Episode 7: Is a 4.0 at an H.B.C.U. equivalent to a 4.0 at an P.W.I?

Conversations and Cocktails with the Crew

Historically, African Americans, by law, were not allowed to enroll in institutions we now know as predominantly white institutions. Thus, they had to create their own institutions. Many decades later, the constant fight and need to bring awareness still exists. The debate about Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) and Predominately White Institutions (PWI) are becoming more talked about and calling for a much-needed conversation about which type of institution a black student should attend and is one better than the other. Conversations and Cocktails with the Crew podcast take a look at their personal experiences that include: the reason for choosing an HBCU, college experience, life after college and the importance of attending an H.B.C.U. According to the 2018 Study Breaks, "Black students who attend HBCU's feel that black students who attend PWI's aren’t getting a true “black experience” and are sellouts." The Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is the oldest HBCU in the United States, founded in 1837. This institution lead the way aspiring black students with a safe, comfortable and healthily familiar place to attain the highest level of education possible. Though vastly underfunded, black institutions of higher education continue to produce some of the highest numbers of black pharmacists, Ph.D.’s and scientists. However, shortly thereafter, black people were allowed at PWI’s in underrepresented numbers and continue to make up a very small percentage of PWI’s. On the contrary, due to the ease of access into HBCU’s from lower admission requirements and test scores, black students at PWI’s believe their curriculum is far more rigorous than HBCU’s, thus making their degrees of higher value. In addition, they believe that PWI’s makes them more acclimated to “the real world” and in corporate settings, which see white people as the racial majority. There’s truth in both arguments but the division it has caused within the black community makes the argument completely pointless. Although many wish to debate on whose educational experience is more valuable or culturally relevant, HBCUs have played and continues to play an integral role in the social, educational, political and economic development of the black community. Grab your college crew, cocktails and let's talk? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/candcwiththecrew/message