THE ROLE OF HBCU LIBRARIES IN DEFENDING DEMOCRACY
BY DR. MARYBETH GASMAN
H istorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a long history of supporting cultural preservation and social change for Black communities. HBCU libraries are at the heart of this support as guardians of democracy and protectors of intellectual freedom. They preserve the rich history and culture of Black communities. In today’s political and social climate, where intellectual spaces are increasingly under attack, the role of HBCU libraries is even more critical.
nurturing activism and defending democratic values. For example, the library at North Carolina A&T State University served as an important space during the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, which was an essential protest in the fight for civil rights. The library was a safe and supportive space for students to organize, access legal documents and plan non-violent strategies. Likewise, the Atlanta University Center’s Robert W. Woodruff Library offers access to African American studies, historical documents and social justice- oriented resources to promote
democracy. Through exhibitions, such as those focusing on Black women who have transformed Atlanta, and extensive archives, the Woodruff Library amplifies Black voices that challenge societal norms. It also protects democratic values by ensuring critical stories are told—stories that some would prefer to silence. Another essential HBCU library is the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University. It houses one of the most comprehensive collections documenting Black history and the global Black Diaspora. Moorland-Spingarn’s materials are essential for understanding
history and ensuring that diverse perspectives remain accessible.
By protecting marginalized narratives, the Moorland-
Spingarn Research Center and its staff reinforce democracy’s promise of equity in thought and knowledge. One of the fundamental ways HBCU libraries contribute to democracy is by fostering critical thinking among students. HBCUs have a history of being spaces of inquiry, open communication and engagement with complex ideas. They support students as they become informed citizens, capable of thinking critically
HBCU libraries have historically played a significant role in
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