HBCUs enrollment skyrockets because this generation is “Woke”

People often make comments that Historically Black Colleges and Universities don’t produce
successful Black men and women. They also believe that the degrees of those who attend HBCUs are equivalent to high school diplomas. Not realizing that HBCUs are responsible for the wealth of some of America’s most promising Black careers. Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Spike Lee, Toni Braxton, and 2 Chainz are all products of HBCUs.
As of lately, HBCUs have been receiving respect amongst the masses. Enrollment has boosted significantly in the past two years for various institutions across the country. Increases began to show following the brutal deaths of Dontre Hamilton, Eric Garner, John Crawford III, and Michael Brown, Jr in 2014. It is safe to say that the community was both shaken and afraid. In 2015, studies have shown that more students have attended HBCUs for a sense of community, support, and comfortability.
Between 2015 and 2016, enrollment rates have blossomed. Shaw University’s student influx grew forty-nine percent. South Carolina State’s rates trailed at thirty-nine percent. Tuskegee’s
enrollment grew thirty-two percent. Virginia State University follows with a thirty percent enrollment rate. Dillard State University and Central State University tied with twenty-two
percent growth. Florida Memorial University’s student morale grew twenty percent as Delaware
State University trailed with nineteen percent.
The top ten HBCUs with the largest enrollment influx are as follows; North Carolina A&T at 10,725, Howard University with 10,265, Florida A&M University at 10,241, Jackson State University with 9,508, Texas Southern University with 9,233 students, Tennessee State University at 9,027, Prairie View and A&M College with 8,429 students, Morgan State University at 7,508, North Carolina Central University at 7,687 and last but not least, Southern University and A&M College at 6,330 students.
Aside of negative race relations, HBCUs drew more students in by simply being historic landmarks, and sites of Black excellence. HBCUs act as an extended family. The faculties are supportive, motivating, and most times even look like the students. One thing that can be
expected at a predominantly Black school is that despite what class you’re in, it will turn into a
Black history course at one time or another. Professors push their students to be their very best at all times. Whether it be giving extra credit on Wednesdays for wearing a suit, or getting tested for HIV tests on Thursdays. When surrounded by people who look like you, you are pushed to excel. The only competition that one has to worry about is oneself.
Legacy is great for enrollment. Most times, the school that a student decides to attend is chosen because a parent or close relative once attended that institution. Tradition is sacred at HBCUs. Big games, rivalries, and band beef are all a part of a Black school’s traditions. Southern
University has wonderful traditions that have been around since the beginning of their opening, but the most popular ones are Bayou Classic, Pretty Wednesday, and Red Bean Monday.