LEARNING TOGETHER: The Story of America
The Institute for Colored Youth was the first college established for people of African descent in America. It was founded in 1837 by Richard Humphreys, a Quaker. The school originally taught only elementary level courses. Its mission was to teach and train freed black students how to read, write, do basic math, and learn agricultural skills. Later this institution of higher education taught high school level courses then it became a college that trained Black Americans to be teachers. The school’s name was changed to Cheyney University.
Currently, there are over 100 HBCUs in the United States.
Noteworthy Fact(s):
- During the antebellum era, many African American churches were instrumental in financing and establishing schools and colleges for black students.
- In 1862, in Memphis, Tennessee LeMoyne-Owen College was founded by the United Church of Christ.
OUR HISTORY MATTERS
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