HBCUs, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities, were created before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ensure that there was a space within higher education for African American Students. The first HBCU, Cheyney University in Pennsylvania, was founded in 1837. Currently there are hundreds of HBCUs across the country. Now, HBCUs welcome students of all races and ethnicities but still retain their initial mission as minority-serving institutions. HBCUs offer an experience of diversity, history, sense of belonging, and a family-oriented experience. (College Essay Guy).
The College Essay Guy offers guidelines on an introduction to HBCUs, HSIs (Hispanic Serving Institutions), and TCUs (Tribal Colleges and Universities). He breaks down the benefits of applying and considering HBCUs, and minority-serving institutions, as well as a reflective set of questions to allow BIPOC students to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of applying to and attending PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions). The link to the Site can be accessed here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/historically-black-college-universities-hbcu-tribal-colleges-universities-tcu