Why did black colleges and universities emphasize learning trades and acquiring skills in the 1900s?

In the 1900s, black colleges and universities emphasized learning trades and acquiring skills primarily due to the socio-economic context of racial discrimination and limited opportunities for African Americans. These institutions aimed to provide practical education that would empower students to secure employment in a segregated job market, where access to higher education and professional careers was often restricted. By focusing on vocational training, they sought to promote economic self-sufficiency and uplift the black community, ensuring their graduates could contribute meaningfully to society despite systemic barriers.