News, On This Day in History

On this day in 1837, Cheyney University was founded

The university's establishment was made possible by Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist who donated $10,000 - one-tenth of his estate - to create a school for individuals of African descent.

Clay Cane
April 19, 2023

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Cheyney University was founded on April 19, 1837. Originally called the African Institute, it’s the oldest African-American institution of higher learning in the country.

The university’s establishment was made possible by Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist who donated $10,000 – one-tenth of his estate – to create a school for individuals of African descent.

Cheyney University has produced an impressive roster of alumni, including the late Ed Bradley, a renowned television journalist for 60 Minutes; Bayard Rustin, a prominent civil rights leader; and Robert Bogle, the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune.

The university offers degrees in more than 30 disciplines and a master’s degree in education, and also boasts one of the most respected men’s and women’s basketball programs in NCAA Division II history.

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Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane