For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 14, 2002
Nationally Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a vital
part of our Nation's higher education system. During National
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we renew our
dedication to these institutions and strengthen our commitment to
securing educational freedom, opportunity, and access for every
American.
Emerging more than a century ago in a segregated society, our
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided quality
education and promoted greater participation by African Americans in
every sector of our society. These institutions continue to serve as
centers of hope and opportunity, reflecting the belief that every
student in America should have access to a college education. While
constituting less than 3 percent of America's institutions of higher
education, today they enroll 14 percent of all African Americans
enrolled in colleges or universities.
These schools represent a source of accomplishment and great pride
for both the African-American community and our entire Nation. The
various founders of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities
understood that high standards and quality instruction would prepare
their students to follow their dreams and succeed in life. By opening
doors to new academic pursuits, these schools have encouraged and
enabled generations of African Americans to reach their full
potential.
America must continue to support these important institutions,
because they provide educational opportunities that otherwise might not
be available. In 1980, Executive Order 12232 established a Federal
program to enhance equal opportunity and strengthen the capacity of
Historically Black Colleges and Universities to provide excellence in
education. My Administration remains committed to this important
mission and to making the goal of higher education accessible to our
citizens.
America recognizes and honors the many achievements of Historically
Black Colleges and Universities, and their invaluable contributions to
our country. They help foster a culture of achievement and create a
brighter future for all Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 15 through
September 21, 2002, as National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators,
librarians, and citizens of the
United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs in order to show our appreciation for these
remarkable educational institutions, and to commend the achievements of
their talented graduates.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth
day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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