Final answer:
No, not all leading African-American scholars are graduates of HBCUs. There is a diverse representation of educational backgrounds among African-American intellectuals, with many having attended a mix of HBCUs and PWIs, shaping a rich educational heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, it is not true that all leading African-American scholars are graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While many prominent African-American leaders and intellectuals have attended HBCUs, there are also numerous examples of leading figures in the African-American community who have achieved high levels of academic and professional success after graduating from predominantly white institutions (PWIs).
Black college graduates have come from a variety of institutions, reflecting the diversity and richness of the African-American educational experience. Institutions like Harvard, Yale, and the University of Michigan have also produced outstanding African-American alumni. For instance, W. E. B. Du Bois, one of the most important Black scholars and civil right activists, received his education from universities including Fisk University, an HBCU, but also from Harvard, a PWI, where he was the first African-American to earn a Ph.D.
The educational landscape for African Americans has been shaped by various figures and policies throughout history. The debate between Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois on the role of education, the reforms and legislation following the civil rights movements, and the historical context provided by migration patterns, legal barriers, and evolving academic opportunities, have all influenced where and how Black scholars are educated. Moreover, statistics and studies about the relative earnings and academic attainment of Black graduates show the progression and outcomes of African Americans in higher education over time.