History

HRCF’s HBCU Program arose out of a need to support LGBTQ+ students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) after two violent, anti-LGBTQ+ incidents occurred at two prominent HBCUs in 2004. Shortly after the incidents, HRCF convened a dynamic group of HBCU LGBTQ+ student-leaders committed to advocating for LGBTQ+-inclusion and social justice on campuses and in their communities.

Formerly known as the HBCU Project, HRCF’s HBCU Program has expanded to engage administrators, faculty/staff, students and alumni through various initiatives. Since the program’s inception, HRC has established relationships with over 30 HBCUs by providing support to LGBTQ+ and allied students, faculty, and staff who wish to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion on their campuses.

What We Do

The National HBCU Leadership Summit is the only leadership development and advocacy training program that empowers LGBTQ+ HBCU students to act as change-agents on their campuses and in their communities. Throughout the five-day summit, students focus on self-awareness, awareness of others, courageous actions, and collaboration by engaging in workshops, team building activities, group projects, and service projects. Students leave with the skills and competence to lead resourcefully and effectively through the intersections of race, religion, gender identity and expression, class, and sexual orientation. Find additional information and way to get involved.

Regional HBCU Leadership Summits

The newly launched Regional HBCU Leadership Summits are open to all (LGBTQ+ and ally) student leaders on campus, and assures that participating students build the skills and competencies to lead effectively through the intersections of race, religion, gender identity and expression, class and sexual orientation on campus and beyond. The summit also includes a daylong capacity building and LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for staff, faculty and administrators aimed at providing tools and resources to better support LGBTQ+ students on campus. Institutions can click here to apply to host a summit.

P.R.I.D.E. Alumni Network

The HBCU LGBTQ+ Alumni Network was created to foster and strengthen the bond between Historically Black Colleges and Universities alumni who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allies with their respective alma maters and the Human Rights Campaign. This network will cultivate interest in and support for the HRCF’s HBCU Program and LGBTQ+ inclusion amongst HBCUs. This is also a space for alumni to connect, activate, and collaborate on issues that are common and relevant to us.

National HBCU Leadership Summit

The National HBCU Leadership Summit provides a leadership development and advocacy training program that empowers LGBTQ+ HBCU students to act as change-agents on their campuses and in their communities while leading resourcefully through the intersections of race, religion, gender identity, class and sexual orientation. The summit is the only convening for LGBTQ+ HBCU students, and fosters an environment where students can be affirmed in all of their identities, specifically the interection of being Black and LGBTQ+.

Purpose

The purpose of the National HBCU Leadership Summit is to provide a transformative experience and build a collective of HBCU LGBTQ+ student-activists dedicated to equity, inclusion and justice on their respective campuses and in the community.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop leadership skills influencing communication, accountability and initiative
• Expand comprehension surrounding your identities and how they intersect with injustice and oppressive structures
• Increase network of student leaders across the nation, eager to collaborate toward institutional advancement
• Organize vision of activism rooted in liberatory praxis, altruism and resilience
• Redefine approaches to inclusion initiatives leading to structural/organizational transformation

Who is eligible to apply?

• All LGBTQ+ undergraduate students currently attending a Historically Black College/University
• Students with proven academic achievement
• Students who are current leaders and/or looking to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion, equity and engagement on their campus and in the community
• Students who are committed to social justice, servant-leadership, and community organizing