In conjunction with HBCU Buzz, a platform highlighting news at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has announced the creation of the first LGBTQ+ HBCU alumni network.

According to the HRC, its work will center on further engagement with the LGBTQ+ community within HBCUs to find officials to investigate complaints against maladministration, as well as increasing collaborations with student associations and the production of a biweekly column detailing opportunities for student and alumni network members.

“We’re excited to launch this groundbreaking partnership with HBCU Buzz, giving the unique opportunity to connect LGBTQ HBCU alums across the country,” Leslie Hall, associate director of HRC’s HBCU Program, said in a statement. “At a time when marginalized communities are under constant attack by anti-equality politicians, it has never been more important to build welcoming spaces that give LGBTQ people of color the opportunity to share their experiences and support one another.”

The project was announced at the HRC Foundation’s annual HBCU Summit, which provides students with the tools to be leaders and advocate social justice, the HRC reports.

“In 1837 the first HBCU was founded,” HBCU Buzz President Brittany Ireland said. “It has taken 181 years to pivot toward the inclusionary visions of community that HBCU founders envisioned and we are honored to blaze this trail.”

The collaboration comes shortly after HBCU leaders began a push for LGBTQ inclusivity on campus, signaling to students and faculty that their voices have been heard.

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