Blacks in Higher Education Meet: Houston — “I really feel good” was Dr. Roland Smith’s reaction to a question about the recently held meeting of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. Smith is the AABHE’s president and driving force in its restoration after a three-year hiatus.
Many Black higher education professionals doubted that the organization could be revived. This group, as well as its Hispanic counterpart, was a caucus of the now defunct American Association for Higher Education. When that organization folded, the Hispanic group immediately morphed into the now vibrant American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, which recently held its third consecutive national meeting. The Black caucus however had not met until last Friday.
“We’re not interested in competing with our Hispanic brothers. In fact, we have a history of working with the Hispanic, Asian and other caucuses and expect that to continue,” said Smith.
