Blooming Where We Land

Abstract

Writing instruction at HBCUs has transitioned from being solely focused on traditional composition pedagogy to culturally responsive pedagogy that includes an awareness of student identities, dialects, and literacies. Centering cultural responsiveness in connection with social justice issues and hip-hop pedagogies puts HBCU writing programs and writing centers in a unique position to serve as cultural safe spaces for HBCU students. This chapter informs on historical foundations in writing at HBCUs and the pedagogies currently used in meeting the needs of students of diverse linguistic and literacy experiences. The chapter illustrates the wide range of practices facilitated within HBCUs to foster the writing skills and abilities of its students. In examining writing pedagogy, writing assessment, experiences of HBCU students and writing faculty, and literary legacies birthed from HBCUs, the chapter highlights sustaining practices and philosophies that seek to push HBCU writing forward.