[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES RESTORATION AND 
                            PRESERVATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Historically 
Black Colleges Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Act. From 
Civil War battles to civil rights marches, the campuses of historically 
black colleges and universities [HBCU's] have been the site of many 
significant events in America's history. Scattered throughout the 
Nation, many of these institutions of higher learning have fostered the 
academic development of African-Americans for over a century.
  The rising price of historic preservation compounded by years of low 
funding and neglect have left many historic buildings on the campuses 
of HBCU's in poor condition. The $29 million in grants this bill 
authorizes is desperately needed for the rehabilitation of these 
structures. By providing matching funds, HBCU's will be able to restore 
these prominent landmarks for the enjoyment of local communities and 
the benefit of future students.
  Of the $29 million in grants authorized to this bill, there are also 
several colleges that are earmarked to receive funds because of their 
important contributions to the education of African-Americans in their 
areas. This bill authorizes $3 million for historic preservation at 
Tougaloo College and $1 million for Rust College, both located in 
Mississippi. At Tougaloo these funds will be used to repair prominent 
buildings such as the Mansion, a 13-room home built in 1848. Rust 
College will use these funds to ensure the survival of many structures, 
including Oakview Hall which served as an office for the Holly Springs 
Slave market and as quarters of General Grant's troops during the Civil 
War.
  Most Americans agree that education provides the best chance of 
preparing today's youth to lead the Nation in the next century. 
Although Thomas Jefferson's dream of educational opportunity for every 
American has not yet been reached, legislation like H.R. 1179 takes 
positive steps toward its fulfillment. The supporters of this bill 
should be commended for their commitment to providing the colleges and 
universities that serve African-Americans with the resources needed to 
provide an educational atmosphere that protects the past as a means of 
inspiring the future.

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