HBCUs signify the strength, self-love, and educational success of African Americans. From slavery to Jim Crow, these educational temples held a belief in Black excellence and became records of intellectual, creative, and humanistic prowess in the struggle for freedom.
African American contributions to the arts have been historically undervalued in the American arts canon. In mounting their own exhibitions, providing venues for authors and performing artists, and hosting educational programs, HBCU museums and archives asserted the worth and significance of Black cultural production.
HBCUs distinguished themselves in various fields of study by broadening the scope of their institutional goals and diversifying academic offerings to reflect the growing needs of students, scholars, and the communities they serve.
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Since the early 20th century, HBCU students, faculty and their communities have demonstrated a spirit of activism to catalyze change within or on behalf of their own institutions to improve campus accommodations, strengthen the level of instruction, and explicitly connect the mission of their HBCUs to the project of Black liberation.
HBCUs are essential spaces where Black cultural traditions and values are freely expressed and given space to grow and joyfully flourish. Since the 1800s, HBCUs have provided a means for formerly enslaved and free African Americans to participate more fully in American life.
A culture of community and collective responsibility is created and reinforced in settings where groups share time and space. On HBCU campuses, a sense of community is fostered through historic events, such as homecomings and choral concerts, and through organizations, such as student clubs and sororities.
Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
This website contains links to or from third-party sites that are not under the control of the Smithsonian. Click here for the Smithsonian Terms of Use regarding Third Party Websites. The appearance of external links on the Smithsonian’s websites or social media accounts does not constitute an official endorsement on behalf of the Smithsonian.
Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
This website contains links to or from third-party sites that are not under the control of the Smithsonian. Click here for the Smithsonian Terms of Use regarding Third Party Websites. The appearance of external links on the Smithsonian’s websites or social media accounts does not constitute an official endorsement on behalf of the Smithsonian.
