Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister, Christine King Farris, is an educator and author. She served as a professor and chair of the Department of Education and Counseling at Spelman College, an HBCU in Atlanta. Her contributions to education and her advocacy for civil rights align with the family's commitment to social justice.
As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. on this special day, we delve into a remarkable aspect of The Carver's legacy – the profound connection between Carver graduates and 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
For many Carver graduates, HBCUs have played a pivotal role in shaping their academic journey, and Carver’s annual 10-day Spring College Tour always includes these institutions, recognizing their monumental impact.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s family has a rich history in their associations with HBCUs.
Maternal Grandfather - Rev. Adam Daniel Williams: Martin Luther King Jr.'s maternal grandfather, Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, played a significant role in shaping King's values and principles. He was a Baptist minister and a prominent figure in the African American community. Rev. Williams was affiliated with Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia.
Father - Martin Luther King Sr.: Martin Luther King Jr.'s father, Martin Luther King Sr., also known as Daddy King, had strong ties to HBCUs. He attended Morehouse College, where he studied theology. Daddy King later became a Baptist minister and a civil rights leader in his own right.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Martin Luther King Jr. enrolled in 1944 at 15 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1948. Morehouse College had a profound influence on King's intellectual and spiritual development.
Wife - Coretta Scott King: Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s wife, was also deeply connected to HBCUs. She attended Antioch College in Ohio for her undergraduate studies but later pursued music education at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Coretta was actively involved in the civil rights movement and the fight for social justice.
George Washington Carver, our namesake, born into slavery, did not attend an HBCU. Yet, his story intertwines with the narrative of HBCUs. Attending Iowa State University in 1891, Carver overcame adversity to become a distinguished scientist and professor at Tuskegee Institute, an HBCU founded in 1881.
The influence of HBCUs on Black America is immeasurable. It's a legacy of resilience, achievement, and unwavering educational commitment. The statistics speak volumes – HBCUs have produced 40% of Black engineers and members of Congress, 50% of Black lawyers, 70% of Black doctors, and a staggering 80% of Black judges. These achievements are even more remarkable considering the historical inequities in funding. A recent federal study highlighted that between 1987 and 2020, HBCUs received approximately $12.6 billion less in funding per student than their state land grant college and university counterparts.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) just announced a $100 million grant from the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment in support of the 37 HBCUs that form the college fund’s membership. MacKenzie Scott recently gave $560 million to 23 HBCUs. Legislative actions, such as the CHIPS and Science Act signed by President Joe Biden, provide rays of hope.
Since 1837, HBCUs have been instrumental in elevating millions of African Americans from poverty to the middle class. Their transformative impact extends beyond individual lives, reaching into local communities and contributing to the betterment of cities, states, and the nation.
As we reflect on the rich tapestry of history, let us acknowledge the enduring legacy of HBCUs and their role in shaping the dreams and aspirations of Carver graduates, carrying forward the torch of education lit by visionaries like Martin Luther King Jr.
