[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 111--TO DESIGNATE NATIONAL HISTORICALLY BLACK 
                     COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WEEK

  Mr. THURMOND submitted the following resolution which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 111

       Whereas there are 116 historically black colleges and 
     universities in the United States:
       Whereas black colleges and universities provide the quality 
     education so essential to full participation in a complex, 
     highly technological society;
       Whereas black colleges and universities have a rich 
     heritage and have played a prominent role in American 
     history;
       Whereas black colleges and universities have allowed many 
     underprivileged students to attain their full potential 
     through higher education; and
       Whereas the achievements and goals of historically black 
     colleges and universities are deserving of national 
     recognition: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week beginning September 14, 1997, as 
     ``National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
     Week''; and
       (2) requests that the President of the United States issue 
     a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and 
     interested groups to observe the week with appropriate 
     ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support 
     for historically black colleges and universities in the 
     United States.

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today to submit a 
Senate resolution which authorizes and requests the President to 
designate the week beginning September 14, 1997, as ``National 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week''.
  It is my privilege to sponsor this legislation for the 12th time--I 
repeat, the 12th time--honoring the historically black colleges of our 
country.
  Eight of the one hundred and sixteen historically black colleges, 
namely Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin College, South 
Carolina State University, Morris College, Voorhees College, Denmark 
Technical College, and Clinton Junior College, are located in my home 
State. These colleges are vital to the higher education system of South 
Carolina. They have provided thousands of economically disadvantaged 
young people with the opportunity to obtain a college education.
  Mr. President, thousands of young Americans have received quality 
educations at these 116 schools. These institutions have a long and 
distinguished history of providing the training necessary for 
participation in a rapidly changing society. Historically black 
colleges offer our citizens a variety of curricula and programs through 
which young people develop skills and talents, thereby expanding 
opportunities for continued social progress.
  Mr. President, through adoption of this Senate resolution, Congress 
can reaffirm its support for historically black colleges, and 
appropriately recognize their important contributions to our Nation. I 
look forward to the speedy adoption of this resolution.

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