For decades, Black leaders have been preaching that HBCUs consistently punch above their weight, producing some of the nation’s best and brightest doctors, educators, and lawmakers. If it wasn’t understood before, this year’s midterms proved their point … again. From Howard University’s hilltop to the highest of seven hills at Florida A&M University, HBCU graduates […]
Alecia Taylor
Alecia Taylor is the national education reporter at Capital B.
Meet the New Miss Spelman College
A political science major with a minor in dance performance and choreography, Jillian Collier is embracing her title with a plan for change. Her experience at the historic women’s HBCU has been defined by a feeling of sisterhood, which she plans to further foster through a new initiative that could spread beyond the gates of […]
The Slow Disappearance of Black Studies on College Campuses
For Northwestern University alumna Keala Uchôa, the university’s recent decision to restructure its African Studies program and cut two staff positions is hardly surprising. The move isn’t isolated. Over the years, the university and students have clashed over protests, a faculty member has sued over not getting tenure, and some current and former students – […]
A Series of Hanging Deaths Has Black Families Demanding Answers
This story discusses suicide, self-harm, and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or use the chat feature at 988lifeline.org to connect with trained counselors 24/7. A Kentucky family still awaits […]
Morris Brown President Returns After Abrupt Termination
In an abrupt reversal, Morris Brown College reinstated its former president Tuesday, after dismissing him without explanation. Kevin. E. James, who had served as Morris Brown’s chief administrator since 2019, was fired by college officials on Jan. 12 — a move that James called “deeply concerning” on a social media post. On Tuesday, however, the […]
The HBCU Students Staying on Campus During the Holidays — And Loving It
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Xavier University alumna Destinee Kerr remembers being a broke freshman, barely scraping by to pay a phone bill and her out-of-state tuition. She dreamed of attending the Bayou Classic, an annual Thanksgiving weekend event and football game in New Orleans. While Kerr always wanted to go, she could never afford it, let […]
HBCUs Were on Lockdown After Terrorist Threats
Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country were on lockdown Thursday after a series of “terrorist threats.” Early Thursday morning, Hampton University and Virginia State University said they received terrorist threats. Later, the list grew as Alabama State University, Clark Atlanta University, Southern University in Louisiana, and Bethune-Cookman in Florida reported threats. Spelman […]
HBCUs Are Keeping Black Baseball’s Legacy Alive With Limited Resources
Cydney Cooper has been playing softball since she was 5 years old. Playing the sport in South Carolina came with being the only Black girl on the team, or one of a few Black players. As a shy, dark-skinned girl, Cooper said people often thought she had an attitude, but she was just quiet and […]

