Only one historically black college operates in California.
For decades, black colleges in the United States have offered African-American students a rich and unique educational experience, with schools such as Washington, D.C.-based Howard University renowned for high academic standards. Historically, California has been home to only one black college: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
Historical Perspective
Prior to the Civil War, only two post-secondary institutions in the United States accepted African-American students. In fact, up until 1964, black students were generally excluded from most colleges and universities. As a result, any colleges founded before 1964 that welcomed black students exclusively are known as historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). More than 100 HBCUs operate in the United States, including two- and four-year universities, community colleges, and both public and private schools.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
In California, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is the sole black college. The school was founded in the early 1950s (but not incorporated until 1966) as a response to the need for a teaching hospital and medical school in South-Central Los Angeles. The school was named for Dr. Charles R. Drew, an African-American doctor whose research on blood plasma resulted in the creation of the first blood bank. Dr. Drew became the first black surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery.
A Focus on the Community
Serving the traditionally underprivileged citizens who live in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South-Central Los Angeles, Dr. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science maintains a strong community focus, which is evident in the school's mission statement: "To conduct education, research and clinical services in the context of community engagement to train health professionals who promote wellness, provide care with excellence and compassion, and transform the health of underserved communities."
Growth and Evolution
In the decades since its inception, Charles R. Drew University has grown and evolved along with the community it serves. Its 11-acre campus includes a day care center, an elementary school and high school, a biomedical library, administration offices, educational resources and on-campus housing for graduate students. According to the university's website, the school's philosophy follows the concept of the "educational pipeline," in which a child could theoretically attend day care, elementary and secondary school, and then earn post-secondary and graduate degrees, all within the same campus. The ultimate goal is to produce practicing physicians who will go on to serve the community.
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