Spotlight on History
HBCUs in Louisiana
In honor of National HBCU Week at the end of the month, the LDMA is highlighting Louisiana’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the month of September. Louisiana is home to four HBCUs: Dillard University in New Orleans; Grambling State University in the city of Grambling in Lincoln Parish; Southern University with campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport; and Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. Start exploring LPB’s stories about these important institutions that have played a pivotal role in educating African Americans for generations.
Joseph Johnson Interview (1980)
Watch a Louisiana: The State We’re In interview with Grambling president Joseph Johnson on the college desegregation lawsuit and the importance of GSU to North Louisiana.
Southern University Jazz Ensemble (1983)
See a Folks profile of the Southern University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of famed jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste, including highlights of their rehearsals.
Dr. Norman Francis Interview (1984)
View a Folks interview with Dr. Norman Francis, the president of Xavier University, who discusses the importance of HBCUs to the African American community.
Dillard University (1986)
Watch a special Folks visit to Dillard University, including interviews with the university president and students and a performance by the drama department.
Grambling State University (1986)
See a special Folks visit to Grambling, including an interview with president Joseph Johnson, an overview of their academic programs, and a performance by the marching band.
Southern University (1986)
View a special Folks visit to Southern, including interviews with students and highlights of Brigadier General Sherian Cadoria’s speech at the Founders’ Day Convocation.
Xavier University (1986)
Watch a special Folks visit to the only historically Black Catholic university in the country, including interviews with students and professors on the academic programs.
Black Greek Organizations (1988)
See a Folks visit to Dillard to learn more about the Black Greek organizations on campus and how students chose their particular fraternity or sorority.
Eddie Robinson: A Life Celebrated (2010)
View a documentary on Eddie Robinson, Grambling State University’s legendary football coach from 1941-1997.
SU Centennial in BR (2014)
Watch a Louisiana: The State We’re In story on the centennial of Southern University’s move to Baton Rouge and the importance of presidents Dr. J.S. Clark and Dr. Felton G. Clark to SU.