Langston University, Oklahoma’s only HBCU, gets $1.5 Million from USDA
From The Black Wall Street Times
Langston University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) birthed as an agricultural education institution, will receive $1.5 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for research and development projects.
According to the Monday announcement, USDA is providing $33million to support capacity-building efforts at 1890 Land-grant universities. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will support research at 82 projects across 19 HBCUs designated as 1890 Land-grant universities.
Langston will receive grants for three specific projects totaling $1.5 million.
“The work these universities will take on as a result of this funding have ripple effects far beyond the walls of their laboratories and classrooms,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small.
“Through this investment, the Biden-Harris administration is helping deliver real-life, applicable solutions to make our food system stronger, while at the same time inspiring a next generation of students and scientists who will help us meet tomorrow’s agricultural challenges,” Small added.
The support for Langston University and others comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action, which is leading to an expected surge in HBCU admissions despite the schools having less resources. In addition, it comes after reports that have shown HBCUs have been drastically underfunded by both state and federal governments over the last several decades.