HBCU
MAJORITY
Our Mission
HBCU Majority will promote Historically Black Colleges and Universities to minority high schoolers and support current HBCU students. The information provided will increase their awareness of these colleges and universities as an alternative to Predominantly White Institutions {PWI}. By eliminating inequality and social discrimination with support, minority students can develop in a nurturing environment.
BUILDING ON A VISION
The current population of Allegheny County, PA is 78.4% White and 12.3% Black or African American. According to De Vita and Farrell, 2018, African American poverty rates in our region was roughly 30 percent, suggesting deep and persistent poverty in Allegheny County. It is unfortunate that these numbers continue to grow in our area. Nationally, African American men are jailed at six times the rate that white men are jailed. Bakalarski, 2017, summarizes reports that found Allegheny County jails African American men at almost twice the national rate. This could possibly explain the high numbers of single African American women that are raising children in poverty in this area. It is no wonder that national research indicated that Pittsburgh was one of the worse cities for African American women as late as 2019.
Young people in Allegheny County need more education and exposure to other people of color and a different way of life. The best time to uncover and invite them into a diverse world is between 18 and 21 years of age, college age. This age group would be better served in an environment with others that look like them, but yet have different experiences and points of view.
Much research has been done to outline the ones most affected by poverty; however, little has been done to report the effects that poverty has it relates to intellectual ability. It would be interesting to know the true IQs of the large percentage of African American male sitting in the Allegheny County jail. Committing a crime is most often about survival and requires the ability to problem solve. The only thing not too smart about an inmate is that they did not use their intelligence to be productive citizens.
As a community, we must do better to introduce our teenagers and young adults to a better way of life through education; one that was earned, fostered, supported, and nurtured at an HBCU. Attending and/or graduating from a Historically Black College and University could have a dramatic impact of the poverty rate for African Americans in this region.
Reed A. Rankin
Founder, President, CEO
Meet The Founder
A native of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, Reed Rankin is the oldest of two children. Early in life, he desired a baby brother. Like most sibling relationships, there were trying times. However, the brothers were taught to share, respect, and rely on each other. The two became best friends! Reed’s strongest desire was to create a life that would be a positive influence for his brother. He wanted Ryan to be proud of the man that he had become. Through this relationship, Reed realized that he could channel this same energy into others. His goal is to support high schooler and college students as they navigate life on their journey to success. Reed is a 2018 Pittsburgh Public School graduate of Obama Academy of International Studies. As a senior and after a good football season, Reed understood that school had to be first on this priority list with college acceptance on the line. After attending an HBCU tour, he knew that a Historical Black institution was the place for him.
Upon graduating, Reed enrolled in Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania. While majoring in Biology and on the Dean’s List, he participated in Gentleman Qualities, The Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS), Lincoln University of Pennsylvania College Dems, and SACNAS. He was also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Tri-Beta honor societies. In 2019, as a junior, Reed established HBCU Majority. This nonprofit organization was created to develop awareness of HBCUs throughout the country and to support current HBCU students. The organization was recognized for community engagement by the Shyne Awards Foundation in 2021. In 2023, Reed was acknowledged as a Top 25 under 25 by the Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens organization.
Reed and the HBCU Majority team has continued to mentor high school students, provide supplies, and support current HBCU students. The team has taken on the responsibly for creating awareness of the benefits of attending an HBCU for secondary education to minority students. Collectively, they believe that their HBCU experience is one that all black students should have.
Youth Empowerment Services
Nyabinghi Michie, Dyzhon Sanders, Deborah Smallwood, (Financial Aid Specialist), Reed Rankin, John Horsely Jr
Meet the Team
Reed Rankin
President
Lincoln University
Biology
Board of Directors
Nyabinghi Michie
Vice President
Lincoln University
Earth Sciences
My name is Nyabingi Michie, Vice President of HBCU Majority. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Lincoln University, the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU). With a fervent dedication to environmental stewardship, artistic expression, continuous learning, and community engagement, I am committed to leveraging education as a catalyst for empowering young individuals who share my cultural background. I am privileged to contribute to HBCU Majority's mission of enlightening the youth about the vast opportunities that education offers to individuals from similar demographic backgrounds.
John Horsely, Jr.
Treasurer
Lincoln University
Health Science
In honor of Black History Month, we would like to highlight our new board. John Horsley Jr, our treasurer, is a Pittsburgh native. He graduated from PPS Obama Academy in 2018. In May 2023 he graduated from the first degree-granting HBCU, Lincoln University of Pa, with a bachelor’s degree in health science. While at Lincoln he worked for The Office of Male Achievement as the student coordinator for mentorship initiatives for 3 years and served as the president of Gentlemen’s Qualities for 2 years. In the future, John aspires to do many things. Those range from getting his masters in occupational therapy(OT) to becoming a college football coach. The reason for this is because of his passion for helping others. OT allows the opportunity to help people get back to living everyday life, and football allows for a place to mentor young men and influence them to become better individuals.
Dyzhon Sanders
Secretary
Lincoln University
Business Management
Today we are highlighting our Secretary, Dyzhon Sanders, who is a 23-year-old Erie native who moved to Pittsburgh in his early years. Following his graduation from University Prep at Margaret Milliones, he decided to further his education at the nation's first degree-granting HBCU, Lincoln University of PA, with a Bachelor's in Business Management. Dyzhon has been an active volunteer, mentor, and advocate for his university. He has also served as a Section Leader in LU’s Concert Choir, which has performed at multiple NFL, MLB, and NBA games.
Dyzhon is a passionate advocate for affordable housing and has made it his mission to create more opportunities for those in need. His interest in real estate development was sparked by his own family’s struggles, as well as the struggles of many others in similar situations. Dyzhon believes that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home, and he is committed to making that a reality. He is dedicated to serving the community and is excited to bring his expertise to the board of this nonprofit.
Rising Scholars College Prep
HBUC Majority Programs
Hamper Drive
Coat Drive
Upcoming Events
Bookbag Drive
Get in touch
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hbcumajority@gmai.com
412-636-6610