Historically black colleges and universities : a reference handbook

A highly readable overview of the rich past of historically black colleges and universities, and how their role in higher education is evolving for the future.

In 1960, 65 percent of African American college students attended historically black colleges.

By the 1970s, that number dropped to 34 percent. In 1996, just 20 percent of black students attended America's 103 historically black colleges.

Though vital when they began in the mid-1800s, are these black colleges still necessary?

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have influenced African American lives and communities since 1837.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities provides a past and present look at their role in higher education.

This volume addresses why these institutions exist, how effective they've been, and if today's 103 HBCUs are still necessary.

Special attention is given to the years since 1954 and to desegregation cases such as United States v.

Fordice, and other judicial decisions. Highlighted issues are those dealing with government and international relations, leadership, and philanthropy. Interviews with HBCU graduates from many fields are included in this authoritative overview of an African American treasure.