More than a school: The Lasting Impact of hbcus
Edited by Megan Herald
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
As an alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), I can tell you this: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) aren’t just schools. They’re experiences. They’re communities. They’re places that stay with you long after you’ve walked across that stage.
For me, FAMU has always been about more than classes and degrees. It’s about cultural wellness, holding on to history, celebrating identity, and creating space to grow into the person you’re meant to be. One of the things I love most is how HBCUs remind us that Black identity isn’t a monolith. We come from different families, backgrounds, and traditions. That diversity is the beauty of it. In my own family, FAMU has been a thread tying generations together. We still swap stories about how the university has changed (and let me tell you, the changes are real!). Those conversations make me feel connected not only to the school, but also to the legacy we’ve built as a family.
HBCUs are also about academics, and they don’t play when it comes to producing leaders. These schools push you, challenge you, and remind you that you belong in any room you walk into. They also give opportunities to students who might have been overlooked elsewhere, and that kind of belief can change a person’s entire trajectory. I know it changed mine.
And then there’s the community. If I could bottle up that feeling of belonging and sell it, I would. Growing up, I craved that sense of connection to other Black people who understood my experiences. At FAMU, I found it. I made lifelong friendships that I honestly can’t imagine my life without. Professors cared. Classmates became family. People cheered me on and held me accountable all at once. That support doesn’t disappear when you graduate. It follows you into every chapter of life.
That’s why I say HBCUs are more than institutions. They’re cultural beacons, safe havens, and launch pads all rolled into one. For me, being part of this community isn’t just about honoring the past. It’s about carrying that legacy forward with pride and purpose.
So here’s my challenge to you: explore what HBCUs have to offer, share their stories, and find ways to support them. And if you’re curious for more, check out our podcast episode on the Cultural Wellness of HBCUs. Because trust me, you’ll want to hear the stories.