President Bush has proclaimed the week of September 9 through September 15, 2007 as Nationally Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. He calls for the week to be observed with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in respect and appreciation for the contributions these valuable institutions and their graduates have made to the U.S.
There are more than 100 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. today whose principal mission is to educate African Americans. These institutions of higher learning have evolved since their beginning in 1837 when their primary responsibility was to educate freed slaves to read and write. Along with graduate and post-graduate degrees, HBCUs offer African American students a place to earn a sense of identity, heritage and community.
By Patricia A. Schaeffer, Vice President-Regulatory Affairs