With regard to a legacy essay, you might went to look up famous alumni and how HU graduates makeup a significant proportion of African American professionals. I graduated in 80, and 84 (from the medical school). Also I'll try to link a few sites you can get some historical perspective from. Good luck!
The Crossroads of History: America's Best Black Colleges
http://www.usnews.com/articles/educa...-colleges.html
The Black College Vibe
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/col...hbcu_brief.php