Born into slavery, William Hooper Councill founded one of the nation's first HBCUs, Alabama A&M University. Negotiating the racial politics of Reconstruction and the dawn of Jim Crow was dangerous work. Councill was a peer of Booker T. Washington's and is remembered for his accommodating stance toward whites. His complicated story helps us understand the times he lived in and the legacy of HBCUs.

Born into slavery, William Hooper Councill founded one of the nation's first HBCUs, Alabama A&amp;M University. Negotiating the racial politics of Reconstruction and the dawn of Jim Crow was dangerous work. Councill was a peer of Booker T. Washington's and is remembered for his accommodating stance toward whites. His complicated story helps us understand the times he lived in and the legacy of HBCUs.

The Path to Founding an HBCU

Objects hold history. They're evocative of stories stamped in time. As part of The Washington Post's coverage of the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American History and Culture, people submitted dozens of objects that make up their own lived experiences of black history, creating a "people's museum" of personal objects, family photos and more. The Historically Black podcast brings those objects and their stories to life through interviews, archival sound and music. The Washington Post and APM Reports are proud to collaborate in presenting these rich personal histories, along with hosts Keegan-Michael Key, Roxane Gay, Issa Rae and Another Round hosts Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton.

Share The Path to Founding an HBCU

Sign up to save your podcasts

The Path to Founding an HBCU

The Path to Founding an HBCU

More shows like Historically Black

This American Life

The Read

Marketplace

Reveal

Marketplace Morning Report

Marketplace All-in-One

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

In The Dark

Thanks For Asking

Make Me Smart

The Daily

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family

Forever Ago

Crissle’s Couch