Unsupported Futures: How Systemic Barriers Harm Black Men in Higher Education
For Black men in America, even the most beautiful moments of life are often complicated by the weight of systemic challenges. Joys that should be simple—education, love, self-expression—are not always experienced freely. In a world shaped by racism and toxic masculinity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities offer something rare: space to grow without fear of judgment. These institutions give Black students a place to feel seen, valued, and surrounded by people who are deeply invested in their success. The hidden prejudices that label Black men as incapable, uneducated, or disposable are directly confronted by the power of HBCUs. These schools give Black men the audacity to use their voices, take up space, and reshape the future of this country. Yet that very power is under threat. The Supreme Court recently approved a request from the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education, a decision that will have devastating consequences for student loans and for the future funding of HBCUs (VanSickle).
Black men are often scrutinized simply for existing. The barriers they face are frequently misunderstood, dismissed, or ignored by society. Although American ideals often define men as providers and leaders, that path is not equally accessible to everyone. Black men are the group least likely to earn a college degree in the United States (Wiltz). Instead of prompting concern about systemic inequity, this statistic is often used to question their ambition, intelligence, and capability. In predominantly white academic spaces, where diversity is rarely prioritized in meaningful ways, Black students often feel out of place and unsupported. When there are no African Americans in positions of power at a university, it raises a painful question. Who do your peers and your institution believe is worthy of leading and shaping the future? At the University of Portland, Black students shared that they felt pressure to prove themselves on behalf of the Black community and to appear competent in the eyes of the white community (Andrews). These emotional burdens are made heavier by the history that many predominantly white institutions are tied to. Universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Princeton, and Yale were built in part through profits from slavery (Smith and Ellis). That legacy brings a responsibility to address historical harm and build a more just future for students of color. A major reason Black men choose HBCUs is that they never have to question whether they belong. These institutions make it clear from the start that they are valued, supported, and fully capable of achieving their goals.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, beginning with Cheyney University in 1837, were created to promote scholarship among African Americans at a time when most institutions excluded or ignored their educational needs. Today, HBCUs are widely recognized for the strong sense of community they foster and the affirming spaces they provide. These schools have reshaped the narrative for Black men, giving them room to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or microaggressions. HBCUs also empower students to express every part of their identity. For Black queer men in particular, these campuses offer space to be seen and heard, with organizations like Hampton University’s MOSAIC fostering inclusion and community for LGBTQ+ students (Peebles). As a current student at Spelman, I witness the powerful impact of our neighboring institution, Morehouse College, each day.
As an all-male HBCU, Morehouse plays a significant role in shaping the next generation of Black men. There are many assumptions surrounding all-male schools and their prestige, but HBCUs like Morehouse cultivate a sense of brotherhood that is rarely found elsewhere. When I interviewed my Morehouse brother, Marley Ewell, he shared that he feels exceptionally prepared to enter the real world. This is not only because of what he continues to learn academically, but also because Morehouse teaches him, “our history, how we socialize, and how to navigate the world as Black individuals.” That kind of education builds confidence from the inside out, allowing students to recognize that they are living out the dreams of their ancestors who were never granted the same opportunities.
On July 14, 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to proceed with firing around 1,300–1,400 staff at the Department of Education, marking a significant step toward downsizing the agency. While this order is temporary and Congress would still need to act to shut down the department, the move threatens federal oversight of student loans, civil rights enforcement, and HBCU funding. Alongside this, the administration’s proposed cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs put many HBCUs at risk of losing vital funding. Student debt is already a significant barrier to higher education, especially for Black men. Retaining students at HBCUs depends heavily on providing sufficient financial support, but with limited state funding, many Historically Black colleges struggle to offer adequate aid, leading to higher dropout rates (Walker). This problem has deep roots; a 2023 report found that sixteen states have underfunded their Historically Black Colleges by $12 billion over several decades (Marshall). Now, as the Department of Education faces dismantling, these challenges grow more urgent. Despite these obstacles, many students remain resilient. An assistant professor at Spelman College observed that “our ancestors did not rely on federal money in order to get the work done” (Francis). This enduring tenacity gives hope that Black men can continue to pursue education, even if the path is harder.
However, Black men should not have to fight so hard for access to education at institutions that genuinely support them simply because of political neglect. To improve retention rates among Black men, we must find creative solutions to reduce student debt. Many Black men balance full-time jobs while attending university, and this strain limits their opportunities. HBCUs have produced some of the most influential Black leaders in history—Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Spike Lee, and Michael Strahan, to name a few. Without the unique support and sense of belonging these institutions provide, their journeys would have been vastly different. Despite limited resources, HBCUs have educated 40 percent of Black engineers, 80 percent of Black judges, 70 percent of Black doctors and dentists, and 50 percent of Black teachers, lifting many first-generation college students into professional success (“Black History In Higher Education: The Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities”). We must ensure that more Black men have equitable access to the education and opportunities HBCUs offer. True equity requires systemic investment. Our society will never be truly inclusive unless everyone has equal access to education.
Investing in our Black youth is essential to securing a brighter future for all. Despite a society that often undermines the achievements of Black men, Historically Black Colleges and Universities consistently restore a powerful sense of confidence within them. For many Black men who have grown up feeling undeserving of education or who come from predominantly white spaces, choosing to attend an HBCU can be intimidating, yet almost all who make that choice look back without regret. In a world full of challenges, we need as many well-educated voices as possible to speak up and lead. As a society, we must fight to support institutions that uplift Black men, especially when the majority often seeks to diminish their light.
Sincerely,
Zaliyah Emmanuel
Documentary Filmmaking, BA
Works Cited
Andrews, Malika. “Disconnected: Black students on The Bluff feel they don't belong.” The Beacon, 2 March 2016, https://www.upbeacon.com/article/2016/03/disconnected-black-students-on-the-bluff-feel-they-dont-belong.
“Black History In Higher Education: The Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” Bryan University, 2025, https://bryanuniversity.edu/announcements-news/black-history-in-higher-education-the-impact-of-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/. Accessed 16 July 2025.
Francis, Marquise. “Many HBCUs need government funding, but some are preparing for a future without it.” NBC News, 16 April 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/many-hbcus-need-government-funding-are-preparing-future-rcna201380. Accessed 16 July 2025.
Lomax, Michael L. “Why HBCUs Still Matter.” UNCF, https://uncf.org/the-latest/why-hbcus-still-matter. Accessed 16 July 2025.