The role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in cultivating the next generation of social justice and public service‐oriented moral leaders during the racial reckoning and COVID‐19 pandemics

Abstract

In the United States, college has often served as an incubator for social change agents in the form of student activism and participation in broader social movements. Historically Black colleges and university (HBCUs) have played a pivotal role in social justice movements since their inception with the most notable example being the central role of HBCUs in the Civil Rights Movement. The role of HBCUs in cultivating exemplary leaders provides invaluable examples and frameworks for tackling the dual pandemics of COVID‐19 and the latest racial reckoning. The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of how an all‐male HBCU contributes to the development of moral leadership and how that tradition has evolved with the current dual pandemics. We provide a historical overview of Morehouse's leadership models and provide a case study from students currently enrolled at Morehouse College, the only all‐male, historically Black college in the United States. Student participants described how leadership has evolved from previous generations, the impact of social media, and what it means to be a moral leader and how the HBCU tradition, shapes leadership.

Unlocking the gate

“…While part of a larger study, the focus on mathematics is purposeful given its central prerequisite role for students to matriculate as STEM majors. Reflective of the equity and social justice ethos of HBCUs (Franklin, Younge & Jensen, 2023), Lincoln University affirms the importance of Black identity and community wherein STEM majors have likened the context to an environment that feels like family (Mitchell & Fashola, 2021). Despite the supportive environment, performance outcomes in mathematics have persistently lagged behind introductory coursework in other fields required for STEM majors.…”

Racial reckoning, resistance, and the revolution: A call to community psychology to move forward

“…In “The role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in cultivating the next generation of social justice and public service‐oriented moral leaders during the racial reckoning and COVID‐19 pandemics,” Franklin et al (2023) explored how Black male college students perceive leadership today is different from leadership in the past. The principles of the Society for Community Research and Action's founding are based upon social justice, wellbeing, and respect for diversity, which are in alignment with the mission of most Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and how they contribute to social movements.…”