Fisk University:
* Post-Civil War Freedmen's Aid: Fisk's origins lie in the Freedmen's Aid Societies, which were organizations established by primarily Northern churches and philanthropists to provide education and support to newly freed African Americans in the South. These societies were crucial in the initial funding and establishment of schools like Fisk.
* American Missionary Association (AMA): The AMA, a significant Freedmen's Aid organization, played a central role in founding Fisk. They initially established Fisk as a school for formerly enslaved people in Nashville, Tennessee. The name was initially Fisk Teachers' School and later changed to Fisk University.
* Emphasis on Practical and Liberal Arts: While offering vocational training, Fisk also prioritized a robust liberal arts education, aiming to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be leaders in their communities. This reflects the broader aim of the Freedmen's Aid movement to create a skilled and educated Black population.
* Early Challenges: Like other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Fisk faced significant financial struggles, dependence on external funding, and persistent racial prejudice.
Howard University:
* Land-Grant Act of 1862 (Morrill Act): While not directly a recipient of Morrill Act funds, Howard benefited from the spirit of the act which sought to expand access to higher education. The federal government's commitment to education, though initially excluding Black people, laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of institutions like Howard.
* Establishment by the Freedmen's Bureau: The Freedmen's Bureau, a federal agency created to assist formerly enslaved people during Reconstruction, played a vital role in the founding of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The Bureau provided land and some initial funding.
* Medical and Law Schools: From its inception, Howard prioritized professional education, establishing medical and law schools early on to address the lack of access to these professions for African Americans.
* Private Philanthropy: Beyond federal support, Howard also relied heavily on private donations and philanthropic efforts to sustain itself and grow. This became even more crucial as federal support waned.
In summary, both Fisk and Howard emerged from the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, fueled by the efforts of various organizations (Freedmen's Aid Societies, the Freedmen's Bureau, and the AMA), private philanthropy, and a fervent belief in the transformative power of education for African Americans who had been systematically denied access to it for generations. Their histories are interwoven with the struggles and triumphs of the Black community during Reconstruction and beyond.