Prometheus 6   

Speak, Sistah, Speak!
Africanizing our Historically Black Institutions
By Sistah Dr.Safisha Nzingha Hill

The Blacker the College the Sweeter the Knowledge, is a common saying heard among students who attend Black institutions, as well as many proud alumni. Our institutions have, from their inception, served a unique mission, in educating the masses of Black folk, thus creating the Black middle class. We have done much with little and have educated some of the nations brightest minds. Alumni of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU�s) have gone on to graduate, professional and law schools in numbers surpassing black counterparts from predominantly white institutions. A number of historically black institutions now offer graduate level degrees as well as professional degrees in a variety of fields. Research indicates that black students attending HBCU�s are generally more satisfied, and are able to successfully compete in the workforce. They tend to be more loyal to their institutions, and have closer relationships with fellow students, and with faculty and staff. There is however one major issue that is long past due of being addressed in regards to the original mission of our institutions, that of educating us Black folk, about us.

It�s a shame that Black students, attending a Black college, seldom can enroll in a course about Black history, Black sociology, Black psychology, Black literature, Black religion, or Black music. Yet Black students, attending a Black college are required to take courses on western civilization, U.S. history, western humanities, American literature, and English literature in order to graduate. Meanwhile Black students at predominantly white colleges have a better opportunity to at least minor in Black Studies, and many can receive bachelor degrees in Black Studies, as well as masters and doctorates. Now what is wrong with this picture?