Baton Rouge, Louisiana home to the 512 acre, 6700+ students, Historically Black land-grant university Southern University. Advances in engineering and nursing academic programs, success in the Southwestern athletic conference, and hosting one of the few law schools of any HBCU have led to the sustainability of Southern University among the most well-known Black colleges. Southern University and A&M College has traditionally been one of the largest Historically Black Colleges facilitating academic programs throughout the state of Louisiana that draw students mostly from its home parish of East Baton Rouge, and also from other states such as Texas, California, Georgia, Illinois, and Mississippi. Southern University Baton Rouge’s unique role as the main campus of a multiple university system, Southern is the only Historically Black university system in the United States, also adds to the institutions reputation and renown. Contributing to Southern’s popularity among African American communities, the Human Jukebox and SU Dancing Dolls have wowed crowds and inspired budding performing artists together since 1969.
The Campus is full of art, from sculptures in the middle of campus and a jaguar guarding the library to the symbolic Red Stick overlooking the Mississippi River, culture is alive and well at Southern University. In terms of culture and history, a interesting fact I learned driving to Southern is that part of the Mississippi River that borders the campus is called the Mulatto Bend. If that was not enough, the area directly across the river from Southern University is an area deemed Free Negro Point. Southern is a unique place indeed, one definitely worth a visit.
Southern University Law Center
Southern University student union
Statue of mascot in front of library
Southern Basketball arena