Shaw University and St. Augustine College helped nurture first black college students

I was asked to write an article for Black History month on a prominent African-American in the community. However, without the foundation laid by Historically Black Institutions (HBCU), contributions by African-Americans would have been severely limited.

Therefore, I have chosen to write about two of the city's most precious resources—Shaw University and Saint Augustine's College. Both of these institutions  have supported, encouraged and nurtured many prominent and famous African-Americans in the city and nation. Shaw University was founded in 1865, and Saint Augustine's College was founded in 1867. It is amazing that these two institutions survived some of the most unjust periods in race relations in this country and continued to grow and provide educational opportunities to African-American students. Their contributions to the community and citizens of the state of North Carolina are immeasurable.   

Saint Augustine's and Shaw provided educational opportunities for African-Americans when many of the state's public and private universities and colleges refused to admit or even consider enrolling African-American students into their institutions. 

Yet, Saint Augustine's and Shaw offered opportunities to African-American students who had the potential, drive and desire to excel. They not only educated the students, but groomed them for positions of power and influence in society. These institutions were genuinely invested in educating the whole student, mind, body and soul. The education they provided students prepared them for life.

This past weekend, NCSU hosted The Brotherhood Dinner. The Brotherhood Dinner is an opportunity for Shaw, Saint Augustine's and N.C. State to come together as a community and recognize outstanding students and alumni. 

This year, the Brotherhood dinner honored Willie Gary. Gary is one of the most famous and successful trial lawyers in the nation. He is a alumnus of Shaw and attended N.C. Central for Law School. 

By his own admission, Shaw was his last chance at an opportunity to earn a college degree. Every other school he applied to had turned him down. Yet, Shaw took a chance on a "poor southern boy from Florida."

He didn't even have the $5 application fee or $5 medical fee, but Shaw waived both. From this humble beginning, one of the nation's most famous trial lawyers began his education. 

In closing, if you want to talk about the most significant contribution to the African-American community in North Carolina, think historically black colleges.