HBCU nights teach the importance and history of black institutions to black students who seek higher education.

“The importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities is to learn and engage in fellowship with individuals that share similar experiences to learn black history in its truest, most accurate form in a welcoming and familial atmosphere,” said alumna Aliyah Webster, a Spelman freshman, and presenter of the HBCU night, hosted by the Ocean Lakes Black student union. 

According to HBCU First, these institutions were created by black philanthropists, religious organizations, and liberated black people to provide other black Americans with their human right, access to higher education after their denied admission into predominantly white institutions.

“Campuses offer many academic programs, classes, and internship opportunities that students should consider when they select their HBCU, and they also should start college essays, apply for scholarships, and write resumes early to show well-roundedness and preparation,” said Webster. 

Campuses also include Greek life, where the first female black and south Asian Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, was a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first black sorority in America started at Howard University.

“The idea of having the first black female vice president is so empowering and inspirational, and I believe the progress and possibilities her position represents is essential for black children to realize their potential and be themselves unapologetically in all aspects of life,” said Webster.

On Feb. 4. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., A Digital World will hold an HBCU night virtual admissions table with Howard University to highlight the university’s admission office and the current students.

“Students will receive a strong education, make some of the best memories of their lives, and meet such creative, amazing, and like-minded people,” said Webster. “I am over the moon when I hear an Ocean Lakes student considering an HBCU because these spaces were created for black students to thrive when denied access to predominantly white institutions, and they have produced countless influential and successful individuals.”