I was raised by an HBCU educated woman. I stand with her and all the other amazing educators, administrators and students who fight to preserve my history and believe in building what America can be on the back of where it came from. We must continue to fund and vehemently support HBCUs. They are not optional. They have turned some of our country's greatest intellectuals despite the challenges and obstacles placed in their path. They cannot be allowed to fall to the wayside and we should renew our commitment to their continuing work.