Historically Black Colleges and Universities in North Carolina

Prior to the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865, the majority of African Americans in the United States were enslaved persons living in the southern states. Education for African Americans was sparse, especially in the South with laws such as North Carolina's that prohibited teaching enslaved persons to read and write. It was a rare occurrence for an African American to be literate. However, in the era immediately following the Civil War, a number of institutions dedicated specifically for the education of African Americans were founded. Others followed when segregation limited equal access to education. North Carolina stands out as a state with a rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The state is home to twelve HBCUs, including the oldest in the South, Raleigh's Shaw University, founded in 1865, and North Carolina's newest HBCU, North Carolina Central University, founded in 1910 in Durham. These institutions have played a pivotal role in the educational advancement of African Americans and continue to be vital centers of learning and cultural heritage.

The Historical Context of HBCUs

The establishment of HBCUs was a direct response to the systemic denial of educational opportunities for African Americans in the 19th century. While there were a few schools dedicated to African American education in the North prior to the Civil War, the opening of Shaw University in 1865 marked the beginning of higher education for African Americans in the South. These institutions provided a safe and supportive environment for African Americans to pursue education and develop as leaders.

HBCUs in North Carolina: A Diverse Landscape

North Carolina boasts a diverse array of HBCUs, each with its own unique history, mission, and strengths. These institutions range from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities, offering a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities.

Shaw University: The Mother of Southern HBCUs

Shaw University, located in downtown Raleigh, holds the distinction of being the first HBCU in the South, founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper. Originally from Massachusetts, Tupper was sponsored by the Baptist Church to establish a school in Raleigh. Shaw University prides itself on providing a family-oriented environment for its students. Interesting facts about Shaw University include:

It was the first HBCU in the nation to admit women and had the first dormitory for African American women.
It was the first college in the nation to offer a four-year medical program (1882-1918).
The school moved to its current site in downtown Raleigh in 1870 and was later renamed for donor Elijah Shaw.

Shaw University is deeply rooted in Civil Rights history. Ella Baker and fellow students at Shaw established the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee here.

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Fayetteville State University: Empowering Through Education

Fayetteville State University (FSU) was founded as the Howard School in 1867 by seven black men chosen to establish a permanent normal school to educate the community. The school was founded in collaboration with the Freedmen’s Bureau and American Missionary Society. After ratification of Senate Bill #472, which established training institutions for whites and blacks, the Howard School became the first State Colored Normal School. After many name changes, Fayetteville State University still holds the same foundation: that education is meant to empower people. Graduates of FSU have gone on to give back to the community by opening businesses and running for elected offices. The school also has projects associated with NASA active on campus. FSU is the oldest public HBCU in North Carolina.

Johnson C. Smith University: A Legacy of Education and Leadership

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is a private nonprofit institution in Charlotte. It started as the Freedmen’s College of North Carolina in 1867. The University’s mission is to provide an experience that educates, prepares, and graduates a diverse group. In 1924, the University was recognized as a four-year college and was one of the first beneficiaries of The Duke Endowment. JCSU was a founding member of the United Negro College Fund, and their membership began an impactful building phase from 1955 to 1968, including the Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium, the Duke Memorial Library, and the University Memorial Union. The university continues to receive numerous grants from The Duke Endowment to expand campus programs.

St. Augustine’s University: Sustaining a Community of Learning

Saint Augustine’s University was founded in Raleigh in 1867 as Normal and Collegiate Institute. It was founded by the secretary of the Freedman’s Commission of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1896, St. Augustine’s opened the first nursing school for African Americans: St. Agnes Hospital and Training School. This was the only hospital at the time that would serve African Americans. Its mission is to sustain a community of learning and prepare students academically, socially, and spiritually. The students who graduate from Saint Augustine’s are filled with rich traditions that connect them all over the globe.

Bennett College: A Legacy of Empowering Women

Bennett College is a women’s only college located in Greensboro, NC. It was founded in 1873 as a teaching school for newly freed slaves. The school was originally co-ed with 70 men and women learning in the unplastered basement of a church. Bennett College became a women’s only college in 1926 because the Women’s Missionary Society wanted to create a college for African American women, and they chose Bennett. The students of Bennett College call themselves The Bennett Belles or the Belles. They have been known to be outspoken and fight for what they believe in. They participated in the planning of the sit-in movement in Greensboro with NC Agricultural & Technical State University students.

Livingstone College: Growing Educators

Livingstone College is a private institution founded in 1879. It originated in Concord and later moved to a 40-acre farm in Salisbury. Livingstone was founded with the intent of producing African American teachers. While some have invested more resources into other programs, Livingstone continues to grow its education program. The school also owns a hotel where students can learn culinary skills and hotel management.

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Elizabeth City State University: A Legacy of Aviation and Service

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) was founded in 1891 by an act of legislation as a normal school in order to train teachers to teach at the common schools for black children. For the first two decades of the institution, they were in rented facilities until 1912. ECSU prides itself on being the only school in North Carolina with an aviation science degree. Students have the opportunity to fly planes and get recruited directly out of school by airlines. They also take pride in serving the impoverished counties in the northeastern region of North Carolina.

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University: The Largest HBCU

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCA&T) was founded in 1890 as a land grant institution in Greensboro. It was established to educate African Americans in agriculture and mechanical training. The original Morrell land grant only built institutions for white students, so they passed a second land grant that created separate but equal institutions. At the start of the university, there were only three buildings, but NCA&T has grown into the largest HBCU in the country. The university archives have an extensive collection of all the works of prominent alumni, from the works of songwriters to movie makers. NCA&T is the #1 Producer of Black engineers. The A&T Four started the sit-in movements in Greensboro.

Winston-Salem State University: Unleashing Genius

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) was founded on September 28, 1892, as an industrial academy. It started as a one-room classroom with 25 students with a goal to “intellectually prepare the head, hand, and heart” of students. The school was funded by the John Fox Slater Fund, which was started by a manufacturer in Connecticut who wanted to educate African Americans in the South. Even as an industrial academy, it expanded its curriculum to benefit the community, and in 1925, was recognized by the state for its growing curriculum and empowered under the State Board of Education. Today, the school says it commits itself to “unleash the genius” in every student.

North Carolina Central University: Liberal Arts and Community Engagement

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) was founded in Durham in 1910 as the National Religious Training School Chautauqua for the Colored Race. Durham was home to a financial district known as Black Wall Street, and the school was opened by James E. Shepard, presumably the richest African American in North Carolina. In 1925, it became the North Carolina College for Negroes and became dedicated to educating students in liberal arts. It also aimed for their graduates to become teachers and principals. The university continues to grow as it constructs new resident halls. It is home to a law school and criminal justice program. NCCU was the first university to require community service hours to graduate, part of an effort to increase community engagement across campus.

The UNC System and HBCUs

One of the most significant advantages of consolidating North Carolina’s public higher education institutions into one system has been diversity. North Carolinians can choose from 16 public universities across the state-each with its own unique identity and distinct offerings. In this spirit, the UNC System Board of Governors created a special Committee on Historically Minority-Serving Institutions in 2018 to study and assess six institutions’ unique challenges and promising opportunities. The UNC System is home to five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, N.C. A&T State University, NC Central University, and Winston-Salem State University. It is also home to the only state-designated historically American Indian university - UNC Pembroke.

Read also: Academic Pathways at UNC

HBCU Traditions: A Tapestry of Culture and Pride

HBCUs are known for their vibrant campus culture and unique traditions. While each institution has its own distinct customs, some traditions are common across many HBCUs:

Civil Rights Activism: HBCUs have a long history of influencing their communities through activism. HBCU students started the sit-in movement in North Carolina in Greensboro.
Homecoming Celebrations: Homecoming is a significant event at HBCUs, bringing together current students and alumni for week-long celebrations. These events often feature performances by major celebrities.
Stomp-and-Shake Cheer: This unique cheerleading style originated in North Carolina and Virginia, combining traditional cheerleading with African American aesthetics.
Majorette Dancing: Majorette is a popularized dance style that combines hip-hop and jazz ballet, mainly performed during halftime shows and on the sidelines of football games.
Greek Life: The "Divine Nine," nine Greek organizations started by collegiate-level African Americans, are important in HBCU Greek life. Members of these organizations are known to be campus leaders and participate in community engagement.
Extravagant Marching Bands: HBCU bands have a reputation for going the extra mile when it comes to their performances, performing a variety of music, from classical to modern.
Royal Courts: This branch of a student government association represents the university publicly. A university will have a “Mr. & Ms.” for every class and one couple to serve for the institution as a whole.
HBCU Pride: HBCU students wear their pride on their sleeves, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

Notable HBCU Alumni

HBCUs in North Carolina have produced a long list of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields:

Selma Burke: Sculptor from Winston-Salem State University
Stephen A. Smith: ESPN Sportscaster from Winston-Salem State University
Rev. Jesse Jackson: Political activist from North Carolina A&T State University
Terrence J: Actor and entertainment reporter from North Carolina A&T State University
Eva Clayton: Former North Carolina Congresswoman from Johnson C. Smith and North Carolina Central University
April Parker Jones: Actress from North Carolina Central University
Donald Evans: Professional football player from Winston-Salem State University
Maria Howell: Actress from Winston-Salem State University
Affion Crockett: Actor and Comedian from Fayetteville State University
Honorable Ola M. Lewis: First woman and first African American judge for the 13th Judicial District from Fayetteville State University

The Enduring Significance of HBCUs

HBCUs in North Carolina continue to play a critical role in providing access to higher education for African Americans and other underrepresented groups. They offer a supportive and culturally relevant learning environment that fosters academic success, leadership development, and civic engagement. These institutions are not only engines of social mobility but also vital centers of cultural preservation and community empowerment. They offer curriculum that is designed for Africans Americans. Although HBCUs were created for African Americans, they are open to all students regardless of race.

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