Taylor Bembery
Variety Editor
When Historically Black Colleges and Universities are brought up in conversations of people that never attended them many different stereotypes come up.
HBCUs are often thought to be institutions that lack diversity, that our professors and students are incompetent, that we love to party and that our degrees aren’t worth anything after graduation compared to receiving a degree from a predominantly white institution. However, we are far more advanced than those stereotypes.
I think people sometimes forget the legacy that makes black colleges and universities so special, unique, and incomparable. As a Michigan native, I often debate with my peers back at home about why I chose to attend an HBCU. I believe I did not choose to go to an HBCU, going to an HBCU chose me. It’s something that you get from attending one of these institutions that cannot be bought or professed. The experience is indefinitely priceless.
Jackson State University is one of 105 black institutions. Just like any other HBCU, JSU has a rich historical background. From the first original class at Natchez Seminary consisting of only 20 freed slaves, JSU has grown to having a history breaking enrollment rate of 9,134 students as of Fall 2013.
The roots of HBCU’s run deep, but the only way we will keep our HBCU’s thriving for generations to come is by learning and exemplifying the legacy of them. The Black College Day celebration held this week is a reminder to me that as a student, I am a representation of my university and that I am responsible for carrying on the legacy.
I think in the midst of being at JSU, we as students forget the real reason why we are here; that we walk upon sacred grounds. Days like Founder’s Day, which is celebrated on October 23rd every year at JSU, is a reminder of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs it took to call this university our “Dear Ol’ College Home.’
According to thinkhbcu.org fact sheets, HBCUs enroll upwards of 370,000 students and graduate a significant share of all African-Americans receiving degrees. Of the three percent of the United States’ 3,688 institutions of higher learning, 105 HBCUs are responsible for producing approximately 23 percent of bachelor’s degrees, 13 percent of all master’s degrees, and 20 percent of all doctorates awarded each year.
HBCU’s are also known for making community service a requirement before it was required. I feel that is one of the main factors that will forever make HBCU’s incomparable to other institutions.
We should be proud to have chosen a university where you can in addition to receiving a quality education, learn how to become a member of society through giving service to others. The values learned at an HBCU like Jackson State University are helpful not only during enrollment but after graduating. The success we achieve after graduation is the living legacy of HBCU’s!
The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
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