Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) hold a unique and vital place in the landscape of American higher education. In Washington, D.C., these institutions have a rich history of providing educational opportunities and fostering community for African American students. This article explores the legacy and educational opportunities offered by HBCUs in Washington, D.C., with a focus on Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).

Howard University: A Legacy of "Truth and Service"

Howard University, a private, historically black, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., stands as a beacon of academic excellence and social impact. Chartered by Congress on March 2, 1867, the university was named for General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War hero and commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau. Howard's early funding came from endowment, private benefaction, and tuition.

Academic Excellence and Research

Howard University offers students 143 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service. Howard is a leader in STEM fields. The National Science Foundation has ranked Howard as the top producer of African-American undergraduates who later earn science and engineering doctoral degrees. The University also boasts nationally ranked programs in social work, business and communications. The College of Medicine is internationally regarded for its illustrious legacy of training students to become competent and compassionate physicians who provide health care in medically underserved communities at home and abroad. The College is a national leader in studying health disparities among people of color and is one of America's top institutions for training women surgeons. The Howard University Health Sciences division includes the Howard University Hospital and the Colleges of Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.

For more than 150 years, the Howard University School of Law has served as an advocate for social justice and as an architect of social change. It has produced more than 4,000 social engineers including the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, noted legislators, civil rights attorneys, mayors and public officials across the United States. It is the No. 1 law school for African Americans ranked by preLaw magazine.

Howard University is committed to further enhancing its strategic positioning as one of the top research universities in the nation. Howard's most prominent research building is the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB). Opened in 2016, the multi-story, 81,670 square foot, state-of-the-art research facility was completed for $70 million. The Beltsville Center for Climate System Observation (BCCSO) is a NASA University Research Center at the Beltsville, Maryland campus of Howard University. Founded in 1993, The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center's (RBC) mission is to serve as the hub and catalyst for enhancing international engagement for the benefit of the Howard University community. The RBC houses study abroad programs, foreign affairs scholarships and internships, and international affairs research.

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A Pivotal Role in Civil Rights

Howard University played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement on a number of occasions. Alain Locke, chair of the Department of Philosophy and first African American Rhodes Scholar, authored The New Negro (1925), which helped to usher in the Harlem Renaissance. Ralph Bunche, the first Nobel Peace Prize winner of African descent, served as chair of the Department of Political Science. Beginning in 1942, Howard University students pioneered the "stool-sitting" technique of occupying stools at a local cafeteria which denied service to African Americans, blocking other customers waiting for service. By January 1943, students had begun to organize regular sit-ins and pickets around Washington, D.C. at cigar stores and cafeterias which refused to serve them because of their race. Stokely Carmichael, also known as Kwame Ture, a student in the Department of Philosophy and the Howard University School of Divinity, coined the term "Black Power" and worked in Lowndes County, Alabama as a voting rights activist. Historian Rayford Logan served as chair of the Department of History.

Campus Life and Traditions

The 256-acre campus, often referred to as "The Mecca", is in northwest Washington, D.C. Major improvements, additions and changes occurred at the school in the aftermath of World War I. The Howard University Gallery of Art was established by Howard's board of trustees in 1928. Howard University is home to the commercial radio station WHUR-FM 96.3, also known as Howard University Radio. A student-run station, WHBC, operates on an HD Radio sub-channel of WHUR-FM. HUR Voices can be heard on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Howard is also home to the public television station WHUT-TV, located on campus next to WHUR-FM. Howard University is home to The Hilltop, the university's student newspaper. Howard University is the publisher of The Journal of Negro Education, which began publication in 1932. The Howard University Bison Yearbook is created, edited and published during the school year to provide students a year-in-review. On 2 December 1907, Andrew Carnegie granted Howard University $50,000 to establish its first library. The Harriet Tubman Quadrangle - "The Quad" - consists of five halls housing approximately 640 freshmen (women only). Howard University has many academic and social Greek letter organizations on campus. Howard Homecoming week is the most prominent and richest cultural tradition of the institution. Over 100,000 of alumni, students, celebrity guests, and visitors are in attendance to patronize the many events and attractions affiliated with the festive week on and near campus. Springfest is an annual tradition created by the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA) to celebrate the arrival of spring. Springfest is similar to homecoming week in the fall but on a smaller scale and with more emphasis on the student body. The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards is an annual black tie gala hosted by the Howard University Student Association (HUSA). A select number of students, faculty, organizations, and administrators from the Howard community are honored for their exceptional accomplishments. Resfest week is a Howard tradition that involves freshmen living in residence halls on campus competing in several organized competitions for campus bragging rights.

Notable Alumni

Howard University has produced a remarkable array of distinguished alumni, including:

Vice President Kamala D. Harris
Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall
Nobel laureate Toni Morrison
Civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture)
Actress Taraji P. Henson
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
Astrophysicist Beth Brown
Ophthalmologist Patricia Bath
Mayor of New York City David Norman Dinkins
Writer Zora Neale Hurston

These individuals, among many others, exemplify the transformative power of a Howard University education.

University of the District of Columbia: A Public Urban Land-Grant University

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) stands as the only public university in the nation's capital and the only urban land-grant university in the United States. UDC is proud to offer a variety of robust educational, research and community service opportunities.

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Academic Programs and Opportunities

At the University of the District of Columbia, there are a wide variety of academic opportunities and learning experiences. UDC offers more than 80 programs across five schools and colleges to cater to your unique interests and professional aspirations. The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) may be the place for you if you've always seen yourself in a career in the arts, education, science or mathematics. Join UDC's land-grant college, the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) and explore degree paths in focuses like architecture, urban sustainability, health education and nursing, as well as a variety of community education programs through our five land grant centers! Pursue your dream of a rewarding career in accounting, finance, business management and much more through one of our many degree programs in the School of Business & Public Administration (SBPA) at UDC. In addition to your degree, we encourage you to become a member and make lifelong connections through one of our school's business-oriented clubs. At a time when technology in and out of the workplace continues to expand and advance, it is the mission of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to equip you with the tools needed to become a leader in your field. If you're interested in a career in business technology, fashion merchandising, law enforcement, nursing and more, then look no further than the Community College. For more than 50 years, the UDC's David A. Clarke School of Law has led graduates to promising careers in government and public interest. In association with the District's workforce plan, UDC's Division of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning (WDLL) is here to fight unemployment and underemployment in our community.

Similarly, UDC provides online courses that maintain the same high standards as traditional face-to-face classes.

Campus and Community Engagement

UDC extends beyond its campus footprint, offering easy access to world-famous monuments, political intrigue and cultural attractions everywhere you look. Just off campus, you'll have access to national treasures like the White House and Capitol Building, as well as enjoying local wonders like kayaking on the Potomac or exploring the beauty of Rock Creek Park. From basketball and soccer to tennis and track & field, there's always a place for you on UDC's team. Whether you're here on scholarship or are eager to try out, UDC encourages you to learn more about the team sports available.

Choosing the Right HBCU

Selecting the ideal HBCU in Washington, D.C., is a multifaceted journey uniquely tailored to your ambitions and principles. Delve into the academic programs, campus ethos, and student support networks of each institution. Investigate financial aid options, scholarships, and avenues for practical learning experiences like internships. On the other hand, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) provides more affordable options.

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