South Carolina HBCU presidents, in collaboration with UNCF and the White House Initiative on HBCUs, hope to change the narrative on the impact of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as discussed at the South Carolina HBCU Economic Impact Conference held on March 19 at Benedict College. Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, a trustee at Benedict college, joined eight South Carolina HBCU presidents in examining the recently released landmark study commissioned by UNCF, “HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” The study analyzes the power of HBCUs in being economic engines in their communities and beyond. In South Carolina in particular, HBCUs generate a total economic impact of $463 million, 4,985 jobs and lifetime earnings of $5.2 billion.