This study examined the strategies employed by program administrators in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), as they negotiate sociopolitical interests in developing continuing higher education programs. Using a qualitative research design, the analysis was guided by the Cervero and Wilson adult and continuing education program planning theoretical framework. Three themes emerged from the data and were identified as prominent negotiation strategies within this context: developing sustained networks, developing parallel structures, and finding common ground. (Contains 1 table.)