This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Before you judge this article’s title, hear me out
Many well-known minds and professionals come from these institutions, and they thrive.
But I knew early on I would never go that route, and here’s why.
HBCUs aren’t reflective of the world we live in.
For many, HBCUs offer them a “safe” and “inclusive” environment, but should we use those terms for homogenous institutions?
Genuinely safe environments are reflective of ALL races and backgrounds of people, which is still rare in many cases – especially in the workplace.
African Americans will likely always be a minority. I don’t ever see that changing.
So why would I surround myself with only black individuals?
Unless I intentionally seek out residential communities and companies with predominantly African-American demographics, I will usually always be “the other.”
I grew up around all groups of people, and maybe that’s why it never felt “inclusive” to be around one group of people.
I know how to do it, but I always prefer being around everybody because it stretches me, exposes me to new ideas, and enlightens me.
I Chose A More Diverse University
Both the university I chose to attend and the university that offered me a full scholarship were predominantly white, but the one I chose was still amply diverse with its programs and student body.
I wouldn’t change a thing about my academic experience.
Not only was I able to achieve academic success, but I graduated with three degrees and was further prepared for what was to come after I left college – a predominantly white workforce in the tech space.
Furthermore, I was exposed to many other nationalities and groups of people that I might not have experienced at an HBCU.
I never felt uncomfortable, and if you genuinely desired to be around your own kind, they had groups for that within the study body, as many schools offer.
You will likely obtain a better education about the history of your people at a homogenous academic institution, but you can further your own education about the subject through self-study, museums, documentaries, or taking selected classes at an HBCU.
Am I Allowed At That event?
The other day I invited a friend to an event that appeared to be for only black people.
I told them I rarely ever go to all-black events because it’s simply not reflective of society, and the events I go to welcome everyone.
I support all-black events but don’t believe in homogenous groups; I believe in diversity.
Diversity is how we strengthen bonds between different groups of people.
The more diverse groups can become, the easier it will become for everyone to get along and work together.
An intriguing example of perpetuated societal norms
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.