Are HBCUs the Key to the Future?
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
This Black History Month, teachers and students of all colors will study this famous quote from martyred leader and speaker Malcolm X and hopefully reflect on its meaning. For so many, the future is more uncertain than ever. As we grapple with issues ranging from Artificial Intelligence to post-COVID learning loss, chronic absenteeism, the science of reading, teacher diversity, and the future of higher education, there is a greater need for a transformative solution to longstanding racial disparities in educational outcomes.
The recent National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), commonly referred to as "The Nation’s Report Card," underscores the persistent disparities between races. For example, white fourth graders continue to outscore their Black counterparts by a margin that has only marginally improved since 1992. The imperative for change is clear and waiting is simply not an option.
In the realm of educational innovation, where is the visionary idea that will instill accountability, grant autonomy to educational leaders, and expand school choice for low-income parents, thereby fostering the most significant gains for Black and Brown students?
Enter public charter schools, a uniquely American creation that has disproportionately impacted students of color. Nearly 70% of charter school students are students of color, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, charter school enrollment increased by 9%. Notably, Black charter school students gained the equivalent of 35 additional days of learning in reading and 29 additional days in math compared to their counterparts in traditional public schools.
Recognizing the potential of this model, there is a compelling case to empower Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) to open charter schools. Collaborating with Dr. Karega Rausch, the first African American to lead the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), we present the paper "Untapped Expertise: HBCU as Charter Schools." This paper advocates for HBCUs to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of America's K-12 education system.
HBCUs stand as beacons of resilience and excellence. These institutions, such as my alma mater, Morehouse College, have a storied history of defying the odds and producing remarkable outcomes with limited resources. HBCUs, constituting only three percent of the nation’s colleges and universities, enroll 10% of all Black students and contribute nearly 20% of all Black graduates.
The impact of HBCUs goes beyond the academic realm, as they are responsible for half of the nation’s Black teachers, 85% of Black doctors, 80% of Black federal judges, 75% of Black veterinarians, and 75% of Black military officers. These institutions have consistently demonstrated their ability to nurture talent and contribute significantly to the success of Black professionals across various fields.
Recent investments, such as the historic $100 million gift to Spelman College, underscore the recognition of HBCUs' vital role in shaping the future. Yet, this recognition is not a recent phenomenon. The legacy of Black individuals founding schools dates back to the 18th century, with figures like John Chavis and the partnership between Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, resulting in the establishment of Rosenwald Schools.
In the modern context, the parallel to Rosenwald schools can be found in charter schools. Much like their predecessors, charter schools are funded through a combination of philanthropy, community donations, and local public dollars – providing them with autonomy in choosing education models, recruiting teachers, and determining the length of the school day and year.
As charter school authorizers, HBCUs could approve diverse school models focused on financial literacy, STEM, performing arts, language immersion, and social justice. This approach not only expands parent options but also holds schools and leaders accountable for performance. In return, HBCUs can generate much-needed revenue and establish a pipeline of students and educators.
The potential impact extends beyond academic achievements. Empowering HBCUs in this manner can lead to a surge in the number of Black educators and school founders, fostering Black wealth and supporting local Black entrepreneurs. Much like the historical success of Rosenwald schools, this transformative approach to education has the power to reshape our future.
Change is never easy and often daunting, but the alternative — an unprepared generation — is more unsettling. The solution, embodied in the legacy of HBCUs and the self-determination they represent, beckons us to act boldly. Ensuring a future where every student, regardless of background, is equipped for success.
