Howard University was founded by blacks as one of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
And now, looking more attentively
Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., was founded by a group of black clergymen in 1867, just two years after the end of the Civil War. It was originally called the “Howard Normal and Theological School for the Education of Teachers and Preachers,” and was aimed at providing education for African American students, who were not able to attend other universities due to racism and segregation.
Over the years, Howard University has become one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country, with notable alumni including Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, and Ta-Nehisi Coates. The university offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including law, medicine, and business.
Interestingly, Howard University has a rich history of activism and social justice. In the 1960s, students organized sit-ins and protests against segregation and discrimination in the city of Washington, D.C. The university has also been involved in the fight for voting rights and civil rights for African Americans.
In the words of former Howard University President, Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, “Howard University is a place where history and progress meet.” It continues to provide a platform for African American students to receive a quality education and make a difference in their communities and the world.
Table:
The following table lists some interesting facts about Howard University:
| Founded | 1867 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Original Name | “Howard Normal and Theological School for the Education of Teachers and Preachers” |
| Notable Alumni | Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Ta-Nehisi Coates |
| Programs Offered | Over 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs |
| History of Activism | Students organized sit-ins and protests in the 1960s |
| Social Justice | Involved in the fight for voting rights and civil rights for African Americans |
A video response to “What HBCU was founded by blacks?”
“Tell Them We Are Rising” is a new PBS documentary that explores the history of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in America, from the time of slavery to present day. Education was believed to be a prize for African-Americans who were denied the chance to read and write, and HBCUs have often been central to important events and movements within the black community. The documentary emphasizes the importance of HBCUs in providing equal educational opportunities for African Americans and nurturing a supportive environment. It also highlights the tight alumni networks that exist, and the overwhelming positive response to the film.
Online, I discovered more solutions
During the 1850s, three more HBCUs were founded: Miner Normal School (1851) in Washington, D.C.; Lincoln University (1854) in Pennsylvania; and Wilberforce (1856) in Ohio. The African Methodist Episcopal Church established Wilberforce University, the first HBCU operated by African Americans.
More interesting questions on the issue
Established in 1856 in Ohio, Wilberforce University is the nation’s oldest, private HBCU owned and operated by African Americans.
1856 — The first Black owned & operated HBCU (Wilberforce) was established in Ohio. Wilberforce University was founded in 1856 by the Cincinnati Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) to provide classical education and teacher training for Black youth.