The Black University Concept & The Second Curriculum
Oct 31, 2024
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Jelani Favors, a distinguished History professor at North Carolina A&T, joins Crystal Sanders, an Associate Professor of African American Studies at Emory, and Dominique Baker, an education policy expert from the University of Delaware. They discuss the pivotal role of HBCUs in the Civil Rights Movement and the concept of the 'second curriculum' that nurtures activism. The conversation also addresses historical struggles for equitable education, the aspirations of Black universities, and the contemporary challenges faced by Black students today.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played a crucial role in cultivating civil rights leaders through their educational and critical thought environments.
The current challenges facing HBCU students, including systemic racism and funding disparities, significantly impact their educational experiences and success.
The necessity of reconnecting older activists with younger generations emphasizes the importance of effective communication of moral purpose in ongoing social justice movements.
Deep dives
Reflections on Activism and Moral Purpose
Harry Belafonte emphasizes the enduring significance of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and reflects on the connection between past activism and present challenges. He notes that while it’s inspiring to witness the legacy of those involved in the civil rights movement, there seems to be a lack of urgency in addressing current issues facing society. Belafonte expresses disappointment at the reflective nature of the discussions at the 50th anniversary event, indicating that many speakers focused on past achievements rather than on immediate actions needed to confront ongoing struggles. His speech calls for a rekindling of moral purpose in activism, arguing that without it, efforts may devolve into mere nostalgia without delivering real change.
The Importance of Current Issues
Belafonte calls attention to pressing current issues that are often ignored in discussions among activists and intellectuals, highlighting the need for dialogue focused on contemporary problems. He underscores the absence of discussions surrounding incarceration in the U.S. and the struggles against systemic oppression, particularly regarding instances of violence and injustice faced by marginalized communities across the globe. Through examples such as the suffering of women in conflict zones and the plight of children in Africa, he urges for a renewed commitment to activism that addresses these urgent realities. Belafonte challenges the audience not to allow complacency to undermine their activism, urging them to engage with the complexities of the present day.
Intergenerational Communication and Responsibility
Belafonte points out a significant disconnection between older activists and younger generations, attributing it to a failure to communicate moral purpose effectively. He reflects on how the wisdom of past movements has not been adequately translated to address the current realities younger activists face. This communication gap could lead to feelings of abandonment among younger activists, as they search for guidance and clarity on the values that should underpin their struggles. The challenge, according to Belafonte, is to forge stronger connections to ensure that new activists understand the foundational moral principles that can guide their actions in pursuing justice.
The Role of Education in Activism
As Jelani Favors highlights the connection between historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the civil rights movement, he emphasizes that successful activism is often cultivated in educational spaces that encourage critical thought. Favors points out that many prominent civil rights leaders emerged from HBCUs, which provided a foundation for understanding the complexities of racial identity and activism. He argues for recognizing HBCUs not only as educational institutions but as vital hubs where future leaders shape their ideas about race and justice. By examining the historical relationship between education and activism, a clearer path for nurturing a new generation of informed activists can be understood.
Challenges Faced by Black Students Today
Dominique Baker addresses the structural challenges that Black students encounter in higher education, noting that these challenges are often exacerbated by systemic racism. She emphasizes how lower funding for institutions that serve predominantly Black students creates a ripple effect, impacting their educational experiences and outcomes. Baker discusses the significance of feeling a sense of belonging in academic spaces, which varies between institutions, leading Black students to make strategic decisions about their educational paths. This discussion highlights the ongoing struggles and environmental factors that influence Black students' success in a higher education landscape still grappling with historical inequalities.
The Evolution of HBCUs in Contemporary Society
Despite being underfunded, HBCUs continue to thrive due to their strong commitment to student success and the sense of community they foster. Baker explains that the origins of HBCUs are deeply rooted in the need for educational spaces that valued Black culture and heritage amid systemic exclusion. The unique ethos of these institutions often leads to an environment where care and support are paramount, allowing for meaningful connections among students and faculty. As trends fluctuate in enrollment, the ongoing importance of HBCUs remains embedded in their role as nurturing environments where Black students can engage in personal and collective empowerment.
A brief history of HBCUs through conversations with five scholars about the second curriculum which informs movements for Civil Rights in the midcentury US, segregation scholars and the long withholding of postbaccalaureate education from HBCUs [40:00], the aspirational Black University Concept in W.E.B. DuBois and Vincent Harding [75:00], and the challenges facing HBCU students today [84:00].
Cast (in order of appearance): Matt Seybold, Jelani Favors, Crystal Sanders, Andrew Douglas, Jared Loggins, Dominique Baker
Soundtrack: DownRiver Collective
Narration: Nathan Osgood & SNR Audio
For more about this episode, including a complete bibliography, please visit MarkTwainStudies.com/HBCU, or subscribe to Matt Seybold's newsletter at TheAmericanVandal.substack.com
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