Little Known Black History Facts

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has claimed the distinction of being the first HBCU in the nation, although some grant that honor to Lincoln University in the same state. The university was founded on February 25, 1837. Quaker Robert Humphreys granted $10,000 of his estate to establish the African Institute, which he envisioned as a training […]

The nation’s oldest Historically Black University will stay open. Cheyney University was struggling financially and even looking at the option of closing their doors when the state of Pennsylvania stepped in. The state has granted a $30 million loan forgiveness to the University if they can keep a balanced budget over the next four years. According […]

Ebenezer D. Bassett was the first African-American diplomat, serving as an ambassador to Haiti shortly after the Civil War. Bassett was honored this past weekend in New Haven, Conn. for the state’s annual Freedom Trail celebration. Bassett was born October 16, 1833 in the town of Derby to free parents. Bassett’s parents, both free, were […]