On BSUs, PBIs, MSIs, and All the Other Names That Are NOT HBCUs.

I considered not posting this, but here we are. 

I saw a video today from a girl at Georgia State. Apparently, she believes she attends a “PBI,” a predominantly Black institution. And, apparently, there are several universities whose enrollment has now become predominately Black. 

But let’s be very clear: a PBI is not an HBCU. A PBI will not be an HBCU. A PBI cannot be an HBCU. 

And if you’re a Black student who wants to attend an HBCU, you have to attend an HBCU to go an HBCU. 

In her case, she’s at Georgia State, which is currently 38% Black. It’s also 25% white. That ain’t a majority. That ain’t predominately. The word “predominate” means strongest or main. 

HBCUs feature Blackness and Black culture. HBCUs elevate Blackness and Black culture. 

HBCUs center Blackness and Black culture. 

Just because a group of Black people exists somewhere does not make it a Black space. 

For reference, FAMU is 82% Black. 

The president of FAMU is Black. The provost is Black. Most of the associate vice-presidents, deans, chairs, faculty, maintenance personnel, groundskeepers, and alumni are Black. 

The focus is Black. 

And always has been. 

And you ONLY find that at HBCUs. 

So the difference is clear. 

Georgia State is just a white space with Black people. Shifting demographics doesn’t change history. Is the administration at Georgia State Black? Is the coursework Black? Is the history Black?

Similarly, USC will not become a Black school because there’s a Black dance team. 

Similarly, a Black Student Union is not an HBCU. 

And it’s annoying to me as an HBCU graduate and HBCU advocate that we keep having to have this same conversation. 

Because HBCUs are fighting for equal funding, comparable research opportunities, expanded academic programs, and necessary campus space and improvements. 

So if you want an HBCU, attend an HBCU. 

You can’t just make one up.