The positive impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been largely ignored by the community. Research shows that graduates from HBCUs are better prepared and more financially successful than their non-HBCU graduate counterparts. Supporting Simmons College through scholarship funding, intentional partnerships, infrastructure supports, and academic program expansion is critical to mitigating some of the early educational barriers experienced by our community. The value of access to this type of higher education cannot be overstated. 

In 2014, HBCUs accounted for only 3% of institutions receiving federal aid and yet 80% of their student body were African Americans. All of our students won’t choose to attend HBCU’s but we have seen that UofL students taking Pan African Studies courses have higher retention rates. We believe that all colleges and universities should partner to ensure that one course in this department is mandatory for freshmen.  

Who needs to act? You; Dr. Marty Pollio; JCPS Board of Education; University of Louisville; Pan African Studies Department at UofL; Simmons College of Kentucky; Bellarmine University; Spalding University; Jefferson Community and Technical College; Kentucky State University; Louisville Metro Council