HBCUs as sites for sexual health promotion among Black emerging adults

Black people in emerging adulthood (ages 18-29) are disproportionately burdened by sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In the current sociopolitical climate, where public health efforts are facing major funding cuts, reproductive rights are undermined, and sexual health education is contested, innovative pathways for sexual health promotion and HIV prevention among Black emerging adults are urgently needed. Without more strategic and community-based efforts for prevention, sexual health disparities will persist and progress toward the Ending the HIV Epidemic goal of reducing new HIV diagnoses by 2030 will be stalled. Efforts to reduce these infections and advance sexual health among Black emerging adults should consider the pivotal role Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can play. This commentary proposes that HBCUs should be leveraged as partners in sexual health promotion and HIV prevention for Black emerging adults through mechanisms such as peer-to-peer programs, large campus events, and Black Greek letter organizations.