HBCU vs. PWI
One of the biggest challenges for a high school graduate who plans to further their education, is deciding on which college to attend. When thinking of the right school you start to ask hella questions. Do I wanna say close to home? Do I want to go far away? Do they have the sport I want? Do they have my major, or any programs that can allow me to get my masters in 5 years? And the biggest question fo all! How many people of my race go there? That question is one that can sometimes make or break the deal of a student deciding one what school they want to go to. Either and HBCU or a PWI?
Let me give a clear definition of the difference between the two. A Historical Black College and University (HBCU), is a school of higher learning that was accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission was the education of African-Americans. There are currently 106 HBCUs. While a Predominately White Institution (PWI) are just schools of higher learning in which whites accounts for at least 50% of the school’s enrollment. So basically every other high learning education that has a lot of white people, and very very low amount of people of another race.
Now note that I am not talking about every African American students when I say this. But when growing up you learn that you are a minority, and there are some people of the opposite race, specially white people, that look down on you just for the color of your skin. And depending on where you live, you may or may no be surrounded by people of the same color as you. Someone once said that “You have all your life to be a minority, why not use this time to be around your people.”
A HBCU gives you this feel of acceptance, security, and family that I believe as a African American you can't get from no PWI. #PERIODT. LOL Im just kidding, but really the love you get at a Historical Black College or University, you can get anywhere else. It like a family reunion everyday frfr. Also it opens doors to opportunities and connect you with people, *cough* even some very successful people *cough*, who look just like you.Â
All in all, this post was not to downgrade PWIs, but to only bring a little more praise to our illustrious Historical Black Colleges and University’s.
Here are some links that I used to get this information. I hope you enjoyed reading.
Peace, Love, and Positivity :)
https://www.yougotintowhere.com/admissions-blog/2016/10/27/5-interesting-pros-and-cons-of-hbcus-and-pwis
https://baucemag.com/hbcu-pros-and-cons/
