HBCU Archives Highlighted in New Exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is set to unveil an exciting new exhibition called “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs.” Scheduled to open on January 16 and running until July 19, this exhibit is a significant exploration into the archival collections of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), showcasing the vital role these institutions have played in preserving African American history.

The exhibition will feature an impressive array of artifacts, artwork, historical documents, and multimedia presentations sourced from five prominent HBCUs: Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University. According to the Smithsonian, almost two-thirds of HBCUs are home to museums, art galleries, or archives, underscoring their importance as custodians of Black history.

“At the Vanguard” is aptly named to honor HBCUs for their pioneering efforts in preserving and documenting the rich tapestry of Black history. The exhibition is organized around three central themes: Preserving Student Activism at HBCUs, Preserving Black Scholarship at HBCUs, and Sustaining the Arts at HBCUs. This structure allows visitors to appreciate the multifaceted contributions of HBCUs to civil rights, academic achievement, and the arts.

Shanita Brackett, the acting director for NMAAHC, expressed the significance of this exhibition by stating, “This exhibition honors the legacy of HBCUs as cultural and educational powerhouses. Through these collections from our partner institutions, we see the breadth of Black intellectual excellence, activism, and artistic achievement, reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play in shaping American history.” This statement highlights the need to recognize the contributions of HBCUs in fostering a rich cultural and educational environment.

One of the key aspects of the exhibition is its focus on student activism, showcasing footage that documents the involvement of HBCU students in significant national movements for Civil Rights and Black Power. Viewers will witness their participation in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), organized responses to tragic events like the Jackson State Killings, and the student uprisings at Tuskegee in 1968. These examples underscore how HBCU students have historically been at the forefront of social change.

The collection curated from the five featured institutions boasts over 100 objects, each telling a unique story. Noteworthy items include first editions of acclaimed writer Margaret Walker’s novel “Jubilee” and her poignant poetry collection “For My People.” The exhibition also highlights Tuskegee Institute pottery and scientific journals, providing insight into the intellectual rigor and creativity fostered at these institutions. Among the rarest pieces featured is one of the only existing color videos of George Washington Carver, a testament to the rich legacy of innovation and inquiry present within HBCUs.