This volume documents the history and development of America's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) from 1837 to 2009, including their evolution from grammar and high schools to accredited colleges and universities and their present-day status. It discusses the founding of universities during the Antebellum period through Reconstruction; the effects of race, the civil rights movement, and black and white philanthropy on their development; the role of desegregation; and current challenges, such as financial difficulties, lack of quality leaders, and inadequate alumni support. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)