INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Black Alumni Council Inc. will host its annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities College Fair on Thursday.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the event, which takes place at Crispus Attucks High School from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday.

This event will highlight higher education institutions in the United States which were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Members of the council say during the segregation era prior to the Civil Rights Act, most higher education institutions in the U.S. were predominantly white and excluded African Americans from enrollment.

For a century following the end of slavery in 1865, many colleges and universities in the southern states barred students from attending due to the color of their skin.

Jerre Quinn, president of the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council, explained why the HBCU College Fair is an important event for young people in the community.

“So, several things. One is that the program that the institutions offer, and then what’s the best fit for the student? And then, also, look at it not just to get a college education, but think about your career, what are you gonna do with your life? What’s the expectation?”

It’s also important to focus on the opportunities offered by HBCUs, Quinn says.

“HBCUs provide a platform of excellence. We try to make sure that we put a spotlight on that, that we show these programs at these institutions so the students can have options and the opportunity to think about exactly what school best fits their needs and their wants,” Quinn explained Thursday on Daybreak.

IBAC is also hosting a corporate symposium Thursday at Allison Transmission in Speedway. Allison and several other employers will be on hand to talk about co-op and internship opportunities, Quinn says.

Sign up for the HBCU College Fair

Students can register online, and upon submitting the registration form, they will receive a confirmation email. According to the IBAC website, students and their parents or guardians are encouraged to attend the college fair together.

About the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council

Founded in 1979, the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council aims to foster the ideals of HBCUs, promote strong relationships among member alumni organizations, and encourage local high school students to attend these institutions.

The council also serves as an informational clearinghouse, disseminating information to various educational communities and encouraging graduates to actively support their alumni associations. Additionally, it develops a spirit of fellowship, camaraderie, and cooperation among its members.