Heritage Without Borders: HBCUs, African Diaspora & Global Black Experience

Heritage Without Borders: HBCUs, African Diaspora & the Global Black Experience

Co-organized by the U.S.–Africa Institute, Howard University, African Public Affairs Committee and partners. Date: Monday, September 22, 2025 | 2:30–6:00 PM

Location: UNCF Building, Washington, D.C.

As Africa’s diaspora grows across the U.S., HBCUs are a strategic bridge—educating future leaders, driving research, and anchoring U.S.–Africa partnerships. Yet Black immigrant, and international students often face unique barriers to access, security, and belonging.

This Heritage Without Borders Forum will convene HBCU leaders, scholars, policymakers, advocates, and students to surface solutions and chart a shared agenda. The discussion will highlight:

• Policy priorities for Black immigrant students at HBCUs
• Campus strategies: legal support, services, and data collection
• Pathways for U.S.–Africa research, exchange, and workforce partnerships
• Funding and advocacy opportunities for international students (J-1/F-1 visas)

The session will also build on ongoing dialogues ahead of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, offering an education-centered perspective on how immigration policy intersects with Black institutions, long-term mobility, and leadership development.

• 2:30–3:00 PM | Arrival & Networking
• 3:00–3:10 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 3:10–3:35 PM | Context Talk: HBCUs as a Gateway for U.S.–Africa Partnerships
• 3:35–4:25 PM | Panel: Policy, Campus Climate & Black Immigrant Students
• 4:25–4:40 PM | Lightning Briefs: Funding & Exchange Opportunities
• 4:40–5:00 PM | Closing
• 5:00–6:00 PM | Networking Reception

• Alexendaria Haidara - Former USAID Nigeria Communication Specialist

• Dr. Tadios Belay — President, U.S.–Africa Institute
• Dr. Felecia Russell — Director, Higher Ed Immigration Portal | Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
• Dr. Krista Johnson, Director of African American Studies, Howard University
• Nneka Achapu, Founder, African Public Affairs Committee

Additional HBCU leaders, legal advocates, and student voices will be announced.

Black immigrants make up a significant and rising share of the DACA population, yet their voices are rarely centered in immigration debates. Many are students at HBCUs, where they face legal uncertainty, limited aid, and systemic barriers—yet contribute richly to campus life and leadership.

This forum creates a space to highlight their experiences, uplift advocacy for J-1 and F-1 visa holders, and advance policy and institutional strategies that protect and empower Black immigrant, and international students.

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