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Is it okay for a white person to attend an HBCU?

Backstory: I am a white male. I live in the US South region. I have been looking to take college classes. I live close to a school called Jackson State Univeristy, which is an HBCU (historically black college/university).

My question is, is it “okay” for a white person to attend a college such as this? Would it be considered “cultural appropriation” for me to go here? I really looked into the school, and they have a great reputation for the subject I want to major in. Would it be offensive for me to attend?

This is a serious question, and I mean no offense by it. I would really appreciate some insight, especially from African-American SWeep perspectives. What is your take on Caucasian students attending HBCUs?

Thank you so much in advance for all the help!

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Graylight · 51-55, F

Do you want an education? Can this institution give you a good education? There’s your answer.

TurtleEclipseOfTheHeart · 22-25, F

Why didn’t you just Google the percentage of white students accepted at HBCU? 🤦🏿‍♀️ If they got accepted, it’s acceptable for you too.

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TurtleEclipseOfTheHeart · 22-25, F

@SW-User I wouldn’t say so.

TurtleEclipseOfTheHeart · 22-25, F

@SW-User Obviously if a black school accepts you, there’s no appropriation going on. You were granted permission to be there

SW-User

Thank you for the insight!
@TurtleEclipseOfTheHeart

ElwoodBlues · M

I looked it up. Jackson State has 271 white students. They do accept and educate white folks there.

Race/Ethnicity Number Percent
Black or African American 6,338 90.28%
White 271 3.86%
International 231 3.29%
Multi-Ethnic 81 1.15%

hartfire · 61-69

It would be an awesome opportunity to get to know many different kinds of black people and share.
If the topic of cultural appropriation comes up in your studies, you'll get the chance to discover exactly what it is and isn't - which is useful in writing and many other occupations.
It will give you a chance to be proactive in racial reconciliation throughout your life and career(s).
I'd say go for it and enjoy every aspect of the opportunities.

windinhishair · 61-69, M

You should go where you feel comfortable and will get a good education. It is very appropriate for you to go to an HBCU if that is your choice. I am not African-American, but I would have to believe there would be no problem with you going there if it is the right fit for you.

I was an ethnic minority as a white person in high school, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Go for it.

smiler2012 · 61-69

{@xenonrush] i can see no reason why not as this help break the race barrier .really basically you are there too study and the colour of your skin should matter

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

What do you mean is it ok to attend? You live in a democracy you wally!

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Graylight · 51-55, F

@BritishFailedAesthetic not even remotely close. First, stop with the 'woke' bullsh*t. No one's going to be made to feel bad about caring for social justice and equality.

Secondly, and it's okay because you all think this, you have no appreciable effect on those who know they're on the side of right. You can't touch us with your 5th grade words and childish tantrums.

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

@Graylight

You can't touch us with your 5th grade words and childish tantrums.

No need to self project about how you act in your facist Antifa protests.

Graylight · 51-55, F

@BritishFailedAesthetic Lame, tired, immature humor. Try harder.

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

You mean, is the school segregated by race? Is that legal?

SW-User

No, no. Back in the US, during segregation, black students were not allowed to go to colleges, so black communities started college that were for black students. Today they are called HBCUs which means historically black college/university. Today any race can attend them, but historically, they were so black students could go to college.

@LordShadowfire

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

@SW-User I am aware of the history. I was using sarcasm as a tool here. From a legal standpoint, you can attend any college you want. I'm just saying that segregation, whether it be social or legal, isn't cool.

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