HBCU CONNECT was founded in 1999 by Hampton University graduate William Roger Moss III, who connected with fellow HBCU grad and entrepreneur E. Shawn Starks to create the first African American targeted social network launched as "hbcu-central.com"​. We simply thought it would be a great idea to provide a useful social network for HBCU graduates with the capability to upload photos! Back then there were no social networks around with member profiles for college students or graduates so we set out on our mission to serve this audience!Since 1999, we've focused on serving the needs of our audience by providing a platform for networking, professional opportunities, educational opportunities and facilitating connections between our audience and the savvy organizations looking to hire from, or brand themselves with this tight-knit HBCU community. We are the best at what we do for several reasons, but especially because we genuinely CARE about those we serve and the future of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities.