No, Lincoln University is not the oldest Black college. It holds the significant distinction of being the nation's first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Understanding the Oldest Historically Black Colleges
While Lincoln University, founded in 1854 as the Ashmun Institute, was indeed a pioneer in offering a collegiate education and granting degrees to African Americans, the title of the oldest institution for Black higher education typically goes to another university.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania: The True Elder
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, established in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth, predates Lincoln University. Although it initially functioned as a school providing primary and secondary education along with teacher training, its founding date makes it the oldest institution of higher learning specifically for African Americans. It later evolved into a degree-granting college and is recognized as the oldest HBCU.
Lincoln University's Pivotal Role
Lincoln University's legacy, as the first HBCU to grant degrees, is profoundly important. It played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of higher education for Black Americans. Its graduates include:
- Langston Hughes: Renowned poet and playwright
- Thurgood Marshall: First African American Supreme Court Justice
- Kwame Nkrumah: First President of Ghana
This focus on degree-granting set a precedent for academic rigor and collegiate-level education within Black institutions.
Key Distinctions Among Early HBCUs
It's important to differentiate between institutions based on their founding purpose and initial offerings:
- Oldest Institution for Black Higher Education: Refers to the earliest founding date, regardless of initial degree-granting status.
- First Degree-Granting HBCU: Refers to the institution that first offered and awarded college degrees to Black students.
Here's a brief comparison of some of the earliest institutions:
| Institution Name | Founding Year | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | 1837 | Oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) |
| Lincoln University (PA) | 1854 | First degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) |
| Wilberforce University | 1856 | First private HBCU owned and operated by African Americans |
| Morris Brown College | 1881 | Only college in Georgia founded by African Americans |
The Broader Impact of HBCUs
HBCUs, including both Cheyney and Lincoln, have historically been vital in providing educational opportunities for African Americans when mainstream institutions were largely inaccessible due to segregation. They continue to play a critical role in fostering Black leadership, scholarship, and cultural preservation.
Understanding these distinctions helps to appreciate the unique contributions and historical significance of each pioneering institution in the rich tapestry of Black higher education in America.
