The story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is one of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. Long before the first HBCU campuses were built, enslaved African Americans created a culture rooted in survival, community, and hope—a culture often centered around food. From plantation kitchens to family recipes handed down through generations, food was much more than nourishment. It was a lifeline, a way to connect with African heritage, and ultimately, a bridge to a future of education and self-determination.

When slavery ended, the desire for education and a better life ignited the formation of HBCUs, places where Black people could learn freely, come together, and build their futures. And food, as it turns out, played a major role in making that dream a reality.

Food as Resistance and Connection

In the kitchens and fields of plantations, enslaved people transformed food into a powerful act of resistance. Despite harsh conditions, they held onto African traditions by growing, cooking, and even adapting native foods into something uniquely their own. Ingredients like okra, rice, black-eyed peas, and yams weren’t just foods—they were pieces of home, representing a heritage they fought to keep alive.

Through shared meals and passed-down recipes, enslaved families built a sense of community, a reminder that they could find strength in each other, even in the worst of times. The resilience they showed in creating meals from scraps is a legacy that remains in Black cuisine today, where dishes like gumbo, collard greens, and sweet potato pie tell stories of survival, culture, and unity.

The First HBCUs: Feeding the Mind and the Body

When freedom finally came, the African American community knew that education was the key to building a brighter future. HBCUs were founded as places of learning, empowerment, and safety, where the next generation could prepare for careers and leadership. Food continued to play a vital role, as early HBCUs emphasized practical skills, including farming and cooking, to help students achieve independence.

At schools like Tuskegee University, founded in 1881, students learned agriculture, culinary skills, and home economics, alongside academics. These programs weren’t just about feeding students; they were about building self-sufficiency and passing down skills that would help entire communities. Many students at HBCUs learned not only how to grow food but also how to cook it in ways that honored their heritage and strengthened their community.

From Cooking Classes to Culinary Justice

Today, food remains central to the mission of HBCUs. Students learn about food science, nutrition, and agriculture to address issues like food deserts, where it’s hard for communities to access fresh, affordable food. Many HBCUs are also involved in “culinary justice”—a movement that honors the contributions of Black farmers, cooks, and foodways, while working toward food security and health equity.

This idea of “culinary justice” means ensuring that Black communities not only celebrate their culinary heritage but also have the resources to thrive. Whether it’s through starting community gardens, running food programs, or promoting local agriculture, HBCU students are keeping the legacy of self-sufficiency alive and using food to address challenges like chronic health conditions and access to nutritious food.

Why Food Matters to HBCUs (and to Us All)

The food we eat today has traveled a long journey, much like the story of HBCUs themselves. Every recipe passed down, every family meal shared, and every vegetable grown reminds us of the journey from survival to scholarship. For students at HBCUs, food is a powerful connection to history—a way to remember the resilience of those who came before, while building a healthier future for themselves and their communities.

As we celebrate the history and future of HBCUs, let’s remember the role of food as both a symbol of survival and a tool for success. Food has always been more than just something on a plate—it’s a story, a tradition, and a path forward. And like the HBCUs that continue to inspire generations, food remains a powerful link between the past, present, and future, nourishing not just bodies, but minds, communities, and dreams.

As fall approaches, homecoming season is about to kick off at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), bringing with it the excitement of football games, step shows, concerts, and deep-rooted traditions. But this year, the homecoming celebrations offer more than just a cultural reunion for alumni and students—they present a key political opportunity. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are eyeing HBCU campuses as pivotal battlegrounds to gain the support of young Black voters.

The Importance of HBCU Homecomings

HBCUs have always played a significant role in shaping Black political thought and activism. Many prominent leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Rep. John Lewis, honed their leadership skills at HBCUs. Today, these institutions remain a vital hub for educating and empowering future leaders in the Black community.

Homecomings are the heartbeat of these institutions, attracting thousands of students, alumni, and influential figures from across the country. They’re also a reflection of the political and social pulse of Black America. With the 2024 election heating up, both parties recognize that capturing the attention of these communities—especially young voters—could make or break their campaigns.

Donald Trump’s Challenge: A New Approach

Former President Donald Trump has struggled with gaining support from Black voters, particularly during his first term. His administration’s policies, ranging from criminal justice reform to economic investments, were pitched as beneficial to the Black community, but many young voters remain skeptical of his leadership. However, Trump’s team sees HBCU homecomings as a strategic avenue to change the narrative.

During his presidency, Trump increased funding for HBCUs through the FUTURE Act and made permanent a $255 million annual funding allocation to these schools. His supporters argue that his contributions to HBCU financial stability are proof of his commitment to Black institutions, even if broader racial concerns and rhetoric have tainted his relationship with many young Black voters.

Trump’s approach for 2024 includes sending surrogates to these campuses during homecoming events, focusing on his record with HBCU funding and his efforts toward criminal justice reform with the First Step Act. The challenge will be convincing young Black voters that these policies outweigh the controversies surrounding race that defined his time in office.

Kamala Harris: Reclaiming the Base

On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris has deep connections to HBCUs. As an alumna of Howard University, she proudly represents the legacy of HBCU graduates in national politics. However, despite the excitement surrounding her historic election in 2020, Harris and the Biden administration have faced criticism from some younger Black voters who feel that their concerns, particularly on issues such as student loan debt and police reform, have not been fully addressed.

The Biden-Harris administration has made strides in student debt relief and invested in underserved communities, but lingering dissatisfaction remains. This homecoming season, Harris is expected to make her presence felt at several major HBCU campuses, rallying support and highlighting the administration’s achievements, including its recent decision to forgive billions in student loans, which directly benefits many Black graduates.

Her campaign hopes to use her HBCU connections and background as a former member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to galvanize students and alumni. The question remains: will young voters, especially those increasingly leaning toward progressive ideals, be swayed by her efforts, or will they opt for alternative candidates that better reflect their priorities?

Young Black Voters: Key to 2024

The stakes are high for both parties. The youth vote—especially among young Black voters—has been a critical swing factor in recent elections. In 2020, Black voter turnout played a significant role in securing President Joe Biden’s victory, especially in key states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. But a growing number of young Black voters are frustrated with the current political system, feeling that neither party has fully addressed issues like racial justice, economic inequality, and climate change.

HBCU homecomings offer Trump and Harris a chance to speak directly to this demographic and shift the momentum in their favor. Both candidates need to demonstrate that they understand the concerns of young Black voters and that their policies will create tangible change.

The Road Ahead: Can They Connect?

While HBCU homecomings are a time for celebration and community building, they are also an opportunity for young Black voters to engage politically. For Trump, the challenge will be overcoming his past rhetoric and convincing students that his administration’s policies were beneficial for their future. For Harris, the task is to reconnect with the HBCU base and prove that the Biden administration’s work is far from over.

As these candidates converge on campuses this fall, one thing is clear: HBCU homecomings will be a critical space for political engagement and could very well shape the direction of the 2024 election. With the clock ticking, both Trump and Harris are running out of time to secure the support of young Black voters—but they know homecoming season might just give them one last shot.

WASHINGTON – Forbes magazine has recognized Howard University as the #1 historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation, according to its 2024-2025 America’s Top Colleges rankings.

The annual list showcases 500 schools producing “successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, with less student debt.” The colleges were ranked based on return on investment, average student debt, and outcomes for graduates. The publication also considered freshman-to-sophomore retention rates, on-time graduation, and alumni salaries.

In addition to its ranking as the top HBCU, Howard was also ranked among the top 100 colleges in the northeast (#95). Other HBCUs on the Forbes list include Spelman College, Morehouse College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University.

The Forbes ranking comes as Howard University continues to grow its groundbreaking programs amid a surge in enrollment. Last month, the University accepted a record-breaking $175 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support its College of Medicine, public health initiatives, and education of health professionals of color. The University is also home to the first U.S. Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center at an HBCU, funded through a $90 million grant from the U.S. Air Force to conduct research on technological systems and artificial intelligence. Additional research centers have put the University at the forefront of thought leadership in fields including microchip design and validation, journalism, the humanities, disease research, data science and cybersecurity, nanotechnology, health and wellness, business, civil rights, and gender studies.

“Howard University’s top ranking among HBCUs adds momentum to our march into the upper tier of the nation’s research institutions,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. “Howard’s singular influence at the nexus of intellectual discovery and global culture cannot be overstated, and we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge to help the world solve its most pressing challenges.”

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.

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.

With support from the NFL Foundation, LISC oversaw the field preparations for the upcoming 2024 football season.

On August 20, 2024, it was announced that four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will unveil newly refurbished football fields this fall, thanks to grants exceeding $6.5 million from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, an invitational grant initiative, was established to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of football fields for students and local community youth groups. Funded by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and supported by the NFL Foundation, this program targeted select HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s leading community development support organization, managed the program. LISC, in partnership with the NFL, has refurbished hundreds of community football fields across the country over the past 25 years.

The grants were allocated as follows:

• Albany State University (Albany, Georgia): Conversion of the natural grass football and soccer field at Albany State University Coliseum to turf.
• Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia): Replacement of the current turf at Panther Stadium.
• Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama): Conversion of the natural grass at the practice facility to turf.
• Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia): Replacement of the turf at Ted Wright Stadium’s football and soccer field.

The grant awards followed a competitive request for proposals process. Construction was managed by The Land Tek Group, Inc., a company with over 40 years of experience in sports facility development, in collaboration with local contractors engaged by the universities.

“The positive impact of athletics is a driving force across our business portfolio,” said Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment. “Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation prioritize community impact through sport, and supporting these historic institutions aligns with our values. We’re proud to partner with LISC, the NFL Foundation, and these universities to enhance their playing surfaces, with the shared goal of creating more opportunities for students and the surrounding communities.”

“This program is one of many ways the NFL is deepening its commitment to HBCUs,” said Alexia Gallagher, NFL VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “We are thrilled to provide resources that allow student-athletes at these institutions to excel on the football field while fostering equal opportunities for all.”

“Thanks to the Arthur M. Blank Foundation and the NFL Foundation, we can provide capital and technical expertise to institutions that offer immense value to students but may not have the same financial resources as larger universities,” said Michael T. Pugh, LISC President and CEO. “With access to these flexible resources, the schools can make critical updates that benefit not only the institutions but also improve the health and well-being of students and community members.”

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, established by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, in 1995, focuses on transforming lives and communities by bringing people together across differences to find common cause. The foundation has granted over $1 billion to various charitable causes, with collective giving areas including Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.

About LISC

LISC is one of the largest community development organizations in the U.S., dedicated to creating vibrant, resilient communities. Since 1979, LISC has invested $32 billion to develop affordable homes, community spaces, and employment opportunities, all while working to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity and advance racial equity.

About the NFL Foundation

The NFL Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through football, supporting athletes at all levels and the communities that embrace the sport. The foundation, backed by the 32 NFL clubs, focuses on health, safety, and wellness, and has become a leading philanthropic entity, contributing to various causes across the U.S. and beyond. For more information, visit NFLFoundation.org.