Cornell University has a strong history in promoting Black excellence and inclusion. One significant aspect of Cornell's Black history is the establishment of the Africana Studies and Research Center in 1968, which was the first academic department of its kind in the United States. The center has been a hub for research, scholarship, and activism related to the African diaspora.

Cornell also has a long tradition of supporting Black students and fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has been home to various student organizations and initiatives focused on promoting Black culture, history, and social justice.

Notable Black alumni of Cornell University include civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, author Ta-Nehisi Coates, and astronaut Mae Jemison. Overall, Cornell University continues to be a significant institution in advancing Black scholarship and promoting social change.