Historically black colleges aim for more non-black students
Historically black colleges and universities were established prior to the establishment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made previously established “separate but equal” racial segregation laws null. The schools were intended to provide higher education to the black community, at a time when black students weren’t permitted to attend many institutions. Today, 105 historically black colleges and universities still exist in America, but many of them are now actively looking to enroll non-black students. Why is this? And how will this initiative change historically black colleges? We’re speaking with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which partners with historically black colleges to increase student retention and graduation rates. We’re also joined by Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis, assistant professor of sociology and black studies at the City College of New York, and author of the forthcoming book “Inequality in the Promise Land.”
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