“We're thrilled to welcome these student leaders to HRC for our 12th annual HBCU summit,” said Leslie Hall, HRC’s Senior HBCU Program Manager. “The commitment and dedication demonstrated by these fierce advocates is inspiring and we look forward to having them return to their campuses with a renewed commitment to fighting for equality and inclusion. I am truly excited that we have the opportunity to come together, learn from each other, and increase our strength as advocates for the LGBTQ community.”

For more than a decade, HRC has held an annual summit for LGBTQ student leaders from many of the nation’s historically Black institutions. This year, the 41 attendees represent 23 HBCUs from 10 states, including: Albany State University; Bethune-Cookman University; Bowie State University; Claflin University; Dillard University, Fayetteville State University; Hampton University; Howard University; Johnson C. Smith University; Morehouse College; Morgan State University; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; North Carolina Central University; Philander Smith College; Savannah State University; Southern University; Southern University at New Orleans; Spelman College; Stillman College; Tuskegee University; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; University of the District of Columbia; and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

The HRC Foundation’s HBCU Program empowers LGBTQ students to be change-agents on their HBCU campuses and in their communities, and trains them to lead effectively through the intersections of race, religion, gender identity, class and sexual orientation. At this 12th annual summit, participants will develop leadership skills in the key areas of self-awareness, awareness of others, courageous actions and collaboration to advocate for LGBTQ equality and other social justice issues. Sessions will cover topics including the intersection of race and sexual orientation, mental health and wellness, inclusive leadership, and harnessing political power.

HRC’s HBCU Project was founded to support LGBTQ students at HBCUs by providing resources and trainings to advance affirming and supportive college campuses. The program is supported by The David Bohnett Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation. For the last 12 years, the HBCU Project has hosted an annual HBCU Leadership Summit to train and prepare student leaders and administrators to advocate for LGBTQ inclusion and safety.

For more information about HRC’s HBCU Project, visit http://www.hrc.org/blog/topic/hbcu.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.