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Colleges and Universities

The Future of HBCUs in the COVID Era

For more than 150 years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played an essential role in American higher education. Yet, they’ve long struggled for resources and endowments — a trend that COVID-19 is exacerbating.

The Future of HBCUs in the COVID Era is a three-part digital series featuring the country’s leading HBCU presidents in conversation with higher education experts, alumni and students. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, they discuss the historic lack of investment in HBCUs, the unique challenges they face in the pandemic, and how we can create a more equitable future for our young people.

These events are moderated by Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project. They include Virgil Parker, Howard University student and Dan Porterfield, Aspen Institute President, together with HBCU presidents:

  • Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, Spelman College
  • Ronald Mason, Jr., the University of the District of Columbia
  • Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, Paul Quinn College
  • Suzanne Elise Walsh, Bennett College

This event series is presented by Aspen Partnership for an Inclusive Economy (APIE), College Excellence Program (CEP) and Weave: The Social Fabric Project. Watch now:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

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