“There were so many stories that needed to be told.” That’s how Cassandra Illidge, executive director of the HBCU Grants Program at Getty Images, describes the growing urgency behind a groundbreaking initiative to preserve and digitize the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Now, thanks to a first-of-its-kind partnership with Ancestry.com, that mission is expanding beyond rare photography to include thousands of documents, artifacts, and student records—many of which have never been accessible to the public until now.
Launched in April, the initiative will support 10 HBCUs in digitizing archival collections—everything from century-old yearbooks and bulletins to handwritten ledgers and deteriorating photographs. These materials will not only be preserved for institutional use but will also become available through Ancestry’s global platform, connecting alumni, descendants, and researchers to long-overlooked stories.
“Our partnership with Ancestry enhances our commitment to preserving the valuable history of HBCUs and increases access, visibility, and awareness of untold stories for a global audience,” Illidge said. “By connecting students, alumni, and institutions through genealogy, we aim to create a richer context for historical research and foster a deeper understanding of family history.”
Beyond Imagery: A Broader Vision
Originally launched in 2021, the HBCU Grants Program began by focusing on photographic preservation. But during visits to partner institutions, Illidge and her team quickly recognized the need to expand the program’s archival scope. “Vital records and historical documents also need attention, as they significantly contribute to the important legacy of HBCUs,” she explained.
“Our partnership with Ancestry enhances our commitment to preserving the valuable history of HBCUs and increases access, visibility, and awareness of untold stories for a global audience.”
Cassandra Illidge
This shift comes as Black institutional memories face growing threats—from underfunded archives to political pushback against any efforts that might be considered related to “DEI.”
The Getty–Ancestry collaboration positions HBCUs at the forefront of telling their own stories on their own terms.
Participating institutions retain full copyright ownership of their materials. Digitization occurs collaboratively and on-site, with all digital files returned directly to the HBCU. Getty and Ancestry also provide campus-wide access to Ancestry’s genealogical research tools.
“By combining the vast archives of these historic institutions with Ancestry’s cutting-edge technology, we’re protecting these important documents and opening the door for families to uncover untold stories,” said Dr. Lisa Pearl, Ancestry’s head of U.S. content and philanthropic initiatives.
Lincoln University Leads the Way
The first institution to formally join the Getty–Ancestry collaboration is Lincoln University in Pennsylvania—the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU. Already home to more than 700 digitized photographs on GettyImages.com, Lincoln is now expanding its archive to include 19th- and 20th-century documents, student publications, and fragile ledgers.
“We’re not just talking about Black history—we’re talking about American history,” said Harry Stinson III, interim vice president of institutional advancement at Lincoln. “These records show what African Americans have been able to achieve when given the space and opportunity to learn and to thrive.”
Students at participating HBCUs will also gain hands-on archival training through the project, supported by Denny’s Hungry for Education stipend. They’ll help digitize materials, apply metadata, and interpret the records—making history tangible while gaining practical skills.
How Getty Images’ HBCU Grants Program Gives Back
100%
of revenue from the licensing of HBCU content on GettyImages.com directly benefits the HBCU community.
50%
of royalties go directly to the HBCU represented.
30%
supports student scholarships via the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
20%
is reinvested into the Grants Program to digitize and preserve additional HBCU archives.
HBCU Week NOW Joins the Archival Effort
The digital preservation effort doesn’t end there. In May, HBCU Week NOW, an online media platform on YouTube and Instagram, announced a new initiative to build a digital archive of HBCU commencement speeches and recruitment videos.
With more than 11,000 YouTube subscribers and a growing multimedia presence, the platform is calling on HBCUs nationwide to submit recordings of keynotes and recruitment spotlights. These often-overlooked moments will be curated into a shareable, searchable library—amplifying messages of achievement, tradition, and institutional pride.
“Recruitment and commencement are two important highlights on a student’s HBCU journey,” said Travis E. Mitchell, founding executive of HBCU Week NOW. “Through cinematically produced, compelling video storytelling, we’re creating a vibrant and inclusive community that honors the power and depth of HBCU experiences.”
The video archive will offer alumni a chance to reflect and help prospective students and families visualize the energy and legacy of HBCU life. Submissions will be featured as both full-length speeches and highlight reels—bringing local moments into the national spotlight.
Resisting Erasure, Empowering the Future
As debates over “patriotic education” and curriculum censorship escalate, HBCUs and their advocates are sending a clear message: the legacy of education at Black colleges and universities is not up for revision.
“Regardless of administration, or any other changes, we’re not changing our goals and mission,” Illidge said. “This amazing material that’s coming from HBCUs is just another line of history we can share with the world.”
Together, Getty Images, Ancestry, and HBCU Week NOW are transforming the future of archival access—ensuring the full story of Black academic excellence is not only preserved but made powerful and public for generations to come.
Want to Contribute?
HBCUs interested in submitting commencement speeches or recruitment content can contact
Christina Royster, project manager at HBCU Week Now, at christina.hbcuweeknow@mpt.org.To explore the Getty HBCU Collection or inquire about joining the HBCU Grants Program, visit
gettyimages.com/corporate-responsibility/hbcu-partnership.
