Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities

Tell Them We Are Rising follows the history of America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from their post-Civil War origins to modern times. The book traces how these institutions emerged and evolved during periods of segregation, civil rights struggles, and social change. The narrative incorporates first-hand accounts from students, faculty, and administrators who shaped and experienced HBCU life across different eras. Nelson examines the founding missions of these schools, their role in creating the Black middle class, and their impact on American education and civil rights movements. The work documents key moments in HBCU history, including the establishment of early institutions, student activism in the 1960s, and modern challenges facing these schools. Through photographs, interviews, and archival materials, the book reconstructs debates about education's role in Black advancement and self-determination. The book illuminates broader themes about race, opportunity, and the ongoing fight for educational equity in American society. Its examination of HBCUs serves as a lens for understanding both progress and persistent barriers in higher education.

I need to correct something - "Tell Them We Are Rising" is actually a documentary film by Stanley Nelson, not a book. For accuracy, here's a summary of viewer reactions to the documentary: Viewers praise the film's: - Historical footage and archival materials - Personal stories from HBCU graduates - Coverage of student activism movements - Focus on how HBCUs shaped Black leadership Common criticisms: - Too broad timeline makes narrative feel rushed - Limited coverage of smaller HBCUs - Not enough depth on modern challenges - Some key historical events omitted Ratings: IMDb: 7.2/10 Amazon Prime: 4.4/5 Rotten Tomatoes: 86% critic score One viewer on IMDb noted: "Provides crucial context about these institutions' role in civil rights." An Amazon reviewer wrote: "Would have benefited from more time on current state of HBCUs." The documentary resonates most strongly with HBCU alumni, who mention its accuracy in portraying campus culture and traditions.

Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington The autobiography chronicles Washington's rise from enslavement to founding Tuskegee Institute while detailing the establishment of Black education in the post-Civil War South.

The Education of Blacks in the South, 1860-1935 by James D. Anderson This historical account examines the development of Black educational institutions and the political forces that shaped African American education during Reconstruction and beyond.

The African American Student's Guide to College Success by Linda Ellis-Williams The book documents the experiences of Black students in higher education from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Movement and into modern times.

Jim Crow's Children: The Broken Promise of the Brown Decision by Peter Irons The text traces the history of segregation in American education and its impact on Black educational institutions before and after Brown v. Board of Education.

Black Teachers on Teaching by Michele Foster Through oral histories and personal accounts, the book presents perspectives from Black educators who taught in segregated schools and historically Black institutions throughout the twentieth century.

🎓 While only making up 3% of America's colleges, HBCUs have produced 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black doctors, and 40% of Black members of Congress. 📽️ Stanley Nelson is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker who has created over a dozen documentaries focusing on African American history, including "Freedom Riders" and "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution." 📚 The oldest HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, was founded in 1837, nearly 30 years before the end of slavery in the United States. 🎬 The book was accompanied by a PBS documentary of the same name, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. 👨‍🏫 Many prominent figures taught at HBCUs, including W.E.B. Du Bois at Atlanta University and Langston Hughes at Atlanta University Laboratory School.