An older Black man in a suit and glasses, an older Black woman wearing a dark jacket and a leopard print hat, and a younger Black woman in a dark jacket and light-colored hat sit outside at an event.

Lesson Plan

Forging Excellence: The Creation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Explore the rich history and significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, highlighting their contributions to higher education and the civil rights movement from the 19th century to present.

About this lesson

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) hold a significant place in the history of civil rights in the United States. These institutions were established primarily to provide education to Black students when racial segregation was widespread. HBCUs played a crucial role in promoting social and civil rights movements, fostering leaders who fought for equality. They also contributed to innovation and cultural preservation, producing trailblazers in various fields. HBCUs continue to play a vital role in higher education today, offering diverse academic programs and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Understanding the historical significance of HBCUs helps us appreciate the resilience and achievements of Black communities while celebrating their rich cultural heritage.

Grade Level

  • Grade Level

    Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth

  • Subject

    Arts, Engineering, Science, Social Studies, Technology, US History

  • Duration

    120 minutes

  • Class Period Structure

    Two 60-minute class periods

  • Activities, Background Essay, Biographies, Glossary, Primary Sources, Rubric, Secondary Sources, Timeline

  • At the end of this lesson students will be able to:

    • Describe the history of HBCUs, detail the challenges they faced, analyze their impact on the civil rights movement, and examine the ongoing role of HBCUs in contemporary society.

  • It will be helpful for students to be familiar with:

    • The Civil War
    • Reconstruction
    • The Gilded Age
    • Key figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington

  • Georgia

    SSUSH13: Evaluate efforts to reform American society and politics in the Progressive Era.

    Ethnic Studies: Evaluates the contributions African Americans have made to American culture.

    L9-10RHSS6: Compare the point of view of two or more authors for how they treat the same or similar topics, including which details they include and emphasize in their respective accounts.

    L11-12RHSS2: Determine a central idea or information of primary and secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationship among the key details and ideas.

    L11-12RHSS3: Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.

    L11-12WHST6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

Supporting Materials

Primary Source

Glossary

  • Civil Rights –

    The nonpolitical rights of a citizen, especially the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution and by acts of Congress.

  • Civil Rights Movement –

    A social and political movement during the mid-20th century in the United States, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans, including desegregation of schools and institutions.

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