Can’t spell future without “U” 

February 27, 2024

By TaShia Hogue, Columnist

Imagine an HBCU with 24-hour financial aid support (*side-eye* with manners), electric sidewalks to avoid bumping into lost freshmen, and cafe meals that appear once you upload a photo of your desired high-vibrational plate into a food generator. What a luxury it’d be if we didn’t have to wait all the way until Wednesday for fried chicken. These things may sound ahead of our time, but they represent visions that shape the evolution of our HBCU culture.  

 In 1925, Xavier envisioned a future where learning opportunities for people of color would expand in an environment that focuses in on leadership and service, promoting a more just and humane society. This vision attests to HBCUs being the change we want to see. When we think of the future, we think of enhancements to our quality of life by thinking smarter and not harder. 

 Tia Harris, a first-year biology/pre-medicine major from Ridgeland, Miss. agrees that there’s a notable it’s about time our HBCUs receive more spotlight. Harris highlighted the role that sports is playing in attracting HBCU enrollment. 

 “Because of sports teams, it pulls in more people of different backgrounds. HBCUs are getting more diverse because more people are looking in on HBCUs, and what it is they have to offer,” Harris said. 

Echoing the sentiment of increasing inclusivity, HBCUs do offer things other colleges cannot. We love the rivalry between bands during the games, along with any opportunity we get to flex our HBCU pride. Homecoming is monumental and these institutions cater to the Black and brown communities. So, what will this look like in the next decade when we’re alumni? 

Genesis Crane, a psychology major from Chicago, Ill., envisions enhancements not only for future students regarding the physical conditions of HBCU facilities but also improvements for those working within these institutions. We discussed the administration’s roles in HBCUs along with living conditions that play a pivotal role in the HBCU experience. While old dormitories can be seen as rite of passage:  

“A common issue that comes up with many of my friends across HBCU campuses is limited housing. A lot of things are lacking from the dorm experience in HBCUs, so to help the future of the youth let’s start there,” Crane said. “Administration of universities should prioritize keeping their students through effective communication and annual training on the betterment of the university.”  

Futuristic visions driven by students who look forward to seeing HBCUs evolve with advancements in infrastructure and sustainability is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s always room for growth and as HBCUs grow, these visions will come into full fruition. Well, maybe not the one about the food generator, but fingers crossed. 

“I would imagine an institution where there is an uptake in student enrollment that would lead to even further developments that could improve the facilities for students, staff, and faculty to use,” said Caris Green, a second-year music education major from New Orleans, La. 

Green wishfully spoke on physical advancements that hit closer to home for many campuses dealing with renovations for expansion and modernization purposes.  

“Overall, I would hope that in 20 years HBCUs are filled with students that are Black and brown that pursue these institutions of higher learning for a more cultural and holistic education that caters to them in their entire identity, than they would get elsewhere,” Green added.