Last month, after a White House meeting with the leaders of several historically black colleges and universities, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released a statement saying HBCUs are “real pioneers when it comes to school choice.”
Pioneers of choice … really? She says that as if black students always had a choice of where they wanted to attend school. I’ve realized over the years many people share that same misinformed mindset as DeVos — it’s believed these organizations were created simply out of students’ desire to choose.
LSU only began accepting black students in 1953, yet people like DeVos probably believe Southern University was founded across town because black people wanted more options.
This assumption of choice is relevant to other institutions aside from universities, as well.
I’m affiliated with a few black-rooted organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the University’s Black Student Union and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, I’m not a part of these groups to be around fewer white people — if that were the case, I probably wouldn’t attend the University.
I’m constantly asked, “Why do you segregate yourself? Why are you a part of all these black organizations? What’s the point in them if some already exist?” People within the black community receive questions like these all the time. While I have different personal reasons why I’m a member of each organization, there are three general statements I have in response to those questions.
First, these organizations weren’t created because black people wanted to isolate themselves; they were created because for decades, black people weren’t accepted into white schools, social clubs or Greek-lettered organizations. We didn’t aim to separate ourselves — we just created the opportunities for ourselves that we were never given.
Second, for the majority of our everyday lives, black people are surrounded by white people. It can be hard for white people to understand what it’s like to yearn to be around people who understand and relate to you, for at least some of the day, because that’s a given for them.
Third, why don’t white people join black organizations? Why are we supposed to give up what we have? Our organizations were created because we weren’t accepted into others, and now they are established and prospering, though underfunded.
Our organizations don’t discriminate against any race; we welcome people of all colors. The purpose of these groups isn’t to “get even” — we don’t look at white people and say, “They can’t join ours because we coudn’t join theirs.” For example, the Black Student Union is open to all students. Many times, we express problems within the black community and discuss possible solutions. We’d love for all races to be in attendance for these meetings as that’s the best way to progress in society — through dialogue.
People must understand that black organizations were created and still act to unite and uplift the black community, as many times it seems as though society tries to tear it down.
Clarke Perkins is a 21-year-old political science junior from New Orleans, Louisiana.