However, more than 180 years since the inception of HBCUs, many still wonder why these colleges and universities are necessary. As a graduate of FAMU, attending an HBCU gives you the tools to succeed beyond the classroom. The experience is undeniable, the education is incomparable, and the preparation for future success is unmatched. With a unique support system, an empowering environment, and the space to embrace your racial identity, graduates gain more than a degree but also a sense of pride and purpose that fosters Black excellence on a global scale, as illustrated at the annual Bayou Classic.