The public is invited to the fifth annual Carter G. Woodson Jubilee that will be held Saturday at the East Suffolk Recreation Center. This event will be hosted by the Golden Fold — Suffolk, a youth mentoring academy sponsored by the Alpha Iota Chapter of Omega Phi Psi Fraternity Inc.

This is a free event where attendees can learn more about historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs.

According to the website for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”

“HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation,” the website states.

Attendees will learn more about the history and impact of HBCUs, including Hampton University, Virginia Union University in Richmond, and many others.

Representatives from HBCUs will be present to answer questions from aspiring college students and other citizens. Attendees are also encouraged to wear their own collegiate shirts, according to Golden Fold Director Richard Green.

The event is meant to inform both potential college students and members of the general public about the legacy of HBCUs in Hampton Roads and throughout the country.

“That’s the importance of them,” Green said. “It’s their legacy and their history.”

The Carter G. Woodson Jubilee will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at East Suffolk Recreation Center, 138 S. Sixth St. Call 582-7426 or 535-4660 for more information.