[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 112 (Wednesday, September 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2000

  Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, education has always been a key to opportunity 
in America. Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] were 
created as early as 1837 to provide African-Americans access to higher 
education. America's HBCUs have provided a crucial avenue to 
educational and economic advancement for African-American youth for 
more than 150 years.
  The best opportunities for personal and professional success will go 
to those who are well educated. Our Nation's HBCUs have assisted 
African-American and other students in achieving their educational 
goals and reaching their full potential, while keeping tuition costs 
affordable. The vast majority of African-Americans with bachelor's 
degrees in engineering, computer science, life science, business, and 
mathematics have graduated from one of the 105 Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities. These graduates, numbering 300,000 African-
Americans, make up the majority of our Nation's African-American 
military officers, physicians, Federal judges, elected officials, and 
business executives. The distinguished faculty members at HBCUs serve 
as role models and mentors, challenging students to reach their full 
potential.
  I am proud to have one of these universities in the congressional 
district that I represent. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical 
University, founded on October 3, 1887, in Tallahassee, Florida, as the 
State Normal College for Colored Students, began classes with 15 
students and 2 instructors. Since then, it has become an institution of 
higher learning, striving toward even greater heights of academic 
excellence. Today, Florida A&M University is one of nine 4-year, 
public, co-educational and fully accredited institution of higher 
learning in Florida's State University System, and excellence remains 
its goal.
  For more than 100 years, Florida A&M University has served the 
citizens of the State of Florida and the Nation through its provision 
of preeminent educational programs. By serving the African-American 
community, HBCUs, like FAMU, serve all Americans. These institutions 
embody many of our most deeply cherished values--equality, diversity, 
opportunity, and hard work. FAMU is a source of great pride and a 
symbol of economic, social, and political growth in the community and 
the Nation. Preparing talented young men and women to succeed in every 
sector of our economy, FAMU, ``Florida's Opportunity University,'' is 
committed to meeting the challenges and needs of future generations.
  As education and diversity become increasingly important in the 21st 
century, graduates of HBCUs will continue to be at the vanguard of 
America's progress. I would like to commend Florida A&M University for 
its commitment to educational opportunity, outstanding performance, and 
invaluable contributions to the people of Florida.

                          ____________________