Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) symbolize both a legacy of resilience and a beacon of opportunity for generations of Black students.
HBCUs have been steadfast in their mission to provide access to higher education for Black Americans. They were born out of necessity during racial segregation, often offering pathways to success that were once denied. These institutions are cultural epicenters that foster academic excellence, leadership development, and the cultivation of talent. They contribute not only to the advancement of Black communities but also to the broader landscape of American higher education.
Eleise Richards, a proud alumna of Howard University, took it upon herself to cultivate awareness and opportunity for those unfamiliar with HBCUs or the American higher education system. Her passion stems from her journey as a first-generation college student and the child of Jamaican immigrants. Growing up, she lacked familiarity with the American higher education system. In 2016, Richards launched a college fair in her hometown of Irvington, New Jersey. It later grew into a nonprofit called Experience the Legacy.
Creating a Nonprofit
What began as a modest college fair blossomed into an impactful nonprofit. Richards sought to extend the invitation to the fair to a wider audience, drawing inspiration from her transformative years at Howard. As a result, she specifically includes students whose circumstances might prevent a physical exploration of these esteemed institutions.
However, as the fair gained momentum, Richards confronted the realization that her knowledge of HBCUs remained incomplete. She recognized the need to truly understand the institutions she championed. In 2020, she embarked on a journey to immerse herself in the fabric of HBCU culture while also providing access to recruiters, alumni, and other assets.
She decided to split her journey into three distinct legs. Richards traveled across the nation to visit universities, from the historic Alabama State University in Montgomery to Prairie View A&M University in Texas and Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. Her quest encompassed 93 schools, spanning every four-year degree-granting HBCU she could access across North America.
Breaking HBCU Misconceptions
She emphasized the incredible diversity at HBCUs. There are many misconceptions about these institutions, and she wants to expand the narrative.
“It’s very diverse,” she affirms, noting the inclusivity of backgrounds and cultures she encountered. “There are students from all walks of life, all types of different countries. There’s just a lot of misconceptions out there,” she told Good Morning America in 2024.
