Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Senate approval of a resolution he introduced recognizing the week of August 30 – September 5, 2009 as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.”  The date coincides with the 2009 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week Conference, hosted by the White House Initiative on HBCUs and the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs. 

 

The Graham resolution had 35 cosponsors and passed the Senate unanimously.  It calls on Americans to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for HBCUs.

 

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide quality educational experiences and play a vital role in an increasingly complex and highly technological society,” said Graham.  “HBCUs have a rich heritage and have played a prominent role in the history of the United States. Further, they have allowed many students to attain their full potential through higher education. I am pleased the Senate has come together in a bipartisan fashion to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of these institutions.”

Three major HBCU Associations – UNCF—the United Negro College Fund, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund – were active in supporting the resolution. 

 

Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF—the United Negro College Fund said, "UNCF is pleased that Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced a resolution to designate the week of August 30 as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week and that the Senate passed Sen. Graham’s resolution unanimously.  The bipartisan support that the resolution attracted speaks eloquently of the broad national consensus that HBCUs are a critical part of our nation's efforts to regain world leadership in the percentage of citizens with college degrees."

 

South Carolina is home to eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  A complete list can be found at http://www.ed.gov/about/inits/list/whhbcu/edlite-list.html.

 

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