There is a long tradition of media that satirizes Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Whether it’s portrayed in nightly news or news articles; the media perpetuates its own varying depictions of HBCU institutions, students, and alum. While some depictions have been met with evidence, there are others that defame the culture, value, and legacy of HBCUs. 

Do you know what happens when you type the words “HBCUs are” into Google? Before you can type the next word, Google’s Autocomplete function suggest that: “HBCUs are a joke,” “HBCUs are not relevant,” “HBCUs are failing,” “HBCUs are ghetto,” “HBCUs are bad,” and “HBCUs are racist.”

True, Google’s Autocomplete functionality is designed to reflect the diversity of user searches and content on the web, however, how can these predictions overshadow the history and culture of HBCU institutions as a whole?

For this reason, HBCU LIVE is calling on all HBCU supporters to participate in our initiative to remove the offensive and defamatory autocomplete suggestions associated with our institutions. There are many ways to get involved: Share this video, post your support for HBCUs you’re passionate about using the hashtag #DearGoogleHBCUsAre

When it comes to the media misrepresenting the legacy of HBCUs, put your support where your hashtag is #DearGoogleHBCUsAre Lets create a viral dialogue that will manifest the true meaning of HBCUs.

HBCU LIVE is on a mission to create a new and respectable media agenda for Historically Black Colleges and Universities-and it starts with you.