On September 12, the Black Student Unions throughout the Antelope Valley High School District attended an annual district showcase of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), highlighting the academic programs, achievements, and notable alumni that have made these institutions influential in higher education.

The showcase introduced students to some of the most well-known Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. Chavela Hutchinson, BSU Advisor at Knight High School, organized and hosted the informational event.

“I think the importance of this event allows African American students to see all of their opportunities for higher education, not just Cal State or out of state schools, but schools that emphasize their culture,” said Hutchinson. “Schools that have historic importance that great historical figures have come out of like Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Oprah Winfrey or Katherine Johnson.”

Students collected brochures and application materials from multiple HBCUs, and many showed immediate interest in researching specific schools further.

“I learned that Poro College was the first black cosmetology school, training center & distribution center,” said Leilani Garrison, a senior at Palmdale High School. “I’d want to go to Howard University because they have a good nursing program.”

The annual HBCU Showcase demonstrates the district’s commitment to ensuring students have access to information about diverse educational pathways that support their academic and career goals.