Final answer:
The Augusta Institute, now known as Morehouse College, was the first private university founded for Black students through the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1867. It became a significant institution in the history and progress of African American education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first private university founded for Black students through the Methodist Episcopal Church is the Augusta Institute, which is known today as Morehouse College. Founded in 1867, it was part of a broader effort to establish institutions of higher education for African Americans during the Reconstruction era. Morehouse College played a crucial role in providing education and progress for Blacks, laying the groundwork for the emergence of Black professionals and leaders.
Despite challenges such as opposition and at times, destruction of educational institutions for African Americans, dedicated efforts from missionary groups, religious organizations, and the Freedmen's Bureau helped to establish over 200 colleges by 1890. These institutions, including Morehouse College, Fisk University, and Talladega College, became pillars in Black higher education, nurturing the intellect and talents of generations of African American students. This progress was crucial in the fight for civil rights and social equality, contributing significantly to the advancement of Black communities in the United States.