Black History is American History

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a force in American education. They comprise just 3% of all four-year colleges and universities, but HBCUs produce nearly 20% of all Black college graduates. Their alumni make up half of Black lawyers and doctors and roughly 80% of Black judges. 

HBCU grads also include 50% of Black public school teachers. The need for more Black teachers is only increasing, and HBCUs are leading the way in teacher recruitment. 

In her article, "Teaching is a revolutionary act," Dr. Precious Symonette of Miami-Dade Public Schools outlines the critical role of Black educators and Black history all year long.

Black educators are needed to educate a child holistically, with cultural relevance. When we have the opportunity to teach our students our Black history every single day, not just during the month of February, we show them they are worthy of learning their true history and developing a knowledge of self which helps to change the trajectory of their lives. They build a confident sense of self-esteem and know that it’s OK for them to be a proud, Black individual.