The History of Black African American Education and Scholarship

Education has long been regarded as the cornerstone of progress and enlightenment in societies around the world.

When reading through the narrative of intellectual development, the ongoing struggles and triumphs of marginalised communities stand out. Persistent issues such as inequality in educational resources, discrimination and bias, cultural insensitivity, underrepresentation in leadership, access to advanced courses, and financial barriers are all continuous challenges faced by the black community in receiving a socially equitable education.

That’s why it’s important to acknowledge and understand the contributions of black scholars around the world and throughout history who have played pivotal roles in shaping the educational landscape for the better. In this post, our focus will be on the history of African American education.

Ancient Roots

The roots of education among black communities can be traced back to ancient civilisations – we explored the advances made by African kingdoms in a previous blog post that you might wish to visit. In Africa, renowned centers of learning, such as Timbuktu, were hubs of cultural and intellectual exchange.

Did you know that Ahmad Baba, also known as Ahmad ibn Ahmad al-Timbukti, was a renowned African scholar and jurist who lived during the 16^th century? His scholarship was deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and his expertise spanned theology, jurisprudence, grammar, rhetoric, and history. Contributing greatly to intellectual and legal discourse within the Muslim world, he was an advocate for the importance of education in both religious and secular fields.

Similarly, Mansa Musa, the 14^th-century ruler of the Mali Empire is believed to have been a patron of learning and education in the Mali Empire. Potentially laying the foundations for Ahmad Baba, he is said to have sponsored the construction of mosques and madrasas (educational institutions) in various cities, including Timbuktu and Gao, supporting the spread of knowledge and Islamic studies. His interactions with scholars and leaders during his famous pilgrimage likely acted as a catalyst for cultural and intellectual exchange, contributing overall to the enrichment of educational practises in Mali.

The Struggle for Literacy

While there was an ancient precedent for learning, the era of slavery in the Americas presented immense challenges for black individuals seeking education. Why was this? Because slave codes explicitly forbade teaching enslaved people to read and write, institutionally recognising power that education held in fostering resistance and empowerment.

Despite these barriers, some enslaved individuals, such as the prominent African American abolitionist, social reformer, and statesmen, Frederick Douglass, risked severe punishment to secretly education themselves, laying the groundwork for future generations. Douglass escaped bondage after being born into slavery in Maryland, becoming a leading figure in the fight against slavery and an advocate for education and civil rights.

Having taught himself to read and write, Douglass went on to become a highly effective public speaker orator, giving powerful speeches such as “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Working towards universal education as a means to make meaningful contributions to society, he consistently spoke out against the denial of education to enslaved individuals and free African Americans.

Through the founding and editing of several newspapers including the North Star and Frederick Douglass’ Paper, Douglass used this platform to promote education and social reform.

After the Civil War, Douglass served in various government positions, including as a recruiter for the Union Army and as a U.S. Marshal. He was appointed by President Rutherford B. Hayes as the U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia.

Proving that colourism should never be a measure of education or success, he even served as the president of the Freedman’s Savings Bank, which aimed to provide financial education and assistance to newly freed slaves.

It’s easy to see how greater representation when it comes to leadership roles in government, educational and business institutions play such a key part in advancing the causes that matter.

Reconstruction and the Rise of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the Reconstruction era outlined new opportunities for black education. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established with the sole mission of providing higher education opportunities for African American students during a time when segregation and racial discrimination were pervasive.

Howard University, established in 1867 in Washington, D.C., is often considered the first federally chartered HBCU. It was founded by General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War Union Army general, and the Freedmen’s Bureau, an agency created to assist newly emancipated slaves.

This existed outside of the 1862 Morrill Act, also known as the Land-Grant College Act, a federal law that provided grants of public land for agricultural and mechanical institutions that were not open to African American Students.

The Second Morrill Act of 1890 addressed the exclusion of African American students from the benefits of the original act. It required states with racially segregated higher education systems to provide land-grant status or establish a separate land-grant institution for African American students.

Educator and leader, Booker T. Washington, played a key role in the founding of Tuskegee University in Alabama in 1881. While not initially designated as a land-grant institution, Tuskegee later became of the 1890 land-grant universities.

In response to the Second Morrill Act, several more HBCUs were established as land-grant institutions. Universities such as the North Carolina A&T State University received federal funding for programs in agriculture, engineering, and other fields.

To further bolster and support these efforts, the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) was founded in 1944 to provide financial support to private HBCUs. Over the years, federal legislation, including the Higher Education Act of 1965, has aimed to address disparities in educational opportunities and resources.

The Harlem Renaissance and Cultural Resurgence

The early 20^th century witnessed the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic explosion within the African American community. This period not only celebrated art and literature but also saw the emergence of scholars who emphasised the importance of education in cultivating a strong sense of identity and pride.

Alain Locke was a philosopher, educator, and writer who is often referred to as the “Dean” or “Father” of the Harlem Renaissance. He’s perhaps best known for editing and contributing to the seminal anthology “The New Negro: An Interpretation,” published in 1925. The collection brought together writings from various African American authors, poets, and intellectuals, showcasing the diversity and importance of black culture.

Locke advocated for cultural pluralism, celebrating the myriad of African American experiences and perspectives. He believed that education should encourage an appreciation for the varied contributions of African Americans to literature, art, music, and intellectual thought. Harlem was seen as the symbolic and geographical center for the cultural and intellectual renaissance.

It was believed that the neighbourhood could serve as a space for the exchange of ideas, the nurturing of artistic talent, and the development of a collective consciousness across the black community.

This nucleus would go on to empower subsequent generations of scholars and thinkers, contributing to the ongoing discourse on race, identity, and education.

Civil Rights Movement and Educational Equality

The Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20^th century was a pivotal moment in history that sought to dismantle institutionalised racism. Education played a central role in this struggle, with figures like Rosa Parks and James Meredith challenging segregation in schools. Rosa Parks became a symbol of resistance against segregation through her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, while James Meredith is best known for his efforts to desegregate the University of Mississippi, also known as “Ole Miss.”

Both Rosa Parks and James Meredith contributed significantly to the broader civil rights movement by challenging segregation in different contexts. Parks’ act of resistance set off a chain of events that led to the desegregation of public transportation, while Meredith’s legal victory and enrolment at Ole Miss symbolised progress in the struggle for equal access to education. The landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 marked a significant legal victory, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Where are we today?

Black scholars continue to make significant contributions to education and academia. From educators and researchers to policymakers, individuals like Dr. Mae Jemison and Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole continue to challenge perceptions and inspire the next generation of learners.

Referring back to ongoing issues in African American education, it’s essential to recognise that addressing these blockers requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, community engagement, and further efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational institutions. Additionally, ongoing conversations and advocacy are crucial for fostering positive change in the education system.

From the ancient centers of learning in Africa to the struggles against slavery, segregation, and discrimination, the history of African American education and scholarship shows consistent advocation for the transformative power of education.

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