HBCU is known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, established for African Americans. The primary purpose of these colleges was to provide educational openings for black Americans who were earlier lawfully restricted to education. Whether we look at educational, social, or economic, at present, all HBCU in the United States of America is a part of its accomplishment. However HBCU was founded for the education of African Americans, but at present, 24% of students in HBCU are non-black. Let’s check what is the famous HBCU in Nashville.
Some of the prominent Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Nashville are as mentioned below:
- American Baptist College
- Fisk University
- Meharry Medical College
- Tennessee State University
So let us dive more into the details of these colleges as mentioned below.
American Baptist College
During a conversation between National Baptist leaders and doctor O.L. Hailey, it was decided to establish a seminary for the training of black Baptist ministers. Then 1914 National Baptist Convention and Southern Baptist Convention gave the idea of establishing the college in Memphis, Tennessee.
But, later it got established in Nashville. Previously, on September 14, 1924, the main goal of the college was the practice of Christian employees under the title of the American Baptist theological seminary. However, the college is now recognized as a Historically Black College with liberal arts, ABC attempts to educate, graduate, and teach distinct students regardless of their age, class, nationality, gender, or race for Christian supervision service and social justice in the world.
Fisk University
Fisk University is among the most popular and the oldest institutions of higher learning in Nashville. It is also home to the abundant prestigious Fisk Jubilee singers globally. The college was founded in 1865 in Nashville. The originators of Fisk University were John Ogden, the Reverend Erastus Milo Cravath, and the Reverend Edward P. Smith and it was titled in the name of General Clinton B who is Fisk of the Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau.
In the prior Union army barracks, there were many facilities delivered to the university by General Clinton. On 9 January 1866, he summoned its first lessons with students ranging from age seven to seventy.
Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College is the first and among the most famous institutions for Black Americans, having the highest percentage of African American students. It was founded in Nashville in 1876 and was acknowledged as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College.
The college provides an opportunity of graduating with a PhDs in biomedical sciences in the country. Further, it is known as the well-known originator of African American fundamental care physicians and dentists. At present Meharry Medical College is known as the Nation’s Largest Private Historically Black Academy Health Science Center. Besides, the college has authorized thousands of health care specialists.
Tennessee State University
The General Assembly of Tennessee State created Tennessee State University in 1902. Earlier, the institution was named Agriculture and Industrial Normal School, but later, in 1941, the name was upgraded and became Tennessee State University. The school got started on 19 June 1912 with 247 students, and the head of the school was William Jasper Hale.
All the students, faculty, and staff work together to operate the college. Later in 1922, the institution gained the capacity to grant bachelor’s degrees. Slowly, the institution became famous for its tremendous academic growth, facilities, and worldwide recognition. Finally, in June 1944, the first master’s degrees were allotted to students.
How Many Total Black-Owned Colleges Are There In The Us?
There are approximately 107 colleges in the United States that are recognized as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) by the US Department of Education. So overall, there are many HBCU in the US but if you are particularly looking for HBCU in Nashville then there are four colleges that are identified as HBCU in Nashville.
How Many Total HBCUs Are In Tennessee?
There are a total of seven HBCUs in Tennessee which include four HBCUs in Nashville. These Historically Black Colleges and Universities of Tennessee State are- American Baptist College, Fisk University, Knoxville College, Lane College, LeMoyne Owen College, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University. There is at least one HBCU in each vast division of the Tennessee state.
The Largest HBCU In Nashville
Tennessee State University is the largest HBCU among other HBCUs in Nashville. It was established in 1912 and is now residence to 6,000 undergraduate students. The Tennessee State General Assembly established the university in 1909 under Agriculture and Industrial Normal School.
Conclusion
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee which is a US state. Several colleges in Nashville provide African Americans an opportunity to study as once they were legally restricted from getting an education. There are four Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Nashville mentioned above briefly in the article. Nashville city includes the highest percentage of African Americans in biomedical sciences. So we hope this article was able to answer your questions and now you know about these colleges in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the newest HBCU in Nashville?
Ans. American Baptist College was established in 1924. It was established in Nashville, Tennessee, and was connected to the National Baptist Convention USA.
2. Which is the first Black Medical School in Nashville?
Ans. Meharry Medical College is the first Black Medical College in Nashville. It was established in 1876. The institution provides the facility of graduation with PhDs in the biomedical sciences. It is also known as the originator of African American primary care physicians and dentist
3. Can a white student apply to an HBCU?
Ans. There is no discrimination for taking admission to HBCUs. Students of any race and ethnicity meeting with the required grades can apply for admission to an HBCU. While applying for colleges in the US you need to fill out one application per school.
4. Which is the most famous HBCU in Nashville?
Ans. The most famous HBCU in Nashville Tennessee is Fisk University. It was established in 1866 and has a 40-acres widened campus. The university is home to the most prestigious fisk Jubilee singers.
