Student perspectives of Black History Month

Century of learning: Grambling State University, a college founded by former slaves near the turn of the 20th century, is marking its centennial with a year-long celebration and a look at its roots.

Looking back, ahead: At the height of the civil rights movement, a young Charlayne Hunter-Gault was stunned by the racism she saw and experienced as one of the first two African-Americans to attend the University of Georgia. But now Hunter-Gault, CNN's South African Bureau Chief, sees her college days in a different light and sees a bright future for today's young African-Americans.

Back to square one: In 1964, Edith Hubbard became one of the first black women to enroll in an undergraduate program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She shrugged off the hard feelings and now enjoys a love for her alma mater and a rewarding career at the school.

Fighting to be heard: UNC-Chapel Hill journalism professor Chuck Stone became a champion among black journalists when he made his mark in traditionally all-white newsrooms and became the first president of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Changing times: The historically black college of Lincoln University, located in Jefferson, Missouri, is now mostly white. How do students react to the change, the attention and the school's newfound diversity?