Definition of historically black colleges & universities
Historically black colleges and universities are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African-American community.
During the period of segregation in the United States prior to the Civil Rights Act, the overwhelming majority of higher education institutions were predominantly white and disqualified African Americans from enrollment. For a century after the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, most colleges and universities in the southern United States prohibited all African Americans from attending, while institutions in other parts of the country regularly employed quotas to limit admissions of blacks.
Indianapolis black alumni council, inc. history
Over 45 years of Service
In October of 1978, the organization formed at the home of Wilberforce Alumnus
Dr. Lehman Adams and Dillard University Alumna Gloria Adams. At the initial meetings,
interest was high and large numbers attended. In October of 1979, Dr. Martha Mitchell
received the nominating committee’s report and appointed the Constitution and Bylaws
Committee. The Nominating Committee, Mary Boldin, Gloria Morton-Finney, and James
Robinson presented the slate of officers, which was accepted.
Founding Officers
President - Martha Mitchell
Vice-President - Roy Bussell
Recording Secretary - Mary Boldin
Treasurer- James Robinson
Historian - Gloria Adams
Corresponding Secretary - Viola Lanier
The final draft of the constitution was adopted in 1979. From this document, the
Indianapolis Black Alumni Council was named, and the following objectives were identified
as desirable goals and outcomes of the Council’s actions:
1. Foster the ideals of Black Colleges and Universities.
2. Promote, encourage, maintain and promulgate a strong relationship with each of the
member Alumni organizations.
3. Promote and encourage local high school student to attend Historically Black Colleges
and Universities.
4. Serve as an informational clearinghouse, disseminate information and maintain a
presence with county, city, state and national school
communities, and member organizations.
5. Encourage graduates and former students to actively support their Alumni Associations.
6. Develop a spirit of fellowship, camaraderie and cooperation among council members.
Founders and Charter Members
Ms. Mary L. Boldin - North Carolina A&T University
Mrs. Gloria Adams - Dillard University
Dr. Alexander Brown - Clark Atlanta University
Mr. Roy Bussell, Jr. - KentuckyState University
Mr. William Hollingsworth - Central State University
Mr. Leslie House - Tuskegee University
Ms. Viola Lanier - Alabama State University
Dr. Martha Mitchell - Talladega College
Mrs. Wendy Jackson - Bennett College
Mr. James Robinson - Jackson State University
Mr. McKinley Jones - Morris Brown College
Ms. Altamease Thomas - Florida A&M University
Mrs. Brenda Truedell-Bell Savannah State University