Born out of the struggle for equality, Texas Southern University (TSU) was formally established by the 50th Texas Legislature on March 3, 1947. Founded as the Texas State University for Negroes and given its current moniker in 1951, the University's primary mission was to establish a creditable college for African American students.
After its inception, Texas Southern University was the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to house a law school, and was also the first state-supported institution in the city of Houston. Its pioneering spirit continues today.

Prior to its celebrated inauguration, Texas Southern University was owned by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and known as the Houston College for Negroes in 1935. In a racially segregated society, the college offered African-Americans in Texas an opportunity for higher education. In a bold move for its time, the Texas Legislature bought the campus from HISD for $2 million and transplanted an established state-supported law school for blacks to the University.

Though its beginnings were humble, Texas Southern University is heralded as a pioneer, and distinguishes itself as one of the leading producers of African American scholars that obtain collegiate, professional, and graduate degrees in the state, as well as the nation. The University's enrollment has grown from 2,303 students to more than 9,700 undergraduate and graduate students from across the world. Although the University was initially established to educate African Americans, it has become one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in Texas.