For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 13, 2003
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a distinguished
past and an important future in providing higher education for
Americans throughout our country. As we celebrate National
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we recognize these
institutions for their dedication to academic excellence. And we
reaffirm our Nation's commitment to equal educational opportunities for
all Americans.
Since the mid 1800s, Historically Black Colleges and Universities
have provided superb education and training to many Americans. And
these schools opened the door to African Americans when other doors
were shamefully barred. Since their inception, these schools have
furthered the development of young people who went on to become leaders
in government, business, education, science, the military, law, and
many other fields. Graduates of Historically Black Colleges and
Universities have made great contributions to America, and continue to
serve as role models for all Americans.
The struggles and many successes of America's Historically Black
Colleges and Universities are the struggles and successes of our
Nation. Today, our Nation's 105 Historically Black Colleges and
Universities are building on their commitment to excellence and their
integral position within our higher education system. Our Nation must
continue to support these schools for the sake of our students and our
future.
In 2002, I signed an Executive Order supporting the White House
Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help find
new ways to strengthen these schools. My Administration also has
sought to increase fiscal year 2004 funding for Historically Black
Colleges and Universities by 5 percent, requesting more than $224
million. In addition, the President's Board of Advisors on
Historically Black Colleges and Universities is helping these colleges
and universities benefit from Federal programs, obtain private-sector
support for their endowments, and build private-sector partnerships to
strengthen faculty development and cooperative research.
Americas Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a proud
and storied tradition. America recognizes and salutes their history
and achievements and will work for their continued success.
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 14 through
September 20, 2003, as National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators,
librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this
week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs as we
demonstrate our appreciation for these important institutions and their
many successful graduates.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twelfth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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