On February 21, Black Student Union hosted CHR where they explained the beauty of HBCUs, Divine Nine sororities and fraternities, the homecoming experience, and their impact of HBCU’s during the civil rights movement.
The Black Student Union’s assembly not only showcased the vital role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Black history, but also demonstrated the dedication of its members in bringing this message to life. Through an empowering slide presentation on HBCU history and the Divine Nine, as well as a captivating strolling performance by Towson University’s Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, the BSU effectively highlighted the cultural significance and enduring legacy of HBCUs in shaping Black excellence and unity.
Historical Overview of HBCU
An HBCU, also known as Historically Black University College, is a college or university originally founded to provide African Americans a high level of education.
After the Civil War, African-Americans were denied receiving forms of high level education; all graduate level institutions were predominantly white institutions. That changed in 1837 when Richard Humphreys, a silvermist, founded the first university for African-Americans called Cheyney University. From his inspiring actions, many others did the same: In 1854, John Miller Dickey founded Lincoln University, the first HBCU to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees to African-Americans. As well as Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, the founder of Spelman College, the first all-girls HBCU in Atlanta Georgia.
Today the number of HBCUs has increased from what was 2 starting universities to ninety-nine. Many also founded in the state of Maryland like Morgan State University, Coppin State, Bowie University, Howard University, and Maryland Eastern Shore.
HBCUs have helped shape Black leadership, culture, and activism over the years. HBCUs have nurtured many empowering black leaders like Martin Luther King Jr and Thurgood Marshall by offering higher education to them. These institutions have also preserved the history and culture of African-Americans, celebrating them through events formed around the culture’s traditions, art, and their identity. Finally, through activism, HBCUs have played a big role in social change. Their students played key roles in the Civil Rights Movement through protests, sit-ins, and organizing campaigns for racial justice.
III. Black History Month Assembly Overview
The assembly took place on February 21, 2025 in McCarthy’s Auditorium. The theme of the showcase was “History and Legacy of HBCUs”, a well organized and educational performance on the impact and contributions of HBCUs to the African American community. The assembly not only highlighted the history and contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) but also focused on the significance of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities. The Divine 9—a group of nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations. They have long been a vital part of Black history, fostering leadership, service, and a sense of community. The event included a special segment that educated the audience about each of these organizations, their cultural importance, and history of by who and when they were founded. Adding to the cultural celebration, the BSU invited the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority from Towson University to perform a traditional stroll. Their dynamic and engaging performance gave the audience a first-hand look at the energy, pride, and history of Black Greek life.
In our Maryvale community we also have many faculty and alumni who are also Frats and Sorors of the Divine 9. Mrs. Delancey, Maryvale’s President, an AKA member. Mr.Wilson, forensic science teacher, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
IV. Role of the Black Student Union (BSU) in Organizing the Assembly
Maryvale Preparatory School’s BSU, also known as Black Student Union, is a student-led affinity group for all black students. Their mission is to The Black Student Union, a community where black students come together, actively engage in mindful conversations, inclusive events, and celebrate the richness of black culture. With our strong devotion to unity and inclusion, the BSU is strengthened through sisterhood amongst all students at Maryvale, further enhancing a sense of community and belonging. As young black women, we aim to promote cultural awareness within and beyond the Union, enhancing our sisterhood, and strengthening diversity, openness, and knowledge amongst ourselves, and within the Maryvale community. They provide a safe space for all high school students of color within the Maryvale community. They host educational cultural events for the school and student body on Black History, culture, and excellence. They meet once a week, every Friday during resource period. During their meetings they discuss hot button topics to spread awareness on issues African American face today in society, lessons on black beauty and ethics, lessons on black history, bonding activities, and lessons on other black cultures.
As February came closer, student leaders of the BSU began planning the itinerary and theme for Black History Month and their infamous Take-Over. The ‘take-over’ is what we call the school assembly where an affinity group takes full control over the entirety of the assembly discussing the culture or spreading awareness about their community. Before winter break the BSU met to brainstorm ideas for their affinity group’s take over. After hearing many great ideas, only one stood out the most, “The Importance of HBCUs”. After winter break each meeting was set to be focused on making the Take-Over possible. During meetings they assigned roles for each member to contribute to the Take-Over and school activities for this month. Though with an event this big, some obstacles were faced. At the beginning there were problems with whether there were enough roles for finding research on HBCUs and speakers for the assembly. Though by the end, all was well and an amazing performance was made.
VI. Reflection on the Impact of the Assembly
This amazing assembly helped increase awareness and understanding of HBCUs and Black history among the student body. It spread awareness of what HBCUs and PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions) are, African American history, HBCU culture and significance in American history. For what was a student-led production made in the span of three weeks, the BSU truly outdid themselves and the crowd’s response in standing ovation was the cherry on top to its closing. Here are some comments from audience members:
- Maryvale Faculty: “ I really enjoyed it, just seeing the hard work coming to fruition was beautiful to see. And having a moment where you all could be celebrated, especially in that last piece where you all hit the standing ovation.”
- “ IT WAS AWESOME” – Maryvale Student
- Favorite part? “The strolling” – Maryvale Students
- What do you like about HBCU after hearing the assembly?: “The culture-” “The unity and brotherhood and sisterhood” Maryvale Student
- Maryvale Faculty: “I’m so proud, it was completely student-led and organized and written, and I’m really proud of the students and I learned a lot.”
- Maryvale Faculty: “ how it was facilitated, it was very well done and clear. And you all just knew your parts were great. The strolling was the cherry on top and how it just added to the celebration of black culture.”
Thank you to all those who helped making this Black History Month Take-Over possible! Happy Black History Month!
