GLBT African-American Students
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program
More than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities exist in the United States, founded primarily for the education of African-Americans. Some 6 percent — or 215,000 — of the country’s African-American higher education students are enrolled at HBCUs. Many of these institutions have religious affiliations.
A One-of-a-Kind Program. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program educates and organizes students, faculty and administrators at HBCU campuses on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues specific to each institution’s needs. It opens campus-wide debate on GLBT issues, often for the first time. And it trains students to build viable student-led GLBT or GLBT-friendly organizations on campus.
Answering a Crucial Need. This special outreach program was launched by HRC in the wake of a swell of violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students at HBCUs. In visits to several HBCU campuses, HRC staff worked one-on-one with students, school officials and local allies to begin a dialogue about GLBT students’ safety and dignity. Since its launch in 2002, HRC’s program has grown dramatically into a yearlong education, training and networking effort.
Focusing on the Students. A key part of the program is the annual “Claim Your Truth” summit. In 2006, 125 students and eight faculty advisors from 16 HBCUs participated in this intensive training at the Human Rights Campaign’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Students develop skills to make their campuses more accepting environments, meet with national and community leaders and build relationships with their peers. The HRC “Claim Your Truth” summit is:
Empowering. The HBCU students are able to explore their identities in all their intersections and complexities. Students share a safe space for open, honest conversation about their experiences as GLBT people of color. Students participate in self-evaluation and are encouraged to unite each part of their lives and to live their truth.
Inspiring. Special guests at HRC’s multi-day training have included Dr. Michael Lomax, president of the United Negro College Fund; Emil Wilbekin, former editor of Vibe magazine; Alphonso Morgan, author of the groundbreaking novel Sons; Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, president of Bennett College for Women; and Maurice Jamal, writer/director of the film Dirty Laundry.
Educational. The students also learn how to build student groups on campus and facilitate events that speak specifically to their experiences as GLBT students at HBCUs. And they learn how to lobby administrators for policy changes — preparing them to make change in the greater political sphere.
Leaders of Tomorrow
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s HBCU Program also works with students and groups on select campuses to host events to raise awareness about issues that mater to GLBT students and their civil rights. The program’s goal is to assist each campus in hosting four events each year — two in each academic semester. Among topics discussed are:
- Sexuality
- Religion
- Race
- HIV/AIDS
- Partnering with Straight Students
- Lobbying School Officials for Policy Changes
- Engaging in the Political Process
Some Recent Highlights
Development of sensitivity trainings on GLBT issues for faculty and administrators, specifically crafted to each individual campus’s needs.
Outreach to, and one-on-one meetings with, leading educators, including Dr. Walter Massey, president of Morehouse College; Dr. Michael Lomax, former president of Dillard University; and Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, professor at Spelman College.
Launch of student-hosted town hall meetings on HBCU campuses across the country to spark dialogue about faith and sexuality. The gatherings, known as “Claim It! Your Truth, Your Faith, Your Sexuality,” are jointly sponsored by the HRC Foundation’s Religion and Faith Program and its HBCU program.
“You’re now preparing to take on the responsibility to help other students touch their soul – and to help institutions touch their soul.”
— Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, president of Bennett College for Women, speaking to HBCU students about the Human Rights Campaign’s HBCU program.
“Continuing every day to be ourselves in a world that tries its best to make us conform is the hardest battle any of us can fight.”
— Liz Turner, graduate, Hampton University (Va.)
“It’s hard for students – because being gay and African-American is a taboo and is not talked about enough.”
— Zuri-Starr Turner, graduate, Dillard University (La.)
“Until we, as GLBT students, fully accept who we are as individuals and ‘Claim Our Truth,’ we should not expect others to accept us.”
— Antonio Bowman, graduate, Fisk University (Tenn.)