HBCU's Dying

I was speaking to a friend the other evening who was telling me that HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges/Universities) are dying. I didn't really think about it until I spotted an article (while perusing the internet) from the website, The 7th Space ,which showed an effort by the government to keep these prestigious colleges afloat.

The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) states- "The FDIC is eager to build upon our work with historically black institutions of higher learning," said Sandra Thompson, Director of the FDIC's Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection. "Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have had a profound impact on America's economy. Hundreds of thousands of HBCU graduates are now competent professionals contributing in government, business and the nonprofit sector of our economy. We must ensure that these strong economic engines continue." I have many friends who have gone to Dillard University, Tuskeegee Institute, and many others who along with other alumnis know that many people do not see the necessity of these institutions anymore.

Also released this week, -a review of the new stimulus package-

“HBCUs/Stimulus Funding” suggests how historically Black colleges and universities can share in the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that was designed to provide a boost to the U.S. economy. The stimulus package includes $100 billion in funding devoted to education, and representatives from TMCF say some of this money must be used to help HBCUs.

I hope this incentive indeed passes.