Higher education for blacks in the United States is reviewed with attention to historical developments, college desegregation, and the role of philanthropic organizations. Two early, private universities in the North that were designed to provide higher learning for blacks were Lincoln University in Pennsylvania (1854) and Wilberforce University in Ohio (1856). Although the evidence shows that educational opportunity was available, it was generally not baccalaureate education as it is known today; some blacks were trained through apprenticeships and for teaching. Prior to the Civil War, it was illegal to teach blacks. A chart of 39 historically black four-year institutions founded between 1865 and 1880 provides founding dates and information on location, support/control, and regional accreditation. Similar information is provided on 28 historically black colleges (HBCs) founded between 1881 and 1896, as well as 15 HBCs founded between 1897 and 1953. Contradictions and traditions of the courts and the American higher education system regarding segregation are also addressed. Finally, consideration is given to funds provided for education, including those established to aid black public higher education, and funds to advance education and support equal educational opportunity in the South. (SW)