February 25 …
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (CU) is the oldest historically Black institution of higher education in the United States, whose legacy has profoundly shaped American education, civil rights, and cultural advancement.
Founded on February 25, 1837 in Philadelphia, the institution began as the African Institute, established through a $10,000 bequest from Richard Humphreys, a Quaker abolitionist who was deeply concerned about the lack of educational opportunities for African Americans. Humphreys envisioned a school designed to empower Black students with training in trades, agriculture, and teaching, fostering their economic and intellectual development in a discriminatory society.
Over the years, Cheyney experienced several name changes reflecting its evolving role in American education. Shortly after its establishment, it became the Institute for Colored Youth, later relocating in 1902 to land owned by George Cheyney, which solidified its enduring name.
In 1914, it was renamed the Cheyney Training School for Teachers, then became Cheyney State Teachers College in 1951, followed by Cheyney State College in 1959, and finally Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 1983 as it joined the state higher education system. These transitions mark its growth from a modest training school to a comprehensive university.
Key stakeholders throughout its history have included Quaker trustees, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, dedicated faculty, and generations of students who have both shaped and benefited from its mission of access and equity.
The university’s impact on American society extends well beyond academics, particularly in the realms of civil rights and social justice. As the first of the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs), it became a model for educational access for African Americans during the antebellum period and beyond, influencing the emergence of other historically Black colleges.
The institution has long catered to students from underserved communities — especially in Philadelphia — providing pathways to professional careers in education, law, medicine, and government. Its influence is also reflected in its involvement in legal and political battles for educational equity, including a landmark desegregation funding case against the state of Pennsylvania, which highlighted ongoing disparities in higher education.
Today, the university continues to uphold its foundational mission of preparing “confident, competent, and visionary leaders,” while maintaining a steadfast commitment to diversity, social responsibility, and academic excellence. Recognized as the nation’s first HBCU, it occupies a unique position in American history, serving both as an educational pioneer and a symbol of resilience and progress. Its achievements are not only formally recognized, but are also rooted in its enduring legacy of over 30,000 graduates and its role in expanding social mobility and opportunities.
Its alumni are prominent figures, including journalists, educators, and public servants who have significantly influenced American culture and policy. They include:
- Bayard Rustin (1937) — key strategist of the modern Civil Rights Movement
- Don Evans (1962) — Playwright and member of the Black Arts Movement
- Ed Bradley (1964) — Former CBS News journalist
- Robert Bogle (1973) — President/CEO of The Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest black newspaper in circulation to date
Through nearly two centuries of transformation, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania remains a cornerstone of American education and a powerful force in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society
