HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience

by Ayesha Rascoe

In this joyous collection of essays about historically Black colleges and universities, alumni both famous and up-and-coming write testimonials about the schools and experiences that shaped their lives and made them who they are today.

Edited by the host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday , Ayesha Rascoe—with a distinguished and diverse set of contributors including Oprah Winfrey, Stacey Abrams, and Branford Marsalis, HBCU Made illuminates and celebrates the experience of going to a historically Black college or university. This book is for proud alumni, their loved ones, current students, and anyone considering an HBCU.

The first book featuring famous alumni sharing personal accounts of the Black college experience, HBCU Made offers a series of warm, moving, and candid personal essays about the schools that nurtured and educated them. The contributors write about how they chose their HBCU, their first days on campus, the dynamic atmosphere of classes where students were constantly challenged to do their best, the professors who devoted themselves to the students, the marching bands and majorettes and their rigorous training.

For some, the choice to attend an HBCU was an easy one, as they followed in the footsteps of their parents or siblings. For others, it was a carefully considered step away from a predominantly white institution to be educated in a place where they would never have to justify their presence. And for some authors here, it was an HBCU that took them in and cared for them like family, often helping them to overcome a rough patch.

For all, the pride in their choice is abundantly clear. HBCU Made is a perfect gift for each generation of prospective students and brand new alumni to come.  

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Essays, Memoir, Race, Education

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 30, 2024

Reviews

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

HBCU's are a huge part of American history. HBCU Made is an amazing essay collection told by HBCU Alumni such as NPR journalist Ayesha Rascoe, Stacey Abrams, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Arceneaux, Honoree Fanonne Jeffers, Jazz musician Branford Marsalis, Majorette team director Shawn Zachery and many more. They shared their stories on how HBCU's shaped their lives and made them who they are today.

[Kilandra Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great read! Although I attended a PWI, I love and respect HBCUs and wholeheartedly support them. My grandmother attended both Howard and Spelman so I grew up learning about HBCUs and wanted to attend one myself. It just didn't pan out that way. I would highly recommend it to high school students who are looking at schools and may be straddling the fence, but a good read for everyone overall.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her essay, A Southern Girl in a Complicated World, in the non-fiction book HBCU Made, Shawn Zachery states, "HBCUs exist to educate both those that have everything and those that may have nothing. No one is left behind, which is why they are important." There is not a better summary of reading the essays by famous and up-and-coming individuals who benefitted from attending an HBCU.

Ayesha Rascoe has done an immeasurable service for families, the schools, alumni, but most importantly, high school students who are preparing to select and attend colleges. Many of the HBCUs are located in states that are removing AP African-American History. HBCUs are an essential part of that history and students will benefit from hearing how individuals benefitted from attending one of them.

We will be purchasing multiple copies for our high school library and those who work with students as they consider what their options are for colleges. Thank You to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review. It was magical, informational, insightful, and highly beneficial.

[Rae likes books · Rating 3 out of 5]

My intention for reading this book is part research and part curiosity. I currently work at an HBCU but, before this job, I had never even stepped foot at an HBCU. This book includes multiple essays of people who went to the HBCU I work at and I wanted to know about it from a student perspective. I wanted to know how HBCUs and PWIs are really different other than the obvious differences. I wanted to know what made these spaces so special, especially the one I work at, as it is featured in this book.

Overall, I really liked this book. I think it did a really good job of encapsulating what it's like going to an HBCU from different perspectives, both good and bad, and how going to HBCUs changed their life forever. This book is rich in culture and community, which is what you get going to an HBCU. I would say that I wish that I went to an HBCU but I honestly don't know how I would have fared and the school that I went to, for both undergrad and grad school suited who I was at the time. But also I'm probably going to get my Ph.D. or another Masters at the school I work at so I will eventually get to experience HBCU culture for myself.

My only critic is that I wish there was more variety in majors and years that people went to HBCUs. I think all but two or three were in the 20th century (yes I'm being shady) and a majority of the majors talked about were Journalism, Media Broadcasting, or English. I just wish there was more variety and lowkey that it was more regular people telling their stories.

[Jermaine Van Buren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This collection of essays from HBCU graduates was entertaining yet bland. Every essay started to sound the same after a while. Outstanding careers in business, theatre, and engineering don’t always translate to the clearest writing. Standout essays spring from Stacey Abram’s, Roy Wood Jr’s, and the author’s. I would have loved to hear, in each essay, more specificity that really exposed the nuance of each school. A tidbit on the architecture of the student Union, a commentary on the bowling team perhaps. You may walk away thinking that the HBCU experience is boiled down to an electric band, powerful football teams, fashion show school uniforms, and opportunities around every corner. True, But there is usually more to the story!

[Lisa Brewer]

I loved this book.
Each essay was inspiring. Listening to stories of my own college students' success has always inspired me; reading this collection was also! Each story seemed to cite more of a connection to fellow students, and more of a cheering section in professors, than I had heard of before in my experiences.
I support and applaud the establishment, restoration, preservation and continuation of historically black colleges and universities.
There is a bit of profanity in an essay or two here. I don't care for that. But it was worth sticking with all of the essays (and overlooking the language of a couple) to appreciate the flavor and achievements of the group.
Read this book. :)

[Misty Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Once HBCUs were born, supporters over the generations have worked to make them thrive. They were never built to divide but to bridge divides, contrary to the fears of those who don’t understand the mission and origins.” - April Ryan

This was so interesting and wonderful to read!!!! HBCUs are such an important and amazing part of American history and I love learning about the culture that those institutions bring to the table! I’m excited to read more on this topic and to continue my own research on it as well!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

HBCU Made is a collection of essays about the Black college experience from a diverse group of contributors, some of whom you may be quite familiar with.

The first thing I did when I started reading was to check and see which of the essays was written by alumni of my school, Florida A & M. I was happy to find 2 contributions. One by @roywoodjr (who is very vocal about his alma mater) and the other by @leonedainge , someone I know personally. 😉 She really captured the atmosphere and magic of the school during our time there.

Just like most things, everyone who attends an HBCU has their own individual experience, and these institutions aren't a monolith. But HBCU Made makes clear that the original goals of these schools to prioritize educating African Americans from all walks of life still hold strong and true.

Thanks to @netgalley and @algonquinbooks for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Brandi Billingsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an HBCU alum, I adored this series of stories. I heavily related not only those that went to Dillard but nearly everyone’s. I loved how the writers were also able to critique our institutions without dragging them down, just making note of the ways we can improve. All in which I agree with!
Though I graduated just short of 4 years ago, I was filled with nostalgia.

[Charles Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience, Edited by Ayesha Rascoe
First and foremost, gratitude to NetGalley, Ayesha Rascoe, and Algonquin Books for providing me with an advanced copy.

Based on this excellent collection of essays, I would retitle this book, HBCU Made: "A Celebration of Legacy and Excellence, The Black College Experience." Edited by Ayesha Rascoe, the host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, HBCU Made captures the transformative power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through essays from a diverse set of contributors. This anthology stands out as a one-of-a-kind collection, offering moving and candid accounts of the HBCU experience.

Why It Matters:
HBCUs have long been sanctuaries of opportunity and cultural pride for Black students, often serving as the only viable path to higher education amidst systemic barriers. These institutions are foundational to America’s educational landscape, nurturing leaders, fostering talent, and shaping the Black middle class.

What Resonates:
The contributors—luminaries like Oprah Winfrey, Stacey Abrams, and Branford Marsalis—share vivid, deeply personal stories of how HBCUs shaped their lives. The essays highlight the resilience, pride, and excellence cultivated at these schools, dismantling outdated stereotypes. HBCUs, as one contributor puts it, “love you to success,” creating a nurturing environment where students feel truly seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

A Unique and Essential Read:
HBCU Made is the only anthology of its kind, a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of HBCUs. Its essays don’t just celebrate the academic achievements but the community, growth, and empowerment these institutions provide. This book should be required reading for any prospective college student—especially those considering an HBCU.

Key Takeaway:
This collection is both a celebration and a call to preserve the vital role of HBCUs in American society. It’s a must-read for anyone invested in equity, education, and the transformative power of community.

A Personal Reflection:
I did not have the opportunity to attend an HBCU, but reading HBCU Made opened my eyes to the profound and unique experiences these institutions offer. Had I had access to a book like this during my own decision-making process—or the insight shared by the brilliant contributors—I would have given strong consideration to attending an HBCU. As a firm believer in the power of education to unlock doors to success, this anthology resonated deeply with me.
Rating: 5/5
Charles Francis, 12/30/2024

[Jonesy.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was first invited to participate in the blog tour for Ayesha Roscoe's brand new anthology HBCU Made, my first thought was “what is an HBCU?”. I learned that HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the reason I had never heard of them before is because they don't exist in Canada. I knew at that moment that this was definitely a book I wanted to get my hands on. I needed to learn more. My words cannot adequately describe just how important HBCUs are, or what HBCU life is like, but through this anthology you can learn all that and so much more. The essays contained within this anthology will give you a glimpse inside HBCU life, where individuals can excel without the racial biases, stereotypes, and pressures holding them back the way they can and do at predominantly white colleges and universities. Alumni share their experience of overcoming, of second chances, of family and community, and the experiences that shaped them into who they are today. Tendayi Kuumba writes “this campus was a safe space for Black women in all their glory, a space where—whether you were a child star, a professor's daughter, or the first of your family to go to college—you had the freedom to define yourself on your own terms beyond the world’s view”. She goes on to say “Defining ourselves amongst our own community is the real essence of HBCUs, rooted in so much brilliance and tradition and a breakaway from judgement.”.
I loved learning through these essays written by musician Branford Marsalis, author Michael Arceneaux, actor Brandon Gilpin, icon Oprah Winfrey, and more! Whether you are an individual interested in attending an HBCU or someone who just wants to learn more about them like myself, I highly recommend HBCU Made!

[Ell, Ess Jaeva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a 1st generation college grad, black man. I attended undergrad at the predominately white University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, early to mid '90s. There the 6-10% black students carved a separate, in reflection separatist, black microcosm. Some of us felt excluded from greater university happenings, others, like myself, self segregated out of fear and insecurity. But we had greek life and ebony fashion shows and an entire thriving black culture. As grads, may black alum classmates still return for our black homecoming activities, 30+yrs later... Chains in a long legacy of attendance, just like at HBCUs.

There was or was perceived to be a centering of white supremacy at UMich. Morso these days post attacks on affirmative action... Now I believe single digit percent are the high end of black enrollment... HBCUs seem necessary more than ever.

However, this book does little to contrast HBCU from any-CU. This book seems to be written for black youth with the potential to become 1st generation college attendees. Those who fear white alienation, and bias, and racism... See yourself as a college attendee and grad, there IS a place where the water's fine.

A book for those from mostly black communities who seem not to notice you get a lot of alienation from your community as well... These stories of extroverted students chasing greek life, and dating athletes, and homecoming festivities... Not everyone is your play cousin, or sibling for life, or even friend. Within the UMich black microcosm, everyone kinda settled into their place, a few felt outside of any community.

This book oversells the Black College Experience as inoculating students from a bad College Experience.

[Sophia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the essays are good, some of the writing is bad, most of it is fine. I don’t have much to say. This book would likely be helpful for a high school student considering HBCUs for college, because it gives a sense of the student experience, but I didn’t come away enlightened. I doubt I am the intended audience, but I was underwhelmed.

What was most remarkable (and likely why this book felt so unremarkable to me) is how normal the descriptions of college were. It puts into perspective how most black people don’t have that “normalcy” as the norm in the same way I (white, upper-middle class, educated parents, etc. etc.) do. Experiences utterly unremarkable to me were remarkable to the authors of these essays because an HBCU allowed them to experience it without hyper fixation on race. So that was interesting.

That noted, much of the essays are merely telling us fairly stereotypical college experiences. Being nervous about moving into a dorm, learning how to speak your mind, getting a bad grade, making friends, going to football games. And the writing is very much telling, not showing. If they didn’t say “and I was surrounded by black people which was great,” in many of the essays there’d be few distinguishing features of their college experience. For a collection of essays mostly by people in journalism, on the whole the writing was underwhelming.

Standouts for me: my favorite essay was probably by Marquis Brown; Rebecca Roussell’s about evacuating after Hurricane Katrina was most interesting; Brandon Gilpin is the best storyteller; most alarming was Nichole Perkins who I think may be in love with her friend.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book to give to a young student if they are considering attending an HBCU. I am a white, middle-aged woman, and it reminded me so clearly of my time teaching at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) in New Orleans. Though XULA only gets two brief mentions in the book, the spirit of the school is accurately represented in the stories the authors share in this anthology. A recurring theme here is that students are able to thrive in this environment because no one is questioning their presence on a college campus. As one contributor notes, they don’t have to prove their humanity or code switch. I saw this in my own students. Give anyone a space like this to thrive, and wonderful things will happen. My only critique here is that very little space is given to some of the dark sides of the HBCU experience. Yes, I get that this is meant to celebrate Black experience. But that doesn’t mean that one cannot love something without recognizing how it could improve. Two of the contributors make reference to homophobia and violence occuring on campus. I know on my campus, social class was a huge issue, with the “country” kids often being ridiculed by the society kids who came from NOLA’s Black elite. Lastly, I was a white professor at a HBCU, and I was far from the only one. In fact, most of the faculty was white. What does this mean to the students when the instructors at a school where Blackness is celebrated to not have Black instructors? Either way, I highly recommend this book. It will make you appreciate the beautiful tradition these schools provide.

[kendraahampton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A necessary collection for prospective HBCU students and alumni. I enjoyed learning how the HBCU experience spans generations and campuses. However, I wanted a bit more from this collection. After reading so many essays, I felt like I was encountering the same repeatedly. While I found myself enjoying about half of the essays, the rest felt forgettable.

I also wished for a broader representation of campuses. Of the 17 essays, six focus on Southern and Hampton, while Howard, Spelman, Dillard, and FAMU account for eight more. Many of these schools already receive significant exposure, so it would have been nice to see essays from alumni of lesser-known HBCUs.

Nonetheless, I will be recommending this to my students and peers. These stories matter. These colleges and universities matter. As a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University, I deeply understand the significance of being “HBCU Made.”

[Karys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me some time ago and I’ve only now had the time to read it. The decision to pick the book up now was in alignment with where I am in life. It reminded me of things I knew and reaffirmed what I needed to hear. I’m also a graduate of an HBCU. I graduated from Spelman just like Stacey Abrams and Tendayi Kuumba. Like some of the other authors, I was discouraged from attending an HBCU or belittled for doing so by some of my peers, both black and white. But what these essays do is remind those of us who graduated from such institutions of the true joys that came because of our decision. For those who did not attend these institutions, I hope they will understand why is HBCU grads hold our heads high and move so confidently in our decisions. These institutions are gifts to the students they serve and communities where they are located and I love that Roscoe highlighted our institutions with this work.

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book of essays of alums from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) is insightful and heartening to read. Some of the authors of the essays are people I admire (such as Stacy Abrams) and others I want to know more about. What I learned is that HBCU's are important institutions for creating community. It was interesting to see the contrast for black students who went to majority white high schools and then went to a HBCU -- they truly blossomed and were able to achieve their potential without the systemic racism and bias inherent in our educational systems and it was so refreshing to hear! One author describes "HBCU's love you to success... the HBCU family holds you and cradles you." An enjoyable and uplifting read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Algonquin Books for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to the author!!! I commend you on this book!! What a beautiful way to get the "HBCU" feeling of family, coming into one's own and creating lasting relationships that carry on with you through you life. I so enjoyed this book and it was inspriing as we as very informational. I have always held HBCU in high regard and I now hold them even higher. This is a book that will take you through a variety of emotions but the biggest emotion is pride. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

[Hannah Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful to #NetGalley and #HachetteAudio for granting me an audio ARC of HBCU Made. Honestly, I don't know if this new release would have come across my radar otherwise, which would have been a total shame.

HBCU Made is a collection of short stories and reflections from HBCU Alum, and in the audiobook, they're narrating their own experiences. The stories told range from pride, to experiences of homophobia, to life changing community, and more. This book shares and uplifts black voices, black excellence, and black joy.

As a person working in Higher Education, I'm so grateful to be able to hear these stories. I'm so grateful for each of the writers and their stories.

[Hannah Finkelstein]

I am so grateful to #NetGalley and #HachetteAudio for granting me an audio ARC of HBCU Made. Honestly, I don't know if this new release would have come across my radar otherwise, which would have been a total shame.

HBCU Made is a collection of short stories and reflections from HBCU Alum, and in the audiobook, they're narrating their own experiences. The stories told range from pride, to experiences of homophobia, to life changing community, and more. This book shares and uplifts black voices, black excellence, and black joy.

As a person working in Higher Education, I'm so grateful to be able to hear these stories. I'm so grateful for each of the writers and their stories.

[Ashley P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful celebration of HBCU alumni and the power of belonging and pride. Each story was unique to the author and yet the reader can discern the sense of solidarity among them all. I really loved reading each contribution as it was looking into the mind of why each other chose to attend an HBCU and what it meant to them. From journalists to entertainers to Oprah Winfrey herself, the collection of memories of their HBCU experience is powerful and sends a strong message to the Black community. You can find a place to call home in an HBCU.

[Lyn C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a highly recommended read for anyone who appreciates the cultural impacts of higher education. HBCU Made is truly a celebration in essay form. HBCU Made gorgeously describes finding community while being in the majority, often for the first time ever. At times the essayists lean too heavily into black exceptionality, without giving appropriate commentary or equal time to the negative mental health impacts of carrying the pressure. You can celebrate the Black College Experience and be real about the mental toll of the load.

[Reemah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book of essay. I graduated from a PWI so it was great to the experiences of prominent people of their experiences at HBCU. I developed a real case of FOMO that I didn’t go to an HBCU. The community, relationships, and opportunities that were spoke of these essays were things I didn’t experience at my PWI. I feel this is a must read. It helps to understand to all the importance of HBCUs.

[Suzanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice collection of essays about attending HBCU's. I have many friends and colleagues who did so, and this collection highlights more than Morehouse, Spellman and Howard.

I pickded up the book because I love listening to Ayesha Rascoe on NPR.

This would be great to hand to HS students contemplating their college choices.

I hadn't heard of a few of the HBCU's that were highlighted here, so that was enlightening.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. HBCUs began when Blacks had limited access, or even acceptance, in higher education. The essays come from many HBCU graduates. Nearly all are figures from writing, journalism, or entertainment. Nearly all came from families where at least one parent was a college graduate....often from an HBCU.

[Nickita Council · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of essays from individuals who attended HBCUs. As someone who attended 2 HBCUs (Alcorn and Howard), I felt a sort of kinship with the authors as they talked about their experiences. Although no experience is the same, there is always a common thread-family, marching bands, and homecoming!

[bryanna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* !!

Lots of great stories and writings from incredible HBCU Alumni. A lot of them resonated deeply with me as a fresh HBCU student in her first year, so it was nice to feel validated. The organization of the chapters could've been improved for me; I read this for freshman seminar, and we didn't read the chapters in order. However, the way we read them flowed perfectly for me.

[Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! As an alumna of THE Tennessee State University, my heart has been warmed with this collection of essays. This book covered everything, the cafe, unique professors, beautifully curated experiences, introducing yourself, curfews, marching bands, and being in the majority on the campus of an HBCU! This a great read but being a graduate makes this book even sweeter.

[Sheena Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. The experience that everyone in the book had attending an HBCU was amazing. This book brought me back to my very own experience of attending and HBCU. I would recommend this to anyone interested in attending an HBCU to get a glimpse of what it is like from someone else’s point of view