December 1 …

Shaw University is one of the oldest historically Black institutions in the United States and a foundational force in expanding education, leadership, and civil rights in the American South.

Founded on December 1, 1865, in Raleigh, NC, Shaw emerged at the close of the Civil War as one of the first initiatives aimed at educating newly freed African Americans. Founded by Reverend Henry Martin Tupper, a white Baptist minister, Union Army veteran, and missionary from the American Baptist Home Mission Society, the institution’s early development was significantly supported and funded by this organization.

Initially starting as a theological class in a hotel, the school quickly gained recognition as the Raleigh Institute. After receiving a financial donation from Elijah Shaw in 1870, it was renamed Shaw Collegiate Institute.

In 1875, it was officially chartered as Shaw University. From its inception, the institution reflected the ideals of the Reconstruction era, bolstered by support from the Freedmen’s Bureau, Baptist church networks, and northern philanthropists who viewed education as vital to freedom and citizenship.

The university has consistently emphasized intellectual growth, moral leadership, and social responsibility. Guided by its motto, “Pro Christo et Humanitate” (“For Christ and Humanity”), the university was initially established to provide theological and liberal arts education to formerly enslaved individuals.

It later expanded to serve a broader student population and committed to offering an inclusive education regardless of race, creed, or gender. This commitment made it one of the first institutions in the nation to admit African American women and to offer professional training in fields such as medicine, law, and pharmacy.

Today, its mission remains focused on advancing knowledge, promoting ethical values, and preparing students to become global leaders, particularly benefiting historically marginalized communities. The growth of the university highlights both its institutional aspirations and the broader societal changes of its time.

The transitions from Raleigh Institute to Shaw Collegiate Institute, and ultimately to Shaw University, signify its evolution from a small training school into a fully chartered university. It became a trailblazer by establishing one of the first four-year medical schools for African Americans, producing generations of Black professionals during a period of widespread exclusion.

Shaw earned the title of the “mother of African American colleges” in North Carolina, as many alumni went on to lead or influence the founding of other Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Key contributors to its sustained academic and financial stability have included its Board of Trustees, Baptist conventions, alumni networks, and organizations like the United Negro College Fund.

Beyond its educational impact, Shaw has played an essential role in American social justice and cultural history. It was the venue for the pivotal 1960 meeting that led to the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), where civil rights leader Ella Baker gathered student activists on its campus. This positioned Shaw at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement and highlighted its enduring dedication to activism and community engagement.

Over the years, the university has gained academic recognition, including commendations from state education authorities and national accolades for its historic accomplishments, such as educating thousands of formerly enslaved individuals and pioneering coeducation in the South.

Notable alumni of Shaw include:

• Angie Brooks (B.S. 1949) — First African female President of the United Nations General Assembly
• Shirley Caesar (B.S. 1984) — Pastor and gospel music artist
• Gladys Knight (B.A. 1966) — Lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips
• Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (D.D. 1934) — Congressman from New York

Through its lasting legacy of access, leadership, and advocacy, Shaw University has profoundly influenced American education, society, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.