As historians, educators, and community leaders gathered downtown at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott for the 111th Annual Conference of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the foundational institutions of American social, economic, and political history have taken center stage.
Among the week’s featured sessions was a panel on Thursday dedicated to HBCU excellence, bringing together university leadership to reflect on the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
For the presidents on the panel moderated by Norfolk State University’s (NSU) Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, HBCU history provides an essential operational blueprint for the country’s collective future. NSU’s 7th president, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, emphasized the distinct mission that has defined HBCUs since their inception.
“We were born in the Great Depression,” said Adams-Gaston, speaking about NSU, “And I always say when some people were jumping out of buildings, our people were collecting coins to start a university; that is because there was nowhere locally for them to go to college.”
Adams-Gaston highlighted the transformative culture of belief that defines the HBCU campus experience.
“One of the things that HBCUs have been able to do is really say to our community: you matter, and when you come here, we already expect great things from you,” she said.
The panel reinforced that the story of HBCUs is deeply woven into the fabric of Virginia and the broader nation. Virginia State University President Dr. Makola Abdullah pointed to the enduring impact these campuses have had on American society.
“Virginia State University, our HBCUs, Norfolk State University, Hampton, Virginia Union, Virginia University of Lynchburg have always been a critical part of history here in Virginia, but also in the furthering of African American culture in Virginia, so I’m proud to be here,” Abdullah said.
Founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, ASALH brought its national conference to Norfolk to celebrate Black life, history and culture. The conference runs until Sunday, September 26.
