HBCU Week Philadelphia: A Celebration of Excellence and Opportunity

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recently played host to a series of events centered around Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), highlighting their vital role in education, career advancement, and community development. These events, including the National HBCU Week Conference and the HBCU Festival, brought together students, alumni, educators, and professionals to network, learn, and celebrate the rich legacy of HBCUs.

National HBCU Week Conference: Raising the Bar

The 2024 National HBCU Week Conference, themed “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet,” took place in Philadelphia from September 15-19, 2024. This annual convening, a part of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), sought to connect federal and private resources to HBCU communities. For the first time since its inception in 2013, the event was held outside of Washington, D.C.

Focus on Empowerment and Opportunity

The conference featured over 50 sessions and workshops aimed at empowering the next generation through educational equity, career pathways, and economic mobility. A dynamic Career & Recruitment Fair provided attendees with opportunities to engage directly with employers eager to connect with HBCU talent.

Federal Support and Commitment

The Department of the Interior (DOI) participated in the conference, sharing insights on federal careers, internships, and its commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in its workforce. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also made appearances, underscoring the administration's commitment to financially supporting HBCUs. Biden stated that his administration had issued $17 billion to HBCUs since he took office in 2021.

Addressing Underfunding and Building Equity

Attendees and representatives emphasized the importance of continued federal funding for HBCUs, which have historically been underfunded. LaMar Wright, a Morehouse alumnus, noted the financial challenges faced by HBCUs, while Corissa Reed, representing the Department of Justice, stressed the need for equitable platforms for students coming out of these schools. An analysis from the Department of Education determined that 16 states underfunded their land-grant HBCUs by a total of $13 billion between 1987 and 2020, as compared to peer predominantly white institutions. Lower endowments and alumni contributions are factors too, and sometimes smaller HBCUs get left behind when funding is given out.

Arts, Humanities, History, and Culture Cluster

The Arts, Humanities, History, and Culture Cluster invited HBCU leadership to an intimate, executive-level session with leaders from arts/culture/history/humanities federal agencies to discuss HBCUs as anchor institutions and the role they play in their communities. HBCU leaders heard how the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Humanities can support HBCUs as valued partners and leaders in their communities, including a discussion around how HBCUs help build the civic infrastructure of a community.

HBCU Festival: A Community Celebration

In addition to the National HBCU Week Conference, Philadelphia also hosts the annual HBCU Festival. Back by popular demand, the Mann's HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank returns to the Mann on May 17, 2025! This free, community-focused event celebrates the vibrant culture and legacy of HBCUs. The festival, held on the grounds of the Mann Center, is open to families, students, and alumni.

Activities and Attractions

The HBCU Festival offers a wide range of activities, including:

Interactive College Fair: Representatives from national and regional HBCUs are present to provide information and inspiration.
Career Fair: Employers from various industries connect with attendees to discuss career paths.
Live Performances: HBCU choirs, marching bands, majorettes, cheer squads, and guest artists showcase their talents.
Master Classes & Panels: Engaging workshops and insightful panel discussions on college affairs are offered.
Local Business Market: Local businesses from the Parkside neighborhood, West Philadelphia, and beyond are featured.
Jefferson Health Wellness Zone: Free health resources, screenings, and representatives are available.
Family Fun: Face painting, balloon art, crafts, and more provide entertainment for all ages.
Food Trucks: A variety of food trucks offer delicious options throughout the day.

Showcasing HBCU Pride

Attendees are encouraged to wear their school's apparel or sorority and fraternity gear to celebrate tradition and community.

The Enduring Importance of HBCUs

The events in Philadelphia highlight the enduring importance of HBCUs in American higher education. The first HBCUs were established in Pennsylvania in the 19th century, with Cheyney University in 1837 and Lincoln University in 1854. Before that, there were no institutions of higher learning that Black people were allowed to attend. Today, there are about 100 HBCUs, and they have been critical to educating and supporting generations of Black Americans, including 50% of Black lawyers and 40% of Black engineers, and are credited with establishing the Black middle class.

Creating Opportunities for Underserved Populations

HBCUs continue to play a vital role in creating opportunities for underserved populations, both racially and socioeconomically. Sean Vereen, president of the education nonprofit Heights Philadelphia, emphasized that HBCUs remain an essential part of the American higher education system because they create opportunities for typically underserved populations.

A Supportive Community

Alan Graham, a student at Cheyney University, shared how the institution provided him with a scholarship and the support he needed to succeed. Fionia Washington, a South Carolina State University alumna, highlighted the importance of having Black professors who served as role models.

Increased Interest in HBCUs

Following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions, applications to HBCUs have increased. Morehouse College in Atlanta saw a 34% increase in applications this cycle, North Carolina A&T State University’s applications rose by 37%, and Howard University’s increased by 10%. Vereen noted that students are increasingly drawn to HBCUs because of their relative affordability and greater support for Black students.

Challenges and the Future

As HBCUs navigate this period of greater attention, their most significant challenge remains funding. Continued federal funding, as signaled by President Biden, is vitally important to ensuring that HBCUs can continue to provide opportunities for their students.

Read also: Top HBCU Bands

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