Howard University Essay

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Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have an extensive history between the 1800s and 1900s. The first HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, was established in 1837 (Palmer, 2018). During the era of segregation, HBCUs were founded to provide higher education opportunities to Black students who were denied access to mainstream institutions due to racist policies and practices. The Morrill Act of 1890 played a significant role in the establishment and growth of HBCUs by requiring states to provide funding and land grants to Black colleges (NCES, 2020). As a result, many HBCUs were established across the United States. They played a crucial role in educating generations of Black leaders and professionals, including Martin Luther …show more content…

that was founded in 1867 (Howard University, n.d.). The Freedmen's Bureau and the American Missionary Association established the university to provide education to newly freed slaves after the Civil War. Howard University has played a significant role in the education of African American. It hass produced notable alumni such as Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, and Kamala Harris, the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Throughout its history, Howard University has faced many challenges, including financial struggles and racial discrimination. In the 1960s, the university was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, with student activists leading protests and demanding changes on campus and in American society at large (Howard University, n.d.). Today, Howard University continues to be a predominant leader in higher education and a prominent institution for the Black community, with a commitment to social justice, academic excellence and integrity, and community engagement (Howard University, …show more content…

The university's academic offerings include over 120 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and social sciences (Howard University, n.d.). The university is known for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to preparing students to be leaders in their fields. In addition to its academic programs, Howard University offers a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations for students to get involved in. These include over 200 student organizations, club sports, intramural sports, and a vibrant fraternity community (Howard University, n.d.). The university also hosts several cultural events and performances throughout the year, including the annual Homecoming celebration, which attracts thousands of alumni and community members to campus (Howard University, n.d.). Through its academic programs and extracurricular offerings, Howard University provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their careers and their