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New Orleans’ HBCUs Find Hope
By Black College Wire and THE BLACK COLLEGIAN
Two years ago, the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history
ripped through the city of New Orleans, leaving mass chaos and unparalleled destruction in
her wake.
Though for some, the recovery effort still seems bleak, signs of
recuperation are becoming evident. Events such as the Essence Festival and Mardi Gras are
once again drawing crowds to the city. Businesses small and large have reopened their doors
to consumers. The city is operating at more than half of its pre-Katrina population as more
residents return home. The once-dismal New Orleans landscape has been replaced with a scenic
view of faith and hope for the future.
For New Orleans’ three historically black colleges, the road to
recovery has been blocked with potholes and pitfalls. Despite the challenges ahead, New
Orleans’ HBCUs, much like the city itself, have rich histories rooted in resilience, faith
and endurance. With these qualities in mind, Dillard, SUNO and Xavier are poised to return
to the world stage as leaders in higher education and independent thought. For this section, THE BLACK
COLLEGIAN spoke with their presidents to gain their perspectives on the struggles and
triumphs of rebuilding after Katrina.
Main Features
Interview: Dr. Marvalene Hughes, President, Dillard University
Interview: Dr. Norman C. Francis, President, Xavier University of Louisiana
Interview: Dr. Victor Ukpolo, Chancellor, Southern University at New Orleans
Extended and Related Features
Photoessay: N.O. HBCUs Two Years After Katrina
By Drew Daniels, Black College Wire
Blog: NOLASon blogs Katrina Anniversary Week from New Orleans
By Shawn Chollette and TBC Staff
This feature is the third in a series of collaborative projects between
THE BLACK COLLEGIAN and Black College Wire featuring student journalists’ coverage of
Hurricane Katrina and its after-effects. For additional articles and photos, see the
extended feature and archived editions online at
http://www.black-collegian. com.
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