This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council (IBAC) organizing and hosting its Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair. The fair will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Crispus Attucks High School, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St., Indianapolis, 46202.
In 1977, the Indiana State Superintendent of Public Education enlisted Clark Atlanta University alumnus, Alexander Brown, along with other HBCU alumni, to form a “Black College Row” at the Indiana Black Expo.
Brown then entrusted Talladega College alumna Martha Mitchell with the responsibility of leading the Black College Row initiative. She assembled a dedicated group of 38 alumni, including Central State University graduate Bill Hollingsworth, to participate in the 1978 Black College Row. This effort led to the formation of a permanent organization composed of alumni from various HBCUs.
IBAC was officially established in October 1978, quickly garnering significant interest and support from the Indianapolis community. One of IBAC’s founding principles is to “promote and encourage local high school students to attend HBCU,” a mission to which the organization has remained steadfast ever since. IBAC hosts one of the largest HBCU College Fairs in the Midwest and consistently has 30-40 participating colleges and universities.
IBAC’s HBCU College Fair has played a pivotal role in providing millions of dollars in scholarship money to deserving students over its 45 years of operation. By connecting high school students with HBCUs, the fair offers direct access to on-the-spot admissions and scholarships. This invaluable opportunity has empowered countless students to pursue higher education, many of whom may not have had the financial resources to do so otherwise, thus fostering greater academic and professional success in the Black community.
To this day, IBAC continues to provide essential support and exposure to HBCUs for countless area students. Recent research indicates that HBCUs offer more pathways to higher education for lower-income students than other colleges and universities. In addition, HBCUs have traditionally offered numerous other benefits to Black students including a competitive educational experience and culturally affirming environments. Remarkably, HBCUs continue to produce these positive outcomes despite facing significant underfunding challenges.
As IBAC celebrates 45 years of dedication to the educational advancement of local students, its mission remains as vital as ever. The ongoing support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, especially in the face of financial challenges, continues to open doors for countless young minds. The legacy of HBCUs, championed by organizations like IBAC, is a testament to the power of education in driving progress and fostering a brighter future for all.
Corey Pettigrew is the vice chair of the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council’s HBCU College Fair. For more information, visit ibacindy.com.
