DENMARK, S.C. (courtesy voorhees.edu) — Voorhees College President Ronnie Hopkins and Saint Augustine’s University President Christine Johnson McPhail participated in a discussion highlighting the importance and history of their institutions, which are Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The event was held via Zoom on Sept. 29.
The presidents were joined in the discussion by The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, and U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn who represents South Carolina’s 6th District.
According to The Episcopal Church Office of Development, panelists examined the history of HBCUs and The Episcopal Church, which founded a number of these institutions in the later 19th century to provide educational opportunities to formerly enslaved persons. The panel discussed recent developments and innovations at Voorhees and Saint Augustine’s, preserving and protecting the legacy and history of black colleges, how HBCU students are impacting the country and the world, and inequities in funding for HBCUs in comparison with Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs).
The hour-long webinar was moderated by Rebecca Linder Blachly, director of The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, and included a question and answer session following the discussion. Please click here to watch the recording of the webinar.