I'll Find a Way or Make One

“Filled with history and anecdote . . . a walk through the past and a peek at the future of America through the gift of HBCUs and their graduates.” —Publishers Weekly

A comprehensive and definitive guide to America’s 107 historically black colleges and universities, this commemorative gift book explores the historical, social, and cultural importance of the nation’s HBCUs and celebrates their rich legacy.

Included in this one-of-a-kind collection are:

• Detailed profiles of each HBCU
• Illuminating portraits of distinguished HBCU graduates such as Leontyne Price, Thurgood Marshall, Spike Lee, and Oprah Winfrey
• Little-known anecdotes about pre-Civil War efforts to educate blacks, such as how a white pastor founded what became Lincoln University after his black protégé was excluded from Princeton’s Theological Seminary
• Rare photographs and archival materials featuring the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt addressing students at Howard University

Chronicling the history of education in the African American community, I’ll Find a Way or Make One is not only an unprecedented salute to historically black colleges and universities, but also an indispensable account of some of the most important events of African Americana and American history.

“A touching statement to the glorious tradition HBCUs continue to maintain.” —Philadelphia Tribune



“A fascinating work of great scope and great detail.” —Cincinnati Herald

“The authors provide the historical context for the yearning for education to advance the individual and the race . . . Photographs, historical narrative, and archival materials add to the value of this important resource.” —Booklist