Black History Month, celebrated in February, is a time to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history, highlighting their impact on culture, society, and progress, with a focus on stories often overlooked in traditional narratives. Carter G. Woodson is credited with starting Black History Month, originally establishing it as "Negro History Week" in 1926 to promote the study and celebration of African American history and culture; he is often referred to as the "father of Black History Month." The month of February was eventually chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
A vitally important aspect of Black history is linked to our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCUs are institutions of higher education established primarily to serve the African American community, particularly during times when legal and social discrimination prevented African Americans from attending predominantly white institutions, such as after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. These colleges and universities have played a crucial role in the advancement of Black education, culture, and leadership in the United States. There are currently 107 HBCUs in the United States.
These institutions not only provided academic instruction but fostered a sense of community, activism, and empowerment. HBCUs became centers for political and civil rights activism during the Civil Rights Movement, producing leaders like W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Andrew Young, Maya Angelou, and Stokely Carmichael.
Some of the most well-known HBCUs include: Howard University (1867), Spelman College (1881), Morehouse College (1867), Jackson State University (1877), Tuskegee University (1881), Florida A & M University (1887), Clark Atlanta University (1865), North Carolina A & T State University (1891), Langston University (1897), and Bethune-Cookman University (1904).
HBCUs have produced African American professionals in fields like law, medicine, science, business, politics, and education. HBCUs have been central in shaping the African American cultural, intellectual, and political landscape. They often emphasize not just academic rigor but cultural pride, social justice, and community service. Many of these schools were active in the Civil Rights Movement, with their campuses serving as organizing grounds for protests, sit-ins, and political rallies. Students and faculty at HBCUs were among the first to push for social change before the 1960s and beyond. Furthermore, HBCUs have contributed significantly to the U.S. economy by producing graduates who go on to have successful careers, particularly in areas such as education, government, business, and health. Many also offer scholarships and support for students from underserved and marginalized communities.
Despite their profound impact, HBCUs have faced significant challenges, including underfunding, lack of resources, and the threat of closure due to competition with larger, predominantly white institutions. Historically, these schools have not received the same level of federal and state funding as non-HBCUs, despite their critical role in educating African American students. However, in recent years, HBCUs have experienced a resurgence in interest and enrollment, partially due to their emphasis on fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for students. Many HBCUs have also benefited from philanthropic contributions and increased federal funding.
HBCUs are places where undergraduate and graduate students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. While their student bodies today are still primarily composed of African Americans, many schools are racially and ethnically diverse. HBCUs continue to promote an environment of excellence, with robust academic programs, research opportunities, and a strong focus on leadership development and social justice.
With this proud history in mind, AAMFT will be forging a path to bring awareness of the marriage and family therapy field at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In 2024, AAMFT was pleased to announce the official launch of the AAMFT MFT @ HBCU CEO Workgroup, chaired by Dr. Debbie Manigat.
This initiative aligns with AAMFT’s core values and seeks to expand access to systemic mental health education and services. The workgroup will engage with faculty and administrators at targeted HBCUs to advocate for the development of MFT programs, participate in outreach efforts, and help develop future systemic leaders and scholars. Building relationships with HBCUs is an opportunity to continue to fulfill the AAMFT mission of recognizing that relationships are fundamental to the health and well-being of diverse individuals, couples, families, and communities. Be on the lookout for further information and announcements about this exciting new workgroup and their efforts!
Happy Black History Month from the MFT @ HBCUs CEO Workgroup:
Dr. Debbie Manigat
Dr. Leslie Anderson
Dr. Dara Mcdowell
Dr. DeAnna Harris-McKoy
Dr. Camille Lafleur
Dr. Symphonie Smith
Dr. Christine Beliard
Dr. Kevana Nixon
Wilson Manigat, MBA
Katrina Edmonds, MS