This week were are visiting Louisiana's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools were founded before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, during a time when laws prevented Black people access to higher education.
Read on for a few facts about these important institutions.
Southern University and A&M College |Â Est. 1880 |Â Baton Rouge
Land-Grant Institution: Southern University is a historically black land-grant institution, which means it was established to provide education in agriculture, mechanics, and other practical fields, in addition to traditional academic subjects.
The Human Jukebox: The Southern University Marching Band, known as the "Human Jukebox," is famous for its energetic performances and has been featured in numerous national events, including parades and halftime shows.
First Law School: Southern University's Law Center, founded in 1947, was the first law school in the United States established for African American students and has a strong reputation for producing successful lawyers and legal professionals.
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) was founded as a branch unit of Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge (SUBR) on September 4, 1956.
Grambling State University | Est. 1901 |Â Grambling
Grambling State Tiger Marching Band Legacy: Grambling State University is home to the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, which has a reputation for its electrifying performances and precision drill performances at prestigious events such as the Super Bowl halftime show and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
STEM Excellence:Â Grambling University is one of the countryâs top producers of African American graduates in Computer Information Science.
Eddie G. Robinson Museum:Â This museum pays homage to the legendary football coach Eddie Robinson who coached at Grambling State for 57 years, becoming one of the winningest coaches in college football history.
Reason for Formation:Â Grambling was initially founded as the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School, a private industrial school focusing on agricultural and vocational education for African Americans.
Dillard University | Est. 1869 |Â New Orleans
Historic Beginnings: Dillard University was founded as Straight University, making it one of the oldest historically black universities in the United States. In 1930 Straight University and New Orleans University merged to form an institution dedicated to providing quality education to African American students.
Reason for Formation: It was originally a seminary for freedmen, providing education and training for African American ministers and teachers.
Notable Alumni Impact: Dillard University has produced influential alumni such as Ruth Simmons made history as the first African American woman to lead an Ivy League school when she served as president of Brown University.
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Xavier University of Louisiana | Est. 1915 | New Orleans
Pharmacy Program Pioneers: Xavier University of Louisiana is home to one of the oldest and most respected pharmacy programs among HBCUs. It was the first HBCU to offer a pharmacy program and has consistently produced top-tier pharmacists and healthcare professionals.
Civil Rights Activism: The Freedom Riders were brave individuals who fought for equality during in the 1960s. They challenged segregation laws by traveling together on buses through the South. Xavier University President, played a vital role by hosting meetings and allowing activists to stay on campus after an angry mob destroyed their bus.
Reason for Formation:Â Xavier University is the first Catholic institution focused on providing higher education opportunities for African Americans, particularly in the fields of pharmacy and medicine.
These HBCUs in Louisiana have rich histories and have played significant roles in providing education and opportunities for African American students.
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Want to Learn More About HBCUs? Check out these titles:
Travel To Historically Black Colleges and Universities
A is for Ancestors: My Black College ABCs
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