From Slavery to Scholarship: The Role of Food in the Birth of HBCUs and Cultural Resilience

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.