I'Ll Find A Way Or Make One: A Tribute To Historically Black Colleges And Universities

Synopsis

Now available in paperback, I'LL FIND A WAY OR MAKE ONE is a groundbreaking reading book featuring 200 black & white photographs. It explores the dramatic development and history of America's 108 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through photos, historical memoir, anecdotal information, archival and contemporary materials, and personal interviews. Stories abound about the abolishment of slavery. However, lesser known are the efforts--both prior to and after the Civil War--of African-American and white abolitionists banding together to formerly educate newly freed slaves. In 1861, the 28 known Black graduates went to the island of Port Royal, South Carolina, to take part in this educational experiment. The 18-month program and subsequent article that ran in Atlanta Monthly were instrumental in the government's commitment to educate Blacks after the war. Through the government, tireless work of Black churches, White missionary organizations and philanthropists, HBCUs were established. The tales of how these schools were created and the individuals who are linked to their histories are rich and often controversial These tales are the crux of I'LL FIND A WAY OR MAKE ONE. HBCUs have come to be known as the backbone of America's Black middle class. Most importantly, I'LL FIND A WAY reveals how the social and cultural atmosphere fostered at these institutions ultimately played a major role in shaping African Americana.