The Boston City Council is actively considering the establishment of a satellite campus for a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the city, marking a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for Black students in the area.
Council Vice President Brian Worrell initiated the conversation during a recent meeting, emphasizing the importance of HBCUs in providing role models and pathways to success for current Black students.
“Boston was a leader in the education of Black students during the early 19th century with the founding of the Abiel Smith School, and it’s time for us to reclaim that pioneering spirit,” stated Worrell.
Currently, Boston hosts over two dozen colleges and universities but lacks any HBCUs, a gap that Worrell aims to address.
The Building Bridges HBCU program is already working on attracting a satellite campus to Boston and is set to provide updates on their efforts this fall, as per Worrell’s office.
The council’s hearing order pointed out the historical context behind the establishment of HBCUs, noting that more than 100 of these institutions exist across the country, primarily in southern states due to Jim Crow laws.
In light of a growing need for culturally sensitive educational institutions, the interest in HBCUs has surged over the past decade, particularly in response to recent federal policy changes.
Worrell highlighted the impressive statistics associated with HBCUs, which account for only 3% of all U.S. colleges yet produce a staggering 40% of Black engineers, and 50% of Black doctors and lawyers.
The enthusiasm for bringing an HBCU to Boston has also been echoed by Boston Public Schools Chief of Student Support, Cory McCarthy, who remarked that the demand has significantly increased in the last five years.
“Establishing an HBCU in Boston would demonstrate our city’s commitment to fostering an educational ecosystem that uplifts Black students and creates successful opportunities for them,” McCarthy stated.
The HBCU proposal has been forwarded to the Education Committee of the City Council, with plans for a hearing expected to be scheduled in the fall.
In other political developments, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch has faced a setback in the Democratic party, as he was bested for a committee position by a younger colleague.
Lynch, 70, lost to California Rep. Robert Garcia, 47, in the race for the Oversight Ranking Member position, a defeat reflective of a shifting dynamic within the party.
Garcia, serving in his second term, secured 150 votes while Lynch, with over two decades of congressional experience, received only 63 votes.
Following the election, Lynch extended his congratulations to Garcia in a formal statement, as well as to fellow Democratic Representatives Kweisi Mfume and Jasmine Crockett, who also ran for the role.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the nation and expressed his eagerness to work collaboratively with the new leadership.
The transition in the committee position occurred after the resignation of Rep. Gerry Connolly, who had been battling cancer, and sadly passed away.
Lynch also took a moment to thank the staff of the Oversight Committee for their resilience during Connolly’s illness, praising their exemplary service as a testament to Connolly’s spirit and legacy.
As these developments unfold, Boston continues to explore avenues to enhance educational opportunities for its Black community and navigate the evolving political landscape within Congress.
image source from：bostonherald
