As a proud alumnus of Fayetteville State University (FSU), I've always held my alma mater's history and achievements close to my heart. Founded in 1867 by visionary leaders dedicated to the education of Black teachers, FSU stands as a testament to resilience, excellence, and innovation.
It was during a routine exploration of NCpedia, aimed at understanding the chronology of university establishments in North Carolina, that I stumbled upon a discrepancy: FSU was mistakenly listed as founded in 1877, a decade later than its actual inception in 1867.
I commend the Librarians at NCpedia for their not only swift, but concise correction to the site once notified. And it wasn’t like 1877 did not mean something to FSU, it was the date that Senate Bill Number 472, known as the "Act to establish normal schools," ratified on March 8, 1877 by the state Senate. The act provided for the establishment of a teacher training institution for whites and one for blacks in North Carolina. And with this, The Howard School became the State Colored Normal School, and later Fayetteville State University.
The Power of Knowledge and Advocacy
This discovery, while minor in the grand scheme of things, highlighted a deeper, more significant truth about the importance of institutional knowledge and advocacy. It was a reminder that history, especially the history of institutions that have fought against the odds to carve out spaces of excellence for marginalized communities, is delicate. Without the vigilance and dedication of those who cherish these institutions, their rightful legacies can be obscured or, worse, forgotten.
The correction of FSU's founding year on NCpedia wasn't just about rectifying a date. It was a testament to the empowerment that comes from knowing your institution's history. It underscored the critical role alumni and students play in safeguarding our heritage—a heritage that inspires, empowers, and challenges us to achieve greatness, not for recognition alone but for the honor of those who laid the foundations upon which we stand.
Institutional Heritage as Empowerment
In conversations with my parents, Fayetteville State Alumni, they emphasized the importance of institutional heritage. Whether it was my mother reading The Wife of His Youth, a short story by Charles W. Chesnutt, the campus library's namesake, and her learning about Chestnutt as a literary giant. To my dad spending hours scouring the University archives, each archival box holding a precious moment in our institution's history. My parents encouraged me to embrace FSU’s past in order to help shape its future, and as a student, I used it to guide my efforts as a leader on campus.
It's not merely about knowing the names of founders or significant dates; it's about understanding the spirit, the struggle, and the perseverance that propelled institutions like FSU forward. This heritage is a source of empowerment, grounding us in a history of excellence and resilience as we navigate contemporary challenges.
The Role of Belonging in Cultivating Legacy
The act of updating a historical record on NCpedia has become a reflective journey for me, reinforcing the belief that we, as part of the HBCU community, carry a profound responsibility. We are tasked not only with achieving personal success but also with embodying and advancing the legacies of our institutions. This is the essence of empowerment at HBCUs—it transcends academic and professional achievement, instilling in us a sense of purpose and belonging that is rooted in a rich and resilient history.
Today's efforts in Belonging at HBCUs like FSU are not just initiatives; they are extensions of our historical mission. They are about ensuring that the empowering legacy of our institutions continues to resonate, adapting to the needs and realities of current and future generations. For example, FSU initiatives like The Matriculation Institute and significant grants from the National Institute for Student Success aimed at enhancing student success, we see the embodiment of a commitment to nurturing an environment where every student can thrive, informed and inspired by the past.
This ethos of belonging is not a condition imposed by external mandates or legislation; it is a cornerstone, deeply embedded in the very foundation, purpose, and pedagogical framework of our institutions. HBCUs have consistently demonstrated that such deeply ingrained values directly contribute to the holistic development of students, their academic excellence, and their preparedness to learn in a diverse world.
A Call to Embrace Institutional Heritage
As we look to the future, let us remember the importance of our roles in preserving and promoting the heritage of our institutions. Let this reflection serve as a call to action for all of us within the HBCU community and beyond—to engage with, celebrate, and advocate for our rich histories. It is through these efforts that we empower ourselves and each other to build on the legacy of those who came before us, ensuring that the spirit of excellence and resilience continues to illuminate the path forward.
[Originally posted to LinkedIn]
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