This pamphlet provides an overview of the historic role, accomplishments, and challenges which face historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as they carry out their unique mission. It summarizes the efforts of the Department of Education aimed at strengthening HBCUs, while assuring that higher education programs do not discriminate on the basis of race. The pamphlet covers the background of HBCUs, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the early compliance activity in postsecondary education, White House initiatives on HBCUs, the Higher Education Act, and information to consider in selecting a black college or university. A list is also provided of the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights regional offices throughout the country. (GLR)