Doing the Work of God: HBCU’s and Black America’s Response to the Influenza Pandemic of 1918

Abstract

This study illuminates African American responses to the Influenza pandemic of 1918, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in particular. We chose a decolonized approach to historical inquiry, centering Black narratives, periodicals, and historical documents to better understand the African American experience and thereby the world. Our investigation revealed institutions that readily and dutifully responded to the pandemic as a function of their expertise and as a strategy to advance the freedom cause of African Americans. Places like Howard University, Knoxville College, and Meharry Medical College were resources for Black folks, their communities, and for the first time, White Americans. HBCU giants, W. E. B. Du Bois and C.V. Roman emerged in new ways to help Black America balance its duties to society, democracy, and to the race. Despite valor in war and medical service to the country, Black America would continue to struggle for full citizenship.