Hi there, it’s Kayleigh Skinner, managing editor for race and equity at Open Campus. I also get to run our HBCU Student Journalism Network, and want to highlight what we’ve been up to this semester. We’re in the final month of our spring cohort.

Who do HBCUs appeal to?

Morehouse College sophomore Niles Garrison has been exploring the ways identity shapes a student’s decision to attend a historically Black college or university. Last month, we co-published a story with Capital B detailing what student athletes and experts say about the “second curriculum” these schools offer in Black life that can’t be found at a predominantly white institution. Niles also wrote about why some African students choose to attend an HBCU. Though there are changes to adjust to, students told him HBCUs are a safe space to learn the intricacies of being Black in America.

Does religion have a place on campus?

Black Americans are turning away from organized religion, and America is becoming less religious as a whole. North Carolina A&T senior Dasia Williams reported on how students in religious programs or divinity groups at HBCUs worry their school isn’t making enough space for them.

Activism and philanthropy in the HBCU sector

Spelman College senior Kylar Gray spoke with an alumna in the wake of her school’s recent $100 million donation to learn more about the evolving landscape at HBCUs and how the money might impact Black women in higher education.

Howard University junior Skyler Winston recently published a story about how HBCU students are thinking about political engagement on their campuses during an election year when college students appear less committed to voting than they have in the past. “Political engagement is extremely important for students. And because a lot of times, I feel like — especially in marginalized communities — we don’t understand the value of it,” a Tennessee State student told her. “We have to meet people where they are … everybody’s not interested in politics.”

“A trend is clear”

Separately, Florida A&M senior Richard Brown spoke with Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education about anti-DEI legislation in the wake of his state’s recent actions.

Making connections

In addition to telling great stories about HBCUs, our fellowship has two main goals: training fellows to be better journalists and connecting them to professionals around the country. A consistent piece of feedback from previous groups is that networking is one of the most valuable parts of this program, and they really appreciate the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.

Are you interested in speaking to a future group of fellows? Please email us at [email protected].

Support our work

We hope to grow this program and deepen the training we offer students at HBCUs. Please consider supporting our work.

Thanks for reading!

Reach out to us at [email protected].