarden, Maryland, will report to the Heat’s summer training camp with the opportunity to earn a roster spot or a two-way contract. The Exhibit 10 deal also includes the possibility of a bonus if Settle spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Settle launched his college career at Howard University, where he became a cornerstone of the program. During the 2022–23 season, he started all 32 games, averaging 11.1 points and leading the team in rebounding with 5.7 boards per game. His contributions helped power the Bison to both the MEAC regular season and tournament championships, earning him All-MEAC Second Team honors.

Following his time at Howard, Settle transferred to Temple University to finish out his collegiate eligibility. With the Owls, he elevated his game, averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per contest in the 2024–25 season. He also demonstrated a reliable perimeter shot, knocking down 41.6% of his attempts from three-point range. His size, versatility, and ability to space the floor made him a compelling prospect for NBA scouts.

What Is an Exhibit 10 Contract?
An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA deal that allows teams to convert it into a two-way contract. If a player is waived and later joins the team’s G League affiliate for at least 60 days, they can earn a bonus of up to $75,000. It’s a flexible path for players like Settle to prove their value during training camp and beyond.

What’s Next for Settle?
Settle will join the Miami Heat’s Summer League roster, giving him a national stage to display his skills against top-tier talent. His journey—from an HBCU to the American Athletic Conference and now the NBA—reflects the growing recognition of HBCU athletes and their readiness for the professional level.

For Settle, this is more than just a contract—it’s a testament to his growth and determination, and a beacon of hope for HBCU players aspiring to reach the league.

Story by Kyle T. Mosley | Originally published June 28, 2025 | © HBCU Legends via Sports Illustrated
Images courtesy of Imagn Content Services