March 9 …
North Carolina A&T State University (A&T) — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University — is a cornerstone of historically Black higher education in the United States, recognized for its profound influence on academic excellence, civil rights, and the advancement of African American communities.
Founded on March 9, 1891 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race, the university was established by the North Carolina General Assembly as part of the Second Morrill Act, aiming to provide land-grant education specifically for African Americans. This founding initiative reflected broader post-Reconstruction efforts to enhance educational access for Black citizens while navigating the restrictions of segregation. The establishment was bolstered by both Black leaders championing education and state policymakers fulfilling federal land-grant mandates.
Throughout its history, the university’s mission has remained dedicated to delivering high-quality education, nurturing leadership, and promoting economic and social progress. Its name evolved to correspond with its growing academic identity, becoming North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College in 1915 and later North Carolina A&T State University in 1967.
These changes signified its transition from a vocational school to a comprehensive university offering a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. As a land-grant institution, it has upheld a strong commitment to research, extension services, and community involvement.
North Carolina A&T has been instrumental in shaping American social justice movements, particularly through the Greensboro Sit-ins of 1960. Four freshmen — Ezell Blair Jr. (later known as Jibreel Khazan), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond — initiated a nonviolent protest at a segregated lunch counter, igniting a nationwide movement and marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
The university has historically served as a hub for activism, intellectual discourse, and leadership, significantly influencing the broader fight for equality and civil rights. Its students, faculty, and alumni have been vital in driving social change, with underserved communities often being prime beneficiaries of its endeavors.
Today, North Carolina A&T is the largest HBCU in the United States and a national leader in producing African American graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It has garnered numerous accolades for its academic programs, research contributions, and commitment to social mobility. The university’s legacy encompasses a strong tradition of excellence in engineering, business, agriculture, and education, along with a steadfast dedication to empowering future generations.
Notable alumni of North Carolina A&T include:
- Ronald McNair — Physicist and NASA astronaut who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986.
- Clara Adams-Ender — First African American Nurse Corps officer to graduate from the United States Army War College.
- Rev. Jesse Jackson — Civil rights icon.
- A&T Four — Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond — who staged sit-in demonstrations at the Greensboro Woolworth’s lunch counter.
Through its accomplishments and enduring mission, North Carolina A&T State University continues to shape American education, contribute to cultural enrichment, and uphold its historic role in advancing equity and opportunity.
