The Return of the HBCUs: Origin, Mission, and Economic Mobility
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 172
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
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This book presents a well-thought-out argument explaining why Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have earned and deserve the moral and financial support of every American citizen for their contributions to establishing American democracy, providing the foundation of the American economy, and enriching American culture. There is no doubt that without HBCUs, Black Americans would have remained enslaved, and the United States would have collapsed instead of soaring to become the world's most significant power after the Civil War.
The book begins at the inception of democracy, focusing on the Enlightenment ideas shared in the salons and soirees of Western European aristocracy. It transitions to discussions about how colonialists should share the power gained after their victorious revolution against Great Britain, and how 4 million enslaved people secured their freedom by seizing the opportunity to fight for it.
The book explains the role HBCUs play in transforming these 4 million people from illiterate to literate, from enslavement to citizenship, from sharecroppers to farmers, from consumers to business owners, and from 4 million to 40 million people. This book provides crucial insights regarding HBCUs' contribution to the urbanization of America, a narrative that is rarely, if ever, included in the story of America’s great cities.
Finally, the book explains how and why the 100-year-old HBCU business model has worked so well and for so long. It also includes detailed guidance on how HBCUs can transform their century-old business model into one better equipped to fulfill their primary mission in the 21st and 22nd centuries: the education of the Black community.
Cedric Grice is an economist, educator, and community development leader with a distinguished career encompassing public service, academia, and nonprofit leadership. He is the founder, Board Chair, and Chief Executive Officer of the HBCU Community Development Corporation (HBCUcdc), an organization committed to empowering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in addressing economic disparities within underserved communities.
Mr. Grice holds a Ph.D. (ABD) in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, along with degrees in History and Economics from the University of Memphis and coursework in Engineering at Tennessee State University. His professional journey includes key roles such as Chief Economist at the Lower Colorado River Authority, Senior Budget Analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board, and Commissioner on the Electric Utility Commission for the City of Austin.
In addition to his public service, Mr. Grice has taught economics at institutions such as Austin Community College and Huston-Tillotson University. His work has focused on developing econometric models, evaluating conservation programs, and leading strategic planning initiatives for state and local governments.
A passionate advocate for economic justice and education, Cedric Grice actively drives initiatives that combine data-driven policy with grassroots community impact.
This book presents a well-thought-out argument explaining why Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have earned and deserve the moral and financial support of every American citizen for their contributions to establishing American democracy, providing the foundation of the American economy, and enriching American culture. There is no doubt that without HBCUs, Black Americans would have remained enslaved, and the United States would have collapsed instead of soaring to become the world's most significant power after the Civil War.
The book begins at the inception of democracy, focusing on the Enlightenment ideas shared in the salons and soirees of Western European aristocracy. It transitions to discussions about how colonialists should share the power gained after their victorious revolution against Great Britain, and how 4 million enslaved people secured their freedom by seizing the opportunity to fight for it.
The book explains the role HBCUs play in transforming these 4 million people from illiterate to literate, from enslavement to citizenship, from sharecroppers to farmers, from consumers to business owners, and from 4 million to 40 million people. This book provides crucial insights regarding HBCUs' contribution to the urbanization of America, a narrative that is rarely, if ever, included in the story of America’s great cities.
Finally, the book explains how and why the 100-year-old HBCU business model has worked so well and for so long. It also includes detailed guidance on how HBCUs can transform their century-old business model into one better equipped to fulfill their primary mission in the 21st and 22nd centuries: the education of the Black community.
Cedric Grice is an economist, educator, and community development leader with a distinguished career encompassing public service, academia, and nonprofit leadership. He is the founder, Board Chair, and Chief Executive Officer of the HBCU Community Development Corporation (HBCUcdc), an organization committed to empowering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in addressing economic disparities within underserved communities.
Mr. Grice holds a Ph.D. (ABD) in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, along with degrees in History and Economics from the University of Memphis and coursework in Engineering at Tennessee State University. His professional journey includes key roles such as Chief Economist at the Lower Colorado River Authority, Senior Budget Analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board, and Commissioner on the Electric Utility Commission for the City of Austin.
In addition to his public service, Mr. Grice has taught economics at institutions such as Austin Community College and Huston-Tillotson University. His work has focused on developing econometric models, evaluating conservation programs, and leading strategic planning initiatives for state and local governments.
A passionate advocate for economic justice and education, Cedric Grice actively drives initiatives that combine data-driven policy with grassroots community impact.