The future of private Black colleges depends on public and private financial support to enable them to carry out their missions and establish programs of quality. The question should not be whether private Black colleges are needed, but whether the college is of such quality that it deserves support. (MLW)

Constituting only 3% of U.S. institutions of higher education, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) enroll about 16% of black students in college, and award about 27% of all bachelor's degrees to African-Americans; of African-Americans earning doctorates, 35% have baccalaureate origins in HBCUs. These institutions foster student…

Johnnetta Cole, the first Black woman president of Spelman College, is profiled in this interview. Cole's historical roots and her hopes for Spelman's future are discussed. (MLW)

Two remedial, basic skills programs at two predominately Black colleges-- Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, and Tougaloo College in Mississippi--are compared by Tougaloo composition teacher John Monro, formerly a dean at Harvard. He argues that such programs are justified by their successes. (JMF)

The need for effective lobbying in Washington by Black colleges and the shortcomings of present activities are outlined. Specific actions regarding Title III funds for developing institutions are among the lobbying needs assessed. (JMF)

Joseph Perkins argued in the "Wall Street Journal" that one-third of the 100 traditionally Black colleges should become two-year institutions. This rebuttal suggests that Black institutions' survival involves planning for new and broader missions in an unsheltered, integrated, competitive environment. (MLW)

Although Black participation in higher education has increased, obstacles to further increases continue, particularly in the areas of the quality of secondary school, unequal job opportunities, and sociological inequities. Three studies concerning the status of Blacks are cited. (JMF)

The concept underlying affirmative action emerged in 1941, but resistance to it persists. Equity management is a form of leadership committed to diversity as a strength, not a weakness. Federal policy has led in this approach, and historically black colleges provide models. Higher education must now forge effective policies and practices. (MSE)

Racial and cultural pluralism in American higher education is advocated in place of integration, which is seen to melt individual identities. This argument supports the existence of predominately Black colleges. Suggestions for reducing racial friction on both Black and White campuses are offered. (JMF)

Survival of predeominantly Black colleges in the higher education system is advocated in arguments for an educational balance. The goals of Black colleges are cited, and the encouragement of non-Black students to attend is seen as an attempt to teach other institutions how to become pluralistic. (JMF)

Black progress is tied to the overriding national concern for economic development and the challenge of international competition. The experience of black colleges shows that unequally prepared students can be educated to high levels of performance. Some public policy initiatives are suggested. (MLW)

Desegregation efforts and litigation, including the Bakke case, are discussed in terms of their conflicting effects on the existence of predominately Black colleges. It is suggested that federal actions and legal decisions may in fact threaten the survival of Black institutions. (JMF)

William Blakey, staff director and chief counsel to the Subcommittee on Employment and Productivity of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, was interviewed on the issues facing black progress in higher education. Leadership, change, TRIO programs, and public policy are discussed. (MLW)