Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have influenced African American lives and communities since 1837. "Historically Black Colleges and Universities" provides a past and present look at their role in higher education.

This volume addresses why these institutions exist, how effective they've been, and if today's 103 HBCUs are still necessary. Special attention is given to the years since 1954 and to desegregation cases such as "Brown v. Board of Education," "United States v. Fordice," and other judicial decisions. The volume highlights government relations, leadership,...