Final answer:
The United Negro College Fund was founded to support Black students and historically Black colleges and universities by providing them with financial assistance and promoting higher education within the Black community.
Step-by-step explanation:
Purpose of the United Negro College Fund
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) was founded in 1944 with the primary purpose of providing financial support to Black students for higher education and to Black colleges and universities themselves. This initiative aimed to foster self-determination and offer opportunities for higher education, particularly in an era where segregation and limited resources hindered the educational growth of the Black community. By securing the necessary funding, UNCF was essential in promoting Black excellence and empowerment through education. Notably, Frederick D. Patterson, a Republican and protégé of Booker T. Washington, became the first president of UNCF. The fund's famous motto, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste," was coined by another Republican, Arthur Fletcher, who became executive director in 1972. President Nixon, influenced by Black conservatives, nearly doubled federal funding for Black colleges, recognizing the significance of these educational institutions. Over time, the UNCF became a vital source of support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), contributing to the 50 percent growth in their enrollment from 1969 to 1977.