Lincoln University in Pennsylvania holds great significance in Black history as it is the first degree-granting historically Black university in the United States. Founded in 1854 as Ashmun Institute, the institution was later renamed Lincoln University in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.

Throughout its history, Lincoln University has been a trailblazer in higher education for Black students, providing opportunities for academic and personal growth in an environment that embraced diversity and inclusion. The university has a rich tradition of producing distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including civil rights activism, education, politics, literature, and the arts.

Many notable figures in Black history have been associated with Lincoln University, such as scholar and activist Langston Hughes, civil rights leader Thurgood Marshall, poet and novelist Melvin Tolson, and artist Horace Pippin. These individuals and many others have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower future generations of Black students.

Today, Lincoln University remains committed to promoting academic excellence, cultural diversity, and social justice, carrying on the legacy of its founders and pioneering leaders in the fight for equality and opportunity for all.