The California Community Colleges Board of Governors, lawmakers, and students made their way to the state capitol this week to support a resolution to make the fourth week of September Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week in California.
HBCUs were established in the United States during the 19th century as a result of restrictive policies against Black student admission through legitimized segregation and racial discrimination. These institutions still carry a legacy of cultural awareness and inclusivity for students.
The resolution, ARC 222, which was introduced by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), recognizes the significant role that HBCUs play to support the success of black students and will celebrate that on an annual basis.
While California is not home to an HBCU, an agreement signed on March 17, 2015, gives community college students access to the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Pathway. This program allows eligible students guaranteed admission to 39 partner HBCUs.
“HBCUs serve a paramount purpose in higher education for Black students and the economic mobility of Black Americans,” said Pamela Haynes, California Community Colleges Board of Governors member. “Celebrating this is vital as the California Community Colleges affirm our commitment to equity in success, support and access.”
“Our colleges serve the most-diverse group of students in higher education and if we can continue our work with HBCUs to provide a guaranteed, seamless transition to a top college or university, then we’re truly creating a system that works for all students,” she added.
According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the largest U.S. organization representing the Black college community, HBCUs collectively graduate 20% of all Black students despite only making up 3% of total colleges in the U.S.
HBCU’s also take the lead in creating Black professionals: 40% of all Black engineers, 40% of all Black representatives in Congress, 50% of all Black lawyers, 50% of all Black doctors and 80% of all Black judges coming from HBCUs.
The resolution will now head to the Senate, then to the governor’s office for consideration.
