When most Americans think of preserving Black history, they might picture the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. But the nation's historically Black colleges and universities have been doing this work for more than a century—often with far fewer resources and recognition.
Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture.File photo
A new exhibition at the museum aims to change that narrative.
"At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs" features archival collections from five institutions—Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University—demonstrating how these schools have functioned as repositories of African American intellectual, artistic, and activist traditions. The exhibition runs through July 19.
Nearly two-thirds of the nation's HBCUs maintain museums, art galleries, or archives, according to the Smithsonian. Yet many Americans remain unaware of the cultural treasures housed within these institutions.
"This exhibition honors the legacy of HBCUs as cultural and educational powerhouses," said Shanita Brackett, acting director of the museum. "Through these collections from our partner institutions, we see the breadth of Black intellectual excellence, activism and artistic achievement, reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play in shaping American history."
The more than 100 objects on display are organized around three themes: student activism, Black scholarship, and the arts at HBCUs.
Among the rare materials featured are first editions of renowned writer Margaret Walker's novel Jubilee and poetry collection For My People, scientific journals from Tuskegee researchers, and handcrafted pottery from Tuskegee Institute. One highlight includes color video footage of agricultural scientist George Washington Carver—one of only a handful of such recordings known to exist.
