HBCU

abbreviation

1. historically Black college or university: any institution of higher education that was established prior to 1964 and whose principal mission was and still is the education of Black Americans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of HBCU¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Jennings recounted parts of Harris’ biography — how she was born and raised in California, attended an HBCU, and served as both a senator and vice president.

From Los Angeles Times

And Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett brought up the burger behemoth while attacking former President Trump: “One candidate worked at McDonald’s while she was in college at an HBCU. The other was born with the silver spoon in his mouth.”

From Los Angeles Times

“One candidate worked at McDonald’s, while she was in college at an HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,” Crockett said to boisterous laughter.

From Salon

A string of #firemoseley social media posts have questioned his qualifications, his treatment of the Black administrator and whether it was appropriate for a white man to lead an HBCU.

From Seattle Times

And I saw him being more political and not being more personable to ensure that you keep the integrity of our HBCU,” Perry said.

From Seattle Times

When To Use

What is HBCU?

HBCU stands for historically black colleges and universities, which were established before the landmark Civil Rights Act in 1964 and with the ongoing mission of educating Black Americans.How is term pronounced?[ eych-bee-see-yoo ]