Best HBCU for Creative Writing
HBCUs, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are institutions that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide higher education opportunities to Black Americans in the United States. Today, HBCUs continue to serve as significant educational resources and cultural centers for the Black community. Many HBCUs offer exceptional programs in creative writing, providing students with the opportunity to hone their writing skills and receive critical feedback.
Here are some of the best HBCUs for creative writing:
Howard University is a leading HBCU that boasts a dynamic creative writing program. The English department offers undergraduate courses in creative writing, including poetry, fiction, and screenwriting, as well as a graduate program in creative writing. Students can also participate in writing workshops, literary salons, and other extracurricular activities. Howard’s prominent alumni include influential writers such as Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Spelman College, a private liberal arts women’s college in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a unique and innovative program in creative writing. The English department offers undergraduate courses in creative writing, including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Students can also participate in writing workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and the annual Spelman-Morehouse College Writing Colloquium, which brings together prominent writers to discuss contemporary issues in writing.
3. North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University, a public research university in Greensboro, North Carolina, offers a creative writing program that emphasizes the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in literature. The English department offers undergraduate courses in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as an MFA in creative writing. Students can also participate in the annual N.C. A&T Literary Festival, which features readings, workshops, and lectures by prominent writers.
4. Morgan State University
Morgan State University, a historically black public research university in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a comprehensive creative writing program. The English department offers undergraduate courses in creative writing, including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Students can also participate in writing workshops, the Morgan Literary Society, and the annual Morgan State University Poetry Prize competition.
Florida A&M University, a public HBCU in Tallahassee, Florida, offers a dynamic creative writing program with a focus on multicultural literature. The English department offers undergraduate courses in creative writing, including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as an MFA in creative writing. Students can also participate in the annual FAMU Creative Writing Award competition and the FAMU Literary Society.
In conclusion, HBCUs are exceptional institutions for students who want to pursue creative writing. These schools offer unique and innovative programs that celebrate diversity and provide students with the skills they need to become successful writers. Whether you’re interested in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, these HBCUs have something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a supportive and inspiring environment to hone your writing skills, consider applying to one of these exceptional HBCUs.