When it comes to college culture, HBCU pride is special. There's a rich history of historically black colleges and universities that deserves to be officially preserved. Terrence Forte hopes to be the one to preserve that history, the Washington Business Journal reports.

Forte, his brother Jason, and their parents (who went to Howard) have founded the HBCU Museum in Washington, D.C.

The museum is located in the space previously held by the Psychic Gallery, and is actually only temporary. Forte has plans to expand the small galleries into a larger museum in the city. He also has plans to open a second branch in Atlanta. In addition to being museums, both spaces will feature community outreach programs, seminars and mentoring programs led by current HBCU students and HBCU graduates.

For now, however, the museum showcases historic photos and artifacts that tell of the educational and uplifting impact HBCUs have had on the black community. Forte said that he and his family are actively seeking donations of historical artifacts for the larger spaces.

“The planning for this has been going on for a long time,” said Forte, who added that he wants the museum to "chronicle our legacy.”

Forte added that now is an especially important time to honor HBCUs and "to bridge the gap for those who might not know” about the institutions. Many of the nation's HBCU are facing funding difficulties. Some, like Alabama's Concordia College are in danger of closing; others, like Hampton, are engaged in very public struggles with their students due to a lack of resources.

"[The financial struggles] make it ever so much more important to have it now, so people understand exactly how important HBCUs are not just for the people attending them but for culture in general,” Forte said.

A major grand opening event is scheduled for either late March or early April and the admission will be $10; if you'll be in D.C. you can find the museum at 7610A Georgia Avenue NW.

Terrence Forte

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