An Innovative Approach to Inclusion: Sacramento State’s Black Honors College
California State University, Sacramento, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative that aims to foster an inclusive educational environment for Black students. Launched in 2024, the Black Honors College (BHC) has become an essential part of the campus landscape, providing a focused curriculum on Black history, life, and culture.
For Zyearre Amoah, a Sacramento State alumnus and current BHC staff member, the college represents a significant shift in how the university supports its Black students. “Black students on our campus are actually showing their faces,” Amoah remarks, highlighting the newfound sense of community and visibility among Black students.
An Inclusive and Specialized Educational Experience
Despite its name, the Black Honors College welcomes students of all racial backgrounds, offering an “elite, specialized experience” according to university president Luke Wood. With over 800 students enrolled, the college aims to create a supportive environment while complying with federal and state laws.
The BHC’s curriculum is unique, with courses taught from a Black studies perspective. For instance, math classes incorporate stories of notable Black mathematicians. Faculty selection emphasizes a history of successfully educating Black students, with a focus on low withdrawal and failure rates.
Facing Challenges in a Changing Climate
The establishment of the BHC coincides with a broader national context where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face increasing scrutiny. In recent years, many colleges have scaled back or eliminated such initiatives following federal guidelines and the Supreme Court’s decision to ban affirmative action in 2023.
Despite these challenges, Sacramento State has committed to supporting its Black students. President Trump declared the end of DEI programs in America during a State of the Union address, but institutions like Sacramento State continue to prioritize inclusion and support.
Building a Sense of Belonging
Naomi Thrower, a junior at Sacramento State, finds a sense of belonging and connection at the BHC. Growing up with a multicultural background, she longed for a deeper understanding of Black culture and identity. “The kids used to bully me in middle school and say I was whitewashed,” she recalls. Now, through the BHC, Thrower has found a community that resonates with her experiences.
The college’s emphasis on community is encapsulated in the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are.” This concept is central to the BHC’s mission, fostering an interconnected and supportive environment for its students.
Through initiatives like the BHC, Sacramento State is seeing tangible results. Enrollment of Black students is on the rise, and more students are re-enrolling and graduating. The BHC serves as a model for other institutions, demonstrating the potential impact of a focused and inclusive educational approach.
This story was produced with support from the Education Writers Association’s Reporting Fellowship program.
Catch up on what you missed with our Education newsletter, sent weekly.
Related Reading: Supreme Court and Trans Prison Policy
Colleges Struggle with Falling Enrollment
2023 Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action
Proposed Tax Rule for Private Colleges
Comments are closed.