As Black History Month came to a close, more visitors flocked to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the new exhibit At The Vanguard offered a light for the future while embracing the past.
As a graduating senior at Howard University, walking into At the Vanguard felt like stepping into a living timeline. The sound of a university radio station played softly in the background. Displays of artifacts, artwork, and university memorabilia lined the walls.
Each section reflected generations of pride, struggle and celebration at historically Black Colleges and Universities. As a first-generation college student, the exhibit also ignited hope that one day, the work of students like me could find its place in spaces like this museum.
At the Vanguard explores the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), by weaving art, history and culture into every exhibit. The emphasis of preserving and exploring history, allows visitors to experience the pride the exhibit shares. For some visitors, the exhibit feels personal.
“Seeing my school name on the wall and seeing the legacy that HBCUs have made, makes me feel like I’m a part of that legacy too. I’ll always be proud of going to an HBCU,” said Kamryn Gaines, a graduating senior at Howard University.
Others echoed the same sentiment. Madeline Smith viewed the exhibit as an important part of Black history. “I personally went to a predominantly white institution, but my aunt went to an HBCU and that’s why it feels important to see this. Just to know our history and everything that we have done, its important,” she said.
At the Vanguard collected parts of the exhibits from Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University and Tuskegee University.
It features artwork, medical history, innovations by HBCU students and alumnae, and interactive activities. One highlight is a digitized copy of the Negro Year Book. The record book–produced at Tuskegee University between 1912 and 1952–documents the progress of African Americans at the university.
The exhibit opened on January 16th and will end July 19th. Kamryn Gaines believes that it should remain a large part of the museum.
“I think it should be a permanent exhibit. While I had family who went to HBCUs and learned of our history from them, not all of us have that. I feel like this gives kids pride of a legacy they can also be a part of,” Gaines said.
Leaving the exhibit, visitors walk beneath rows of brightly colored HBCU flags suspended from the ceiling. A video of students and alumni plays on a large screen, with their voices echoing stories of pride, legacy and tradition.
Visitors can view At The Vanguard at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture through July 19, 2026.
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Featured image/photo by Mario Sessions on Unsplash.