HBCUs Strengthen American Communities

by Educating Black Students

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a vital role in elevating Black families and communities since the first schools were established more than 170 years ago. After the Emancipation Proclamation, there was a huge demand for Black teachers, skilled laborers, and professionals and HBCUs met that demand.

Although they have been traditionally underfunded, HBCUs have contributed to closing the Black wealth gap by educating Black students and have been a gateway for low-income Black students to the middle class. A Gallup study showed that Black HBCU graduates overall earn more than non-HBCU Black graduates in corporate and professional fields.

In a webinar with the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Tony Allen, president of HBCU Delaware State University, outlined the impact of HBCUs which constitute about 3% of the nation’s nearly 3,000 colleges and universities. More than 20% of all Black college graduates matriculated at an HBCU. Nearly 80% of Black judges and lawyers, 50% of Black physicians, and 40% of Black congressmen are HBCU graduates, according to Dr. Allen, who also serves as chair of the Board of Advisors for the White House initiative on HBCUs.

Every generation of HBCU graduates has strengthened the economic foundations of the Black community, leading to growth in businesses, homeownership, and a burgeoning Black middle class. The schools have not only produced higher numbers of Black teachers, engineers, doctors, attorneys, corporate executives and board directors, they have also had an uplifting economic impact on communities adjacent to their campuses.

A landmark 2017 study by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), “HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” documents the positive economic impact HBCUs have on earnings, employment, and the economy. The study estimated that HBCUs generate about $15 billion in economic impact.

Corporations Have Helped

“Since our founding in 1986, The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the pre-eminent membership organization of current and former Black CEOs, senior executives, board directors at major companies, and

entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, has always recognized the importance and value of HBCUs,” says Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. “The 19 founding members made HBCU support a key component of our organization’s advocacy and philanthropic efforts,” Hyter added.

Through the generous support of its corporate partners, The ELC has awarded hundreds of scholarships to HBCU students and supported numerous leadership development programs. The ELC expanded its scholarship programs to support the academic success of more than 130 Black students in 2022. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills and a commitment to community service. In addition to The ELC’s signature Alvaro L. Martins and Ann Fudge Scholarships named for early leaders of the organization, and the undergrad and graduate Protecting Black Voices Scholarships, a who’s who of corporate sponsors have created a wide variety of generous scholarships for Black students, predominantly attending HBCUs.

Historically, major industrialists and religious organizations have supported HBCUs through philanthropic initiatives and by providing executive guidance on HBCU boards. Today, tech companies have supported skills and leadership development at HBCUs for STEM careers. Many other corporations have established relationships with HBCUs and Black students, recognizing the vital role HBCUs have played in strengthening American and global enterprises, and closing the racial wealth gap.

The HBCU Partnership Challenge by the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus promotes greater engagement and support between private companies and HBCUs. Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), founder and Co-Chair of the HBCU Caucus, said, “Our HBCUs are facing major capital infrastructure and funding challenges… and it’s important for private and public partners to come together to support our HBCUs.”

As HBCUs emerge from the impact of Covid-19 and the reckoning of numerous social justice issues, The Executive Leadership Council will continue to work with its members, their companies, and its strategic partners to advocate for public policies that make sure HBCUs and their students have the resources they need to continue contributing to America’s economy. Join us as we strive to strengthen HBCUs and America.