Our Stories Finally Told: H.B.C.U. Day At The Capitol

Over 63 years ago this past March, seven Southern University students staged a sit-in at a “Whites Only” counter in Baton Rouge. This action led to the arrest of these seven students but started the sit-in movement across the country. Now the site is one of many Louisiana Civil Rights trials. This is one of many pivotal moments in history that Historically Black College and Universities students in Louisiana are recognized for.
At this year’s H.B.C.U. Day at the Capitol, Louisiana legislators, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and all six of Louisiana’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities met in honor of and paid tribute to these universities.
The event unveiled the newly opened HBCU exhibit at the Capitol Park Museum. This marks the first phase of the Capitol Park Museum’s HBCU exhibit. It includes archival photos, interpretive panels, campus highlights, and specifically curated artifacts such as uniforms worn by our band members and football teams.
Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Commissioner of Higher Education for the Louisiana Board of Regents spoke about the importance of celebrating HBCUs. “Today is a day that we celebrate, celebrate making sure that you talk about who tells our story and where our story is and to have a permanent exhibit in our Louisiana State Museum that impacts the importance of our historically black colleges and universities and there is no better way to celebrate HBCU day than marking it with this important contribution.” Acknowledging the roles HBCU students had in the Civil Rights movement, she continued. “We know that our historically black colleges and universities have a long and rich history of opening doors and being part of the Civil Rights Movement moving our work forward. But we have to ensure historically black colleges and universities have a rich future as well.”As she spoke about diversity in our state, she received applause. “Finally, let me say that in our great state of Louisiana, diversity is one of our greatest assets. We stand united, moving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion forward in our state.”
83rd District state representatve and two-time Southern University alum Kyle Green, Jr., from 2009, and Southern University Law Center alum from 2012, spoke about the meaning of the event. “It’s a source of pride to see the accomplishments of the university that are near and dear to my heart, put on display for everyone to see. This is because I wouldn’t be the person I am without Southern University’s professors and staff,” Green stated.
Tamia Williams, the 55th Miss SUSLA, a technology major from Shreveport gave her views on the event. “Today we’re at the Capitol for HBCU day recognizing all the different HBCUs in Louisiana. Today’s event was wonderful.” Williams stated, “We have learned so much about each university and are looking forward to making new history with new students.”
Latari Fleming, dean of students at Southern University at Shreveport, commented on the event’s impact. “Today’s event was a historical event, not only for Southern University but for HBCUs in Louisiana. I’m so glad to be a part of a historical event that goes down in history,” Fleming said.