A Voice of Their Own: Academic Journals Published at HBCUs

ABSTRACT: A current climate exists where diversity, equity, and inclusion are being attacked on the grounds of promoting divisiveness, which contradicts the very definition of these principles. Nevertheless, government and corporate institutions are rolling back programs and practices that support opportunities for impartial acceptance and representation. Historically Black colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are experiencing pressures to reconsider and restructure existing policies, or risk violating government regulations or running afoul of donors and supporters. This pressure focuses on pedagogy, learning objectives, and curriculum. Government directives have banned diversity displays in tax-funded spaces, including the removal of certain teaching references. Non-mandatory research, however, embodies free speech. Academic journals are conduits through which scholars express their research interests. HBCU websites were reviewed to find contact details for library directors, deans, or archivists. Institutional representatives were then contacted via email, with phone follow-ups as requested, to confirm the publication of any academic journals. Approximately one-third of HBCUs currently publish academic journals. Only two of the largest institutions by enrollment did not publish academic journals. The majority of these journals address issues impacting the Black community. The publications span approximately 90 years and are multidisciplinary. Semimanual and annual publications were the most common type. Public institutions published slightly more than half of all journals, and most journals were published after 2000. The journals serve as knowledge repositories that future thinkers can reference as they engage in problem-solving, intellectual growth, and critical analysis of past and current ideas and practices. Although the journals differ in discipline, target audience, and tone, they all have descriptive or explanatory purposes. Ultimately, scholarly journals produced at HBCUS contribute to advancing knowledge and human improvement. HBCUs make invaluable contributions to their communities through the development and production of scholarly works. The presence of academic journals at these institutions highlights the ongoing need for greater visibility, opportunity, and inclusion in the advancement of scholarship. Recognizing and supporting the scholarly publications at HBCUs should be a priority for policymakers, funding agencies, and non-HBCU academic institutions wishing to partner. Investment in journal development and student and faculty support at HBCUs can help address longstanding disparities in academic publishing and visibility.