This episode originally aired on February 17, 2021

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have existed in the United States since 1837. Decades before the abolishment of slavery, these institutions promoted access to education, as a path toward freedom. Today, there are over 100 HBCUs across the country, graduating roughly 20% of Black students. So, what exactly are the institutions and why are they so important?

This hour, we’ll hear from a student and a professor at an HBCU in Texas who are drawing on their institution’s long history to protect voting rights. We’ll also learn more about the history of HBCUs – how they disrupted the notions of leadership and excellence to elevate Black communities.

This week's episode was produced by Daniela Luna and Catie Talarski. The rest of our team includes James Szkobel-Wolff and Zshekinah Collier. Our interns are Maisy Carvalho and Kelly Langevin.

This episode originally aired on February 17, 2021
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have existed in the United States since 1837. Decades before the abolishment of slavery, these institutions promoted access to education, as a path toward freedom. Today, there are over 100 HBCUs across the country, graduating roughly 20% of Black students. So, what exactly are the institutions and why are they so important?
This hour, we&rsquo;ll hear from a student and a professor at an HBCU in Texas who are drawing on their institution&rsquo;s long history to protect voting rights. We&rsquo;ll also learn more about the history of HBCUs &ndash; how they disrupted the notions of leadership and excellence to elevate Black communities.
This week's episode was produced by Daniela Luna and Catie Talarski. The rest of our team includes James Szkobel-Wolff and Zshekinah Collier. Our interns are Maisy Carvalho and Kelly Langevin.

Disruptions are all around us. Some spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. Every week on Disrupted, host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean unpacks how big and small disruptions are shaping our lives.

From technology, economics, education, and healthcare to navigating our way through a global pandemic, continued racial inequalities, geopolitical upheaval, and climate change. What can history teach us about the current moment? What can we learn as we prepare for the disruptions yet to come? Who are the people using their voice to reset, reenergize, and create change? What are we learning about ourselves and our society to help us move forward?

Disruptions are all around us. Some spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. Every week on <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/disrupted">Disrupted</a>, host and political scientist <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/people/khalilah-brown-dean">Khalilah Brown-Dean</a> unpacks how big and small disruptions are shaping our lives.
From technology, economics, education, and healthcare to navigating our way through a global pandemic, continued racial inequalities, geopolitical upheaval, and climate change. What can history teach us about the current moment? What can we learn as we prepare for the disruptions yet to come? Who are the people using their voice to reset, reenergize, and create change? What are we learning about ourselves and our society to help us move forward?

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