Blogs

HBCU OR NOT HBCU—A RECRUITMENT ISSUE? PART 2

      As we continue on into the second article on this subject, I’d like to refresh our memories from some of the items I covered in part one—as it has been a while since I began this piece last year.

      Full disclosure here. I came out of both an urban (or, as we used to say public) school and a suburban school background. I was well trained, had great teachers—BOTH Black and White in both systems, and was prepared for ‘life in the outside world’ when I graduated high school and ‘moved on’ to a public state college for higher education. My knowledge of HBCUs comes from what I’ve seen and experienced from those who taught at or attended HBCUs.

      My view? Some young Black men may not be able to afford to go to an HBCU and may get ‘more bang for the buck’ at a college or university in their home state. There is NOTHING wrong with Black students who do not make the choice to attend an HBCU. College—even a Black one—may NOT be for every Black student.

      Now, having said all this, I am glad to say that it appears that HBCUs are making more of an effort to let the public KNOW of their success stories.  There are shows out there featuring HBCU grads who have made the transition to successful careers and can represent their ‘Alma Maters’ intelligently and with great pride.

      Of course, for every successful HBCU graduate, there are some who don’t graduate for one reason or another. It is my hope that there is an earnest attempt from those who don’t graduate to get their college degree at another school. These days, more than ever, it is important for young Black men to have that college degree, IF this is the direction that the Lord and your finances are leading you. Again, I say, college—even an HBCU—may NOT be the best option for young Black men. Trade school, apprenticeships, or the military may be better fits for some. In state colleges and universities may also be better fits.

      Then, another factor. HBCUs, while becoming more visible, are going to have to face the fact that more and more Black students are attending suburban, private, and/or parochial schools. Further, the last election taught many that 30 percent of Black LIVE in the suburbs of America. Yes, we have overcome. Thus, many in the Black power structure are going to have to gear their recruitment messages to Blacks who are ‘outside’ of the hood, are more affluent, and have better academic records.

      In short? If HBCUs truly want to reach the Black students of tomorrow, they are going to have to change their methods and their outreach methods. Having a ‘Black College Fair’ at urban schools are not going to necessarily recruit the ‘best and brightest’ among us. The pool has expanded because of the expansion of economic victories of Black Americans along with other young Americans.

      Now, I have noticed more and more white faces appearing on HBCU campuses—if you believe the commercials and documentaries which have been generated from these schools. Nothing wrong with this. I believe that the ‘stigmas’ that were apparent in the last generation of HBCUs regarding other races attending have pretty much gone by the wayside—which is a GOOD thing. HBCUs—like any other college—while Black founded, no longer need to be Black exclusive. NOT in a racially diverse society which is more of a stew pot than a melting pot.

      Couldn’t you see a future non-Black History teacher, teaching Black History as they are an HONORS graduate from an HBCU? No excuse could be generated for racial ignorance through such beauty as this!

      One last thing on this topic. ALL colleges run on grades and green money. HBCUs need to have a solid set of scholarship and grant programs in place in order to attract great students. Further, the students seeking to enter such colleges should be READY to work when they hit the campus, meaning that the LAST type of student that an HBCU should seek to recruit is a student which is BELOW a 3.0 GPA. Remedial education is the LAST thing that should be a part of an HBCU curriculum, under ANY circumstances.

      HBCUs—recruit right! Black students—be prepared to step into this education experience with your eyes wide open, and ready to get to work.

      Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  “The Ramey Commentaries” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996.  To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: mgmikeramey@yahoo.com.  ©2025 Barnstorm Communications International.