[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 18, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6307-H6315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 523) recognizing the contributions of
historically Black colleges and universities.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 523
Whereas there are 105 historically Black colleges and
universities in the United States;
Whereas historically Black colleges and universities
provide the quality education so essential to full
participation in a complex, highly technological society;
Whereas historically Black colleges and universities have a
rich heritage and have played a prominent role in American
history;
Whereas historically Black colleges and universities have
allowed many students to attain their full potential through
higher education;
Whereas the achievements and goals of historically Black
colleges and universities are deserving of national
recognition; and
Whereas the third week in September is an appropriate time
to express that recognition: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
SECTION 1. RECOGNITION OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES.
The House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the significance of historically Black
colleges and universities;
(2) recognizes that historically Black colleges and
universities have been educating students for more than 100
years;
(3) commends the Nation's historically Black colleges and
universities for their commitment to academic excellence for
all students, including low-income and educationally
disadvantaged students;
(4) urges the presidents, faculty, and staff of the
Nation's historically Black colleges and universities to
continue their efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate
students who might otherwise not pursue a postsecondary
education;
(5) recognizes the significance of title III of the Higher
Education Act, which aids in strengthening the academic
quality, institutional management, and financial stability of
historically Black colleges and universities; and
(6) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling on the people of the United States and interested
groups to demonstrate support for historically Black colleges
and universities in the United States during that week with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).
General Leave
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on H. Res. 523.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts)
for introducing this important resolution, and I appreciate his efforts
to recognize the importance of historically Black colleges and
universities.
HBCUs, as they are known, were created more than 150 years ago to
provide African Americans with access to higher education, and
currently there are 105 historically Black colleges and universities
across the United States. In my State of Ohio, there are two HBCUs,
Wilberforce and Central State Universities, that provide an invaluable
education to the youth of Ohio.
While comprising only 3 percent of our Nation's 2- and 4-year
institutions, HBCUs are responsible for producing 28 percent of all
bachelors' degrees and 15 percent of all masters' degrees and 17
percent of all first professional degrees earned by African Americans.
In 1998, Congress enacted the Higher Education Amendments to make
improvements to programs designed to help HBCUs strengthen their
institutions and graduate and professional programs under the Higher
Education Act, and these changes included allowing institutions to use
Federal money to build their own endowments and to provide scholarships
and fellowships for graduate and professional students.
Since 1995, Congress has increased its financial support of HBCUs by
89 percent, and President Bush's fiscal year 2003 budget, passed by
this House in March, included more than $213 million, a $7 million
increase over the current fiscal year, to strengthen HBCUs across the
country.
[[Page H6308]]
Mr. Speaker, over the last 2 years leaders here in Congress have
continued to demonstrate their commitment to historically Black
colleges and universities. The Committee on Education and the Workforce
has visited a number of HBCU campuses within the last year to consider
the issues and concerns of minority-serving institutions to better
address their needs through Federal education programs. Tomorrow we
will continue our series of hearings on this very important topic.
Finally, I would like to thank and commend my colleagues on the
Committee on Education and the Workforce, the gentleman from Michigan
(Mr. Hoekstra), the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the
gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the ranking Democrat,
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) and others for their leadership
on this issue and for their tireless efforts in promoting HBCUs in the
House.
I want to urge my colleagues today to vote yes on this important
resolution. It is my goal and the goal of the Committee on Education
and the Workforce to build on the record of academic excellence of
students attending these universities and colleges. This resolution
honors their important work done at HBCUs and encourages all students
to attend college and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of
the 21st century.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.
I am pleased to join my colleagues in honoring the contributions of
our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities. I am a
graduate of Morehouse College and of Atlanta University, both
historically Black colleges.
I think it is very important to note that in the constellation of the
higher education world in America, these 105 historically Black
colleges and universities are only a small part. There are more than
3,000 colleges and universities in the United States at this point. It
is very important that we understand the value of this treasure that we
have in this collection of colleges.
Our Nation continues to struggle with a great gap in college
opportunity. Only 59 percent of African American high school graduates
enroll in college, compared to 66 percent of white high school
graduates. I am not going to stand here and pretend that the bulk of
the African American students who do go to college are going to go to
historically Black colleges and universities. That is not the case. We
have more students enrolled, of course, in other institutions. However,
these institutions have a special role in going after an underserved,
hard-to-reach group.
Historically Black colleges and universities have a unique track
record of success in expanding college opportunity for those who would
normally not get the opportunity or, given the opportunity, would need
special assistance. Historically Black colleges and universities enroll
16 percent of all African American college students, but they are
responsible for a full 40 percent of African American college
graduates.
The greater percentage of African Americans that get Ph.D.s are far
greater among the graduates of historically Black colleges and
universities. They have developed innovative academic strategies,
supported cutting-edge research and helped to launch the careers of
millions of today's leaders, including scientists, doctors, teachers,
lawyers, artists, entrepreneurs, community and religious leaders. They
were there when there was nothing else, especially in the segregated
South.
These institutions were created out of the efforts of local people
using very basic grassroots methods. Sometimes tuitions were paid in
terms of bushels of corn or crates of eggs. They improvised and
survived over the years, and even now many of these historically Black
colleges and universities have a very difficult time financially. They
are not secure at all. Very few of them have endowments which are
adequate for the purposes of today's financing.
Despite broad bipartisan support, they still receive only 4 percent
of the $29 billion in Federal funds for universities each year.
The House leadership has failed to keep its promise to move the
education appropriations bill, and they have a lot at stake in that
bill. Even worse, the Republican proposal includes only a 3.6 percent
increase for Black colleges. Over the past 5 years, these institutions
have received a 15 percent annual increase. The increase this year is
far less than it was before.
We appreciate this resolution. We appreciate the special recognition
being given to historically Black colleges and universities, but they
are in need of substantial support.
The Republican leadership has also failed to schedule H.R. 1606,
which is the gentleman from South Carolina's (Mr. Clyburn) bill to
preserve historic landmarks on Black college campuses. H.R. 1606 was
approved by the Committee on Resources and has been on the House
calendar since June. We would like to see some action on that.
The House has not even held any hearings on H.R. 1162, even though it
has 120 sponsors. H.R. 1162 is a comprehensive initiative of minority-
serving colleges introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr.
George Miller).
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), the chairman of the Republican
conference.
Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before the House
today recognizes the importance and the significance of the 105
historically Black colleges and universities in America, commonly
referred to as HBCUs.
One-third of all black students in college go to HBCUs. These
distinguished institutions of higher learning place doctors, lawyers,
legislators, educators, business owners, community leaders and
America's black middle class into the mainstream of society. What were
once the only options for Americans of African descent to receive post
secondary education are now attractive options where students can learn
in a rich, historic environment.
So many young citizens have been given the opportunity to attain
their full potential because of HBCUs. Many of them are from
underserved communities. These are students who may have never had the
chance to go to college were it not for the presence of historically
Black colleges and universities in their respective States around the
country.
As one that used to play a little football, I am particularly
thankful to HBCUs for producing the first black player to be drafted in
the National Football League, Paul ``Tank'' Younger. About 100 NFL
players right now have HBCU roots, including the Tennessee Titans' very
distinguished quarterback Steve McNair, a fantastic quarterback who
hails from Alcorn State in Mississippi.
Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, has recognized the
importance of historically Black colleges and universities and voted to
increase funding by 41 percent over the next 5 years. President Bush
has continued this dedication by supporting similar increases so many
more students can aspire to achieve their hopes and their dreams.
As most of the presidents of HBCUs from around the Nation gather in
Washington this week, it is fitting to showcase the many benefits
derived from a unique and distinguished network of schools. This
resolution urges the White House to issue a proclamation calling on
others to support HBCUs with appropriate activities, ceremonies,
financial contributions and programs.
Nearly half a million students attend historically Black colleges and
universities. We must do everything possible to further promote their
role in higher education and the contributions they make to better the
lives of so many young Americans. I urge the House to adopt this
important resolution.
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
(Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
{time} 1030
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I cannot help but recall a number
of years ago when I, as a 16-year-old, left home to go to the
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Not a university at
[[Page H6309]]
that time, it was Arkansas AM&N College. I recall having $20 in my
pocket, scared as I could possibly be, having never been away from home
that much; but I also remember being able to go and register on credit.
I also recall being able to purchase books and borrow them with
virtually no money.
Then as time went on, I have six brothers and sisters who also
attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, four nieces and
nephews. Then I look around in my office in terms of people to work
with and for me, there are seven individuals who work with me who have
attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Wilberforce,
Morehouse, Howard, UAPB, Jackson State. The reality is that for
thousands and thousands of individuals, without these institutions
being available, well equipped, ready, prepared, many of the
individuals who have managed to rise above the individuality of their
circumstances would have never been able to do so.
So I commend my colleague for introducing the resolution. I also
share the comments of my colleague from New York who suggests that the
best way to pay tribute to these institutions is to make sure they have
adequate resources, that they are adequately funded, that there are
resources to rebuild, in some instances, their infrastructures. Some of
them I have visited their campuses, and they are seriously in need of
repair. Some of them have virtually no equipment.
Mr. Speaker, as we pay tribute, the best way to do that is to make
sure that these institutions are able to continue to grow, to develop,
to thrive, and provide the opportunity for the thousands and thousands
of students who otherwise would not be able to make it.
Mr. Speaker I rise in support of H. Res. 523, Recognizing the
Contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There
are about 105 historically black colleges and universities in the
United States--the first being Cheyney University of Pennsylvania,
which was founded in 1837. This measure commends the Nation's
historically black colleges and universities for their commitment to
educating all students, including low-income and educationally
disadvantaged students, and recognizes the significance of title III of
the Higher Education Act (PL 105-244), which strengthens the academic
quality, management and financial stability of historically Black
higher-education institutions. Also, the Black land-grant institutions
in which the U.S. Congress had to pass a second Morrill Act in 1890
designed to provide equal educational opportunities for Black students
who had been denied admission to their States' original 1862 land-grant
universities. The 1890 institutions are a subset of the HBCUs whose
mission is teaching, research, and extension and the continual
education of young men and women to be self-sufficient.
Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States of America
said, ``We have to make it possible for every person to develop himself
to the extent of his capacity and will, and no barriers should stand in
the way; not for his or her sake, but for the sake of all of us.''
The one true measure of a nation's success is its ability to engage
all of its citizens in the ever changing and transformation of a
technology-based global economy. Cultural diversity, acceptance of
differences, equal opportunity, shared economic prosperity--the ideals
of the American way--must shift from being desired national objectives,
to being absolutely crucial ones if the country wants to continue to be
the most powerful, wealthiest, and freest nation in the world. To
accomplish these goals America must face and overcome the tremendous
task of educating all segments of its population. No group's
educational potential can be neglected in this competitive global
arena. The cost of ignorance is too great to ignore, neglect, and
accept in order to build a stronger, and wealthier nation, otherwise to
do so would deprive the economy of critical human resources and to
incur costs to society--the costs of supporting those not capable of
earning a living wage.
Many African-American young people find themselves at a disadvantage
by being victims of poverty and other social ills in their attempt to
better themselves by seeking a higher education. Fortunately, the
Nation has in place a network of institutions. Historically Black
Colleges and Universities, HBCUs. Traditionally, the predominantly
Black institutions have attracted students mainly from the Black
community.
In the past, much of the existence and origin of HBCUs can be
attributed to the Civil War between April 1861 to April 1865 which was
the single most important factor leading to the creation of conditions
favorable for the establishment, growth, and development of educational
institutions for the Negro in southern States. The end of the war
marked the close of an era of 246 years (1619-1865) when the Negro in
the South was in slavery--an era when in several southern States it was
a crime to provide education or training in a useful trade or
profession to a Negro. After the Civil War the men of the 62nd and 65th
U.S. Missouri Regiment of Colored Infantry from the Union Army
contributed $6,380 to establish Lincoln University of Missouri in 1866,
one of the oldest predominately Black landgrant institutions. These
young brave veterans of war wanted to develop an institution with a
purpose to address poor Black students having access to an education.
The committed founders of Lincoln initiated a national desire among
churches, citizen groups, individuals, and State legislatures to
develop and build educational institutions for their students to have
access to quality affordable education and to address racial
segregation in southern States.
I am a graduate of the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal
College, which is a 1890 land-grant institution known today as
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The HBCUs constitute some of the
largest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the
nation. Several of the 1890s offer doctoral degrees and/or professional
degrees in engineering, food science, toxicology, environmental
science, and other areas of national need. Six public HBCUs produce
nearly 20 percent of African-American bachelor degree recipients in
engineering and the 1890s graduate over 80 percent of all Black
recipients of bachelor degrees in agricultural sciences. Tuskegee
University alone has trained more than 80 percent of the Nation's
African-American veterinarians. These universities have been in the
forefront of educating youth-at-risk, producing research vital to the
quality of life and the environment, and addressing the social and
economic needs of inner cities and rural communities. The HBCUs
contributions must be commended because they with limited funding and
resources have done an outstanding job and have made significant
improvements in the range and level of academic performance and
research programs. Our HBCUs must have increase funding to continue to
serve the at-risk youth, low-income, and disadvantaged students in our
country. After all, ``a mind is a terrible thing to waste.''
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 523,
Recognizing the Contributions of Historically Black Colleges and
Universities.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Isakson), a member of Committee on Education and the
Workforce.
Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time, and I particularly thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts)
for introducing this important resolution.
Two miles south of my district and in the city of my birth, Atlanta,
Georgia, the largest collection of Historically Black Colleges and
Universities resides in America, Spellman, Morris Brown, Morehouse
College, and the Morehouse School of Medicine, the largest collection
of institutions anywhere in the world.
They have contributed greatly to the United States of America, not
the least of which the most recent president of Morehouse School of
Medicine, Dr. Louis Sullivan and the former Secretary of Health and
Human Services under President Bush and the previous administration.
But they have also contributed to my life. My doctor, Dr. Roaj Ujjin is
a graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine and a friend who has helped
me on many occasions, both personally and with my health.
These colleges and universities, which rose out of a tremendous need,
have grown to be a major component of parity in the education and
production of graduates who contribute to our country. I commend this
Congress, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) for the
great tribute they are paying to those institutions today. Most
importantly, I thank those institutions for the contribution they make
to us.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Americans to join in the support of their
foundations and efforts for future growth.
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the
District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time, and I thank the distinguished chairman and the distinguished
ranking member for bringing this important resolution to the floor. I
rise in
[[Page H6310]]
strong support of House Resolution 523 because it recognizes the major
role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have played and
continue to play in the education of African Americans and people of
all racial and ethnic identities.
I emphasize that the HBCUs have always been open to people of all
races and have always educated people of all races. We are fortunate in
the District of Columbia to have two great HBCUs here, Howard
University and the University of the District of Columbia.
Most Members know something about Howard, so I want to discuss the
University of the District of Columbia, one of the oldest HBCUs, but
the last to be funded as an HBCU. Even though it has long been a HBCU,
the UDC was funded only in 1999. That occurred as part of a bill passed
by this House, the College Access Act, where this House decided that
because D.C. only had one university, an open-admissions university,
that District students ought to be able to go to any public institution
in the United States at low in-state tuition and to private
universities here in the city and in the region.
There were some at the UDC who believed that opening higher education
to more students would undermine UDC itself. The fact is the opposite
has occurred. There is now new interest in UDC, not only because it is
now a funded HBCU, but because there is new interest in college
education in the District of Columbia.
Talking about going to college and about the College Access Act has
had the effect of raising the profile of the University of the District
of Columbia. At its lowest point in 1997, we did not know if the UDC,
which had been the step-child of education in the District of Columbia,
was going to continue. Now, in no small part because of the College
Access Act, which has helped us to market college education in the
District of Columbia, there has been a 13 percent increase in
enrollment at this newest of the funded HBCUs, the University of the
District of Columbia.
It would have been tragically wrong to restrict D.C. students given
this opportunity of going to colleges, public colleges anywhere in the
United States. That is the kind of zero-sum game you never want to
play, especially with higher education.
Fortunately, and to their credit, the students at UDC and the faculty
understood and supported the College Tuition Access Act to open public
universities to all our residents. Now we understand that having done
that, we have increased enrollment at our own State university. We are
pleased, therefore, to support this resolution.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time and for bringing this bill to the floor. I thank my colleagues on
the Committee on Education and the Workforce on both sides of the
aisle, and I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) for bringing
this issue to the floor.
Of course, I rise in support of H. Res. 523, which recognizes the
contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I thank
the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts). For the last 3 years he has
brought the presence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
here to the Capitol where we have been able to discuss issues of
importance in terms of promoting the work that is being done at these
colleges and universities.
Currently, there are 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
that have all provided quality education, specifically in the fields of
technology. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have played a
prominent role in American history, have enabled thousands of students
to obtain their full potential through higher education. Currently over
half a million students attend HBCUs, and almost 60 percent are female.
Financial support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
has increasingly been a problem since enrollment over the past 10 years
has been double compared to the national average. In Maryland, there
are four Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Bowie State
University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the
University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
One of the greatest issues facing our Nation this decade will be the
pressing need to ensure that U.S. workers are prepared to compete in
the technology-driven workforce of the future. As we enter the 21st
century, U.S. jobs continue to grow fastest in areas that require
knowledge and skills stemming from a strong grasp of science and
technology. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that
of the top 10 fastest-growing occupations, the top five are computer
related.
Now more than ever, it is important that we cultivate the scientific
and technical talents of all citizens, not just those who have
traditionally worked in these fields. Today women, minorities, and
persons with disabilities constitute a little more than two-thirds of
the U.S. workforce, and yet their presence in the science and
technology fields remains unacceptably low. As a result, the largest
pool of potential workers continues to be isolated from science,
engineering, and technology careers. While this is a challenge facing
all institutions of higher learning, Historically Black Colleges and
Universities have led the way to educating the under-represented
minorities in those science, engineering, and technology fields. There
is a disproportionate positive contribution that HBCUs have made to the
development of the Nation's technical talent.
The National Science Foundation data indicates that HBCUs account for
nearly one out of three science and engineering degrees granted to
African Americans. In addition, a high percentage of African Americans
who go on to pursue an advanced degree in the science, engineering, and
technology fields receive their undergraduate degrees at Historically
Black Colleges and Universities.
In 1998, I introduced legislation, which became law, creating the
Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science,
Engineering and Technology Development. The purpose of the commission
was to look at why women and minorities are not pursuing an education
or career in the science and technology fields at the same rate as
their traditionally white, male counterparts.
The commission felt that, if we continue to fail these groups in
their quest to prepare for and participate in the new, technology-
driven economy, we put at risk our Nation's economic and intellectual
preeminence. One of the major recommendations of the commission was to
establish a nongovernmental organization to serve as a clearinghouse of
very best practices for educating all ages of women and minority in the
SET fields and also to provide grants for carrying out their best
practices.
On that call to action, the BEST initiative was formed. BEST:
building, engineering and science talents. It was launched in September
2001 as a public-private partnership. The features that set BEST apart
from other initiatives are its national scope, its comprehensive and
systematic approach, its engagement of public and private sector
leaders, and its vision of aligning key groups that make up America's
under-represented majority.
As co-chairs of the National Leadership Council of BEST, the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) and I have looked to
the leadership of HBCUs. Nationally recognized scholars and
practitioners from HBCUs are participating in our blue ribbon panels on
BEST practices. Two that have made important contributions are Dean
Orlando Taylor of Howard University and Professor Melvin Webb of Clark
Atlanta University.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities play an integral role in
ensuring that we meet our Nation's technology and labor needs. By
providing students with access to technology and engineering education,
they will not only be prepared to use the technology required in most
jobs today, but will also be encouraged to pursue careers on the
technology forefront.
Mr. Speaker, these prestigious institutions of higher learning
deserve our highest honors, and I join the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr.
Watts) and others in this Chamber in supporting this legislation and
urge passage.
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Holt).
[[Page H6311]]
(Mr. HOLT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in supporting H.
Res. 523, recognizing the contributions of Historically Black Colleges
and Universities. I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) and
the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) for bringing
this forward because it is a good recognition of the thousands of young
Americans who have received quality education at the more than 100
HBCUs around the country, a long and distinguished history that we
recognize here today.
{time} 1045
The HBCUs have created higher educational opportunities where none
existed and launched the careers of millions of scientists, doctors,
teachers, educators, and lawyers. HBCUs are responsible for a full 40
percent of African American college graduates. So these are schools
that are important for not just a subgroup, and they are of far more
than historical importance. They are critical for our society's and our
economy's functioning today. Historically Black Colleges and
Universities have produced the majority of black professionals in the
Nation, and the adoption of this resolution will affirm the United
States' support of these institutions and critical contributions that
their alumni make to our society.
But it is worth pointing out that we must go beyond empty words of
praise. We must, this year, work to restore the purchasing power of
Pell grants. We must increase the supplemental equal opportunity grants
by really several hundred million dollars if we are truly going to pay
respect to and help the HBCUs. We should be increasing Federal work
study by several hundred million dollars. We should keep and, in fact,
enhance the program leveraging educational assistance partnerships to
help with State scholarships. I cannot fail to point out that although
we do not know what will be in the appropriations bill coming up, we do
know what the President has requested and what the Committee on
Appropriations is working with and that is what would for HBCUs be, in
effect, a cut in Federal funding. Yes, it is a small increase, but it
is not an increase that keeps up with inflation.
So I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 523, recognizing the
contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I praise
the dedicated work of the teachers and administrators of these schools.
But I ask my colleagues to go beyond words of praise and provide real
resources to allow HBCUs to achieve their promise and to allow the
students of these colleges and universities to achieve their promise.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham).
Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution.
Most of my life I have been in education. I was a teacher and a coach,
both in high school and in college. I have seen what a good education
can do. For my parents, who never missed a single event either athletic
or academic that my brother and I went to, so the responsiveness of the
families is critical. The President, to have a President that focuses
on education and leaving no child behind. I fully believe that if a
child qualifies to go to college, there should be no child whether it
is a historically black college or any group, that should be left
behind. Because the consequences are a devilment themselves.
I have a friend in San Diego, Bishop McKinney. He has actually come
back and testified. He runs a program for African-American students.
These children are at-risk students. If someone did not pick up the
gauntlet and did not take care of these children, they would get left
behind. Bishop McKinney has a private school that depends on private
contributions. But I want to tell you that over 90 percent of those
children, men and women, qualify to go to college. So Bishop McKinney,
the Jaime Escalantes that say, hey, we can teach children are heros.
It is not just the college itself that is important, it is the whole
effort. It is the funding that my colleague mentioned a moment ago.
Since 1998, we have increased education by 40 percent in this body,
mostly in a bipartisan way. I want to thank the gentleman from
California (Mr. George Miller) and the chairman for working out the
agreements that we have had recently. It is some of the most bipartisan
legislation that we have had. But it also takes dedicated teachers at a
lower level, not just 100,000 teachers but 100,000 qualified teachers
that work with the children every single day. Those dedicated teachers
should be paid more. They hold in their hands the lives not just of our
children but society itself, because if that child is left behind,
where are they going to end up? What is the prognosis? If you take a
child in the inner city that drops out or is denied an education, they
are going to end up statistically involved in crime or drugs or worse.
Of that group, there is a lot of abuse, both child and spousal abuse.
So it is the whole package, not just the university. You can have a
university, but if you do not train the children early on and
afterwards, then you have problems. It is also on the other end of it,
also.
I have got a friend, Dr. Rafi, who is one of the preeminent computer
scientists in the world. His books are in every college and university
in the United States and many of those overseas. But when he graduated
from college, his background and knowledge were not accepted within the
workplace because he was a minority. He said, I'm not going to
complain. I'm not going to take their devilment. I am going to prove to
them that my worth is more than just the color of my skin. He took over
and ran the department after a year and a half. Now his books are
spread throughout. If you do not understand computer science, you can
read one of his books. It is at a very elementary level of
understanding, but yet it is for college students.
So it is not just the funding. It is not just the parents. It is not
just the Jaime Escalantes or the Bishop McKinneys and the college
itself, but it is the follow-on throughout. That is why this resolution
is so important. We cannot stop short of just recognizing the
university, but the whole package.
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to repeat a plea for H.R.
1606. We have had tremendous bipartisan support for Historically Black
Colleges and Universities starting in 1986 with the Higher Education
Assistance Act when title 3-B was authorized and a steady stream of
funding was created for historically black colleges, the first steady
stream of Federal funding for the majority of these colleges. Before,
there had been some land grant colleges in the South, segregated land
grant colleges that were receiving Federal funding, but this created
for all 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities a steady
stream of funding. During the years of the existence of title 3-B, both
parties have supported increases in funds. It is an example of
bipartisan cooperation that probably is unmatched in the area of
education. So I have no complaint whatsoever in terms of that effort by
both parties.
But I would like to make a plea for H.R. 1606. H.R. 1606 builds upon
the successful program that Congress authorized in 1996 to provide
Federal funds to assist in the preservation of buildings and structures
that are eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and that are located on the campuses of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities. We do not want Historically Black Colleges
and Universities to become museums. Our fight is to keep them
operating, keep them functioning and making a contribution. But they do
have a museum quality, and they have a special contribution they have
made to the American heritage. We would like to see that supported.
The 1996 act came about as a result of a cooperative effort by the
Department of Interior and the United Negro College Fund, which
identified many historic properties at the HBCUs that were threatened
and in need of repair. A 1998 study had been done by the General
Accounting Office, and it identified 712 historic properties at 103 of
the Historically Black Colleges and Universities that were in need of
assistance.
H.R. 1606, as reported by the Committee on Resources, authorizes the
appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this
historic preservation program. The bill also
[[Page H6312]]
provides that the grantee must provide from funds derived from non-
Federal sources an amount that is equal to 30 percent of the total cost
of the project for which the grant is provided. H.R. 1606 enjoyed
significant support in Congress and among the African American
community. The bill was favorably reported by the Committee on
Resources on May 22, 2002, and has been pending on the House calendar
since the committee report was filed on June 20, 2002. I would like to
make a plea from both sides of the aisle to support the placing on the
calendar and bringing to the floor a vote for H.R. 1606, the
preservation of historic buildings on the campuses of Historically
Black Colleges and Universities.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Let me thank Chairman Watts for this resolution today that honors the
significance and the importance of Historically Black Colleges and
Universities. They are unique institutions in our country that serve
the African American community and populations that have been
traditionally underserved. Congress' role over the last several decades
in terms of providing funding to strengthen these institutions has
continued to increase. As I mentioned earlier, funding for these
institutions from Congress has increased some 89 percent since 1995.
That does not include the $7 million increase that is called for by the
President in this fiscal year's appropriation bills. When we finally
come to some resolution on these, I fully expect that that number will
be met in the appropriations process.
As I said before, these are unique institutions, and they deserve our
support.
Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege for me
to offer my support of H. Res. 523 which recognizes the significant
achievements of our nation's 105 historically Black colleges and
universities.
For more than 100 years, historically Black colleges and universities
have educated, guided and nurtured generations of this country's
preeminent scholars, physicians, educators, business and other
professionals. In particular, historically Black colleges and
universities have educated and opened the doors of higher education to
scores of economically disadvantaged students who might not otherwise
have had access to a college or graduate degree.
Today, I want to remind my colleagues of the critical importance of
Title III of the Higher Education Act which shores up the academic
quality, financial health and administrative capacity of traditionally
Black educational institutions.
It is my hope that the President will support H. Res. 523 by issuing
a proclamation that will inform and motivate citizens and organizations
nationwide to similarly demonstrate support for our historically Black
colleges and universities.
Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 523, a
resolution that recognizes the many contributions of historically Black
colleges and universities to American society. The 105 historically
Black colleges and universities throughout the United States provide a
diverse community of students with a high caliber and quality
education, a necessary tool in our competitive workforce. Not only do
these campuses foster a strong history of educational achievement, they
also provide students with exposure to a rich heritage and significant
historical perspective.
It is imperative that all students feel that they have access to
institutions with allow them to attain their full potential through the
pursuit of higher education. Historically Black colleges and
universities have demonstrated success throughout their 100 years of
educating our youth, proving that they are worthy of our national
recognition and praise. Historically Black colleges and universities
have provided many economically and educationally disadvantaged
students with critical educational training and guidance--necessary
components to building bridges to opportunity and access. The inroads
made by these institutions are empowering communities which have
historically been forgotten or dismissed.
We are fortunate in the 28th Congressional District of Texas to have
an outstanding institution which exemplifies the rich tradition of
historically Black colleges and universities. St. Philip's College was
founded in 1898 by Bishop James Steptoe Johnston of St. Philip's
Episcopal Church of the West Texas Diocese. The school, which opened on
March 1, 1898, began as a sewing class for girls with fewer than 20
students in a house located in the historic La Villita area in downtown
San Antonio. Today, St. Philip's College has been a vibrant multi-
campus institution of the Alamo Community College District, joining
three other colleges--San Antonio College, Palo Alto College and
Northwest Vista College--in meeting the educational needs of San
Antonio's growing and diverse community. A Historically Black College
and a Hispanic Serving Institution with a semester enrollment of more
than 8,000, St. Philip's is among the oldest and most diverse community
colleges in the nation and one of the fastest growing in Texas.
I urge the presidents, faculty, and staff at historically Black
colleges and universities around the country to continue their
impressive work, providing a caring, nurturing, and respectful
environment in which all may learn. We must all be dedicated to the
education of all of our youth, and in particular those whose families
have historically been shut out of educational opportunity, for
leadership and service to our Nation and global community.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask
my colleagues to join me in proclaiming September 15-September 21,
2002, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities week.
The quest for reasonable parity in the American social order for
African Americans rests with education. It is fair to state that the
HBCUs of America have been and continue to be the equal opportunity
colleges and universities of the higher education institutions in
America. The racial progress made socially, economically, politically
and educationally by African-Americans has been made because of the
existence of these institutions.
Currently, there are 118 historically black colleges and universities
in the United States. A brief review of the history of education for
African-Americans in this country will reveal that the HBCUs were
elementary schools for the freed slaves and their progenies.
They were secondary schools for African-Americans when there was not
a public education system. And HBCUs became colleges to provide higher
education programs for African-Americans when the time was appropriate
and education could be sustained by a critical mass of African-
Americans who had graduated with secondary education achieved. They
were only a group of colleges and universities which produced a
critical mass of well educated African-Americans who were teachers,
lawyers, doctors, ministers, social workers, pharmacists, etc. for
leadership in the Black community.
Because of the existence of the schools, repressive segregated laws
were challenged, our right to vote was achieved, as well as our right
to participate in every facet of the American society. As such, these
institutions have proven their ability to transform the prospective and
quality of life for African-American citizens. They stand poised now to
provide another great service to America and to African-American
people.
The HBCUs are ready to respond to the call of our President to leave
no child behind. We propose now to engage the HBCUs in a national urban
thrust to equalize the college going rate for urban youth. In so doing,
we transform urban America.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been proclaimed the
salvation of black folks. HBCUs are credited with making higher
education financially attainable for those whom otherwise would not be
able to afford post-secondary education. They tout significant success
rates because they are good at providing remedial preparation for
students who start out with weak high-school backgrounds.
These institutions provide a supportive social, cultural and racial
environment for people of color who are seeking a college education and
perform a remarkable task of educating almost 85 percent of the
country's Black College graduates.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have educated 75 percent
of Black Ph.Ds, 46 percent of all Black business executives, 50 percent
of Black engineers, and 80 percent Federal judges. In addition, the
historically Black health-professional schools have trained an
estimated 40 percent of the nation's Black dentists, 50 percent of
Black pharmacists and 75 percent of the nation's Black veterinarians.
HBCUs have educated an estimated 50 percent of the nation's Black
attorneys and 75 percent of Black Military officers. They have produced
Congressional representatives, state legislators, writers, musicians,
actors, engineers, journalists, teachers, scholars, judges, pilots,
activists, business leaders, lawyers and doctors.
Today I ask that my fellow members of Congress salute and acknowledge
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the presidents,
faculties, staff, and trustees of the 118 institutions for their
vigorous and persistent efforts in support of equal opportunity in
higher education.
I also ask that Congress further commend the students who benefit
from Historically Black Colleges and Universities for their pursuit of
academic excellence and request that the President issue a proclamation
calling on the people of the United States and interested
[[Page H6313]]
groups to conduct appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to
demonstrate support for historically black colleges and universities in
the United States.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in the
United States Virgin Islands, many of whom would not have had the
opportunity for a college education were it not for a Historically
Black College or University, as well as my two children who are both
graduates of some of these fine institutions. I am pleased to support
H. Res. 523, recognizing the contributions of Historically black
Colleges and Universities.
Mr. Speaker for over a century, Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCU's) have played an important role in providing
opportunities for higher education to millions of African-Americans.
Many of these colleges and universities were founded during the era of
slavery or when American society was deeply segregated.
Although social conditions have changed radically since these
colleges and universities were founded, the HBCU's have remained
committed to providing African-American students with superb
educational opportunities.
Almost 300,000 African Americans are currently enrolled in HBCU's,
and among their alumni are Members of Congress, hundreds of elected
officials, military officers, physicians, teachers, attorneys, judges,
ambassadors, and business executives.
I want to particularly call your attention to the key role that these
institutions play in eliminating disparities in health care.
The recent Institute of Medicine report, entitled ``Unequal
Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care'',
clearly demonstrated the need for more health care providers of racial,
ethic and linguistic backgrounds to meet the need of our increasingly
diverse population as one of its major recommendations.
In the wake of anti-affirmative action movements across this country
medical school enrollment in majority medical schools have dropped
significantly over the last ten years. Were it not for minority health
professional schools at our HBCU's the percentage of minority health
care professional would be even less than the four percent currently
represent across the different health professions.
Another reason for our drop in health profession students is our poor
and under-supported public school system. The worst public schools and
the most ignored are in communities of color. As a result, our students
graduate ill prepared for college.
Only because of the commitment of our HBCU's to work with primary and
secondary schools to improve student preparation and other programs
designed by to remediate what is missing are our students given a
chance to serve their communities in the critical area of health care
and all of the others that are so important to improving our quality of
life.
The Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands on which I serve
as the Ranking Democrat, earlier this year considered and passed H.R.
1606, which was introduced by my colleague Jim Clyburn and which I am
proud to be an original cosponsor, to build upon the work started in
1996 with the passage of the historically black colleges and
universities' historic preservation program.
This program has been the catalyst for the preservation of historic
structures at these institutions of higher education. Unfortunately,
the program has used up all of its existing authorization of funds and
while its accomplishments to date have been great, the work that still
needs to be done is even greater.
Many of the buildings that have been and will be assisted by this
program are integral elements of the school campus and their
preservation will not only preserve buildings but also the history and
spirit of these pioneering institutions.
To address this problem H.R. 1606 would authorize additional
appropriations for historically black colleges and universities, to
decrease the matching requirement related to such appropriations. I
urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 1606 when it comes on the
floor for a vote later this month.
So I join my colleagues in recognizing these find institutions,
especially the University of the Virgin Islands, in my district, for
contributing immeasurably to all of our well-being.
I thank and commend my colleagues, Congressman J.C. Watts and Eddie
Bernice Johnson, for their leadership in bringing H. Res. 523 to the
House floor.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to join my
colleagues in supporting H. Res. 523, which recognizes Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Mr. Speaker, we honor the 105
HBCUs, like Morgan State University and Coppin State College, located
in my district, and the 13 predominately black institutions of higher
learning, like Baltimore's Sojourner-Douglass College. Mr. Speaker, I
am proud to point out that I am a graduate of Howard University, an
HBCU.
This week, Presidents, Chancellors, and representatives from HBCUs
attended a conference with Congressional and business leaders and
members of the Administration to identify opportunities to advance
HBCUs.
HBCU's have been educating students for more than 100 years by making
higher education affordable to all students, especially African-
Americans. HBCU's have educated almost 85% of all African-American
college graduates in the United States. Throughout their history, HBCUs
have served as emblems of excellence in higher education for African
Americans. These institutions of higher learning have a rich history of
providing quality education that have allowed many students to attain
their full potential.
HBCUs have performed a remarkable task of providing the educational
training for a significant number of African-American politicians,
federal judges, lawyers, doctors, engineers, educators, researchers,
entertainers, and business executives, thus providing an opportunity
for African Americans to participate and make exemplary contributions
in all walks of life.
Often acclaimed, ``the salvation of black folks,'' HBCUs have
engraved in American history the opportunity for freedom through
education. The benefits of an educational experience at an HBCU are
significant and cannot be duplicated. Students develop intellectually
and build life skills and personal confidence about their identity,
heritage, and mission to society.
This record of outstanding achievement comes despite daunting
challenges--not the least of which are limited financial resources. In
fact, I must note that in comparison with other colleges and
universities, HBCUs are often underfunded. However, these institutions
have maintained their commitment to excellence in higher learning.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier, there are two HBCUs in my district
of Baltimore.
Coppin State College has become a beacon in the community, working
with school children, while also providing services to small businesses
in cooperation with the Small Business Administration. It has also
sponsored workshops, health fairs, concerts, and other activities that
enable the college to serve as a repository for African-American
culture.
Likewise, Morgan State University provides avenues for students to
compete in the global marketplace by steering them toward
nontraditional careers such as transportation at their National
Transportation Center. Morgan has also become a premier institution in
Maryland and the country for its engineering and science programs.
These are just two examples of HBCUs working to fulfill their
commitment to academic excellence.
In the continuing struggle, the course is not to dismantle or
compromise the HBCU, but should be to preserve their identity and
integrity. These great institutions of higher learning merit full
support in continuing their missions. So, in conclusion as we honor the
Nations' HBCUs, let us really show our gratitude by supporting an
increase in financial resources to each HBCU when we consider the
Labor, HHS, Education appropriations bill and the reauthorization of
the Higher Education Act.
Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res.
523, and to call the attention of my colleagues to one of the premier
historically Black universities in the Nation, Tuskegee University. As
our country celebrates a week recognizing Historically Black colleges
and Universities (HBCUs), I want to take a few moments to bring to
light some of the reasons I am proud to represent Tuskegee in Congress.
Since its humble beginning days under Dr. Booker T. Washington in the
1880's, Tuskegee has educated many fine leaders in a variety of fields.
Militarily, Tuskegee has taken the lead in spawning many successful
protectors of our country. The first African-American four star
General, Daniel ``Chappie'' James, was educated at Tuskegee. The school
has produced more African-American general officers in the military
than any other institution. And most notably, Tuskegee was home to the
famed Tuskegee Airmen that bravely fought for the United States in
World War II.
Tuskegee has also produced that first African-American winner of the
National Book Award (Ralph Ellison), and a number of African-American
experts in the fields of aerospace, electrical, and chemical
engineering. While achieving all these military and academic successes,
Tuskegee has been able to achieve a high level of athletic excellence,
as well. The men and women of Fighting Tigers athletics have made
Tuskegee the Nation's winningest Historically Black College, and
University.
The school currently enrolls some 3000 students, who represent most
states in the country and several foreign countries. Currently, degrees
are offered at the bachelor's, master's, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) levels. The students at Tuskegee
receive world class educations in
[[Page H6314]]
fields such as architecture, business, computers, engineering, liberal
arts, teacher education, agricultural science, nursing, and veterinary
studies. Some of its most notable programs range from studies of the
Human Genome Factor to aerospace science engineering, to growing-food-
in-space, and to the center for Plant Biotechnology Research. And most
recently, the publication U.S. Black Engineers & Information Technology
listed Tuskegee as on of the top schools in the Nation for African
Americans in engineering.
Mr. Speaker, the motto of Tuskegee University is ``capturing the
quest for excellence in teaching, research and service.'' Every day on
their campus in Alabama, the students, faculty, and staff of Tuskegee
carry out this vision of Dr. Washington. I urge my colleagues to join
me in recognizing the contributions of Tuskegee University, and of all
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, by supporting H. Res.
523.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Historically Black
Colleges and Universities and their proud history of educating African-
Americans for 165 years.
The contributions of HBCUs to this country are of such significance
that it has become tradition for the President to proclaim a week in
September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities week. This
year the observance is taking place of the week of September 15th.
In the early part of the 20th century, HBCUs offered educational
opportunities to blacks when most schools would not admit them. But
even as the doors of other higher education institutions have opened to
black students over the past few decades, HBCUs continue to offer a
quality education to thousands of young Americans.
The first black college, now known as Cheyney University of
Pennsylvania, was made possible by a Quaker philanthropist named
Richard Humphreys who bequeathed $10,000 to establish a school to
educate African-Americans. The school was founded as the Institute for
Colored Youth in Philadelphia in 1837, almost 30 years before the
Emancipation Proclamation would free the South's slaves. The University
has since outgrown its original mandate and now offers degrees in more
than 30 disciplines for people of all races.
Following the success of Cheyney University, over 100 Historically
Black Colleges and Universities in the United States have been
established, educating people of all races in every discipline from
liberal arts to medicine to business.
It is important to note that while Historically Black Colleges and
Universities comprise only about 3 percent of all colleges and
universities, nearly 30 percent of all bachelor's degrees awarded each
year to African Americans are earned at those institutions.
I am proud of the State of Maryland's part in this evolution of black
higher education, and I am privileged to represent Bowie State
University (BSU), the oldest of Maryland's four HBCUs. (The three other
HBCUs located in Maryland are Morgan State and Coppin State, both in
Baltimore, and the University of Maryland--Eastern Shore).
Bowie State descends from the first school opened by the Baltimore
Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of Colored People
in Baltimore in 1865. BSU now has eighteen undergraduate academic
programs, sixteen graduate programs at the master's level and recently
established its first doctoral program in Education Leadership.
Some Historically Black Colleges and Universities are facing
financial hardships and several have closed during the past few years.
The Federal Government must recognize that the contributions made by
these institutions have not occurred in a vacuum benefitting only a
small segment of the population. Rather, the entire country has gained
from the educational opportunities they offer to African-American
citizens and others.
Congress and the President can acknowledge this by adequately funding
the programs that support the efforts of these important institutions.
The President has requested a four percent increase in funding for the
Strengthening Historically Black Colleges program and the Strengthening
HBCU Graduate Institutions for fiscal year 2003. This increase will do
no more than help the programs keep up with inflation. As a member of
the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations
Subcommittee, I would like to see these programs receive more funding
to help them continue their mission and tradition of educating African-
Americans.
Marion Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund, said
that ``Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving
your community and world better than you found it.''
Ms. Edelman's observation clearly illustrates how important HBCUs
have been to America's black community and the Nation as a whole. Not
only have they educated and improved the lives of individuals, but they
have empowered those individuals to bring their knowledge back to their
communities and improve the lives of others. And America is the better
for it.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me this week in saluting the
contributions of America's Historically Black Colleges and
Universities.
Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great
American, Charles B. ``Chuck'' Harmon, on the occasion of this
Congressional Tribute to the Negro Leagues. Negro League baseball
players were at the vanguard of efforts to demonstrate that what
matters most is not the color of a person's skin, but character, skill,
and determination. Negro League players surmounted obstacles of the day
to prove their skills as ball players and the character of the American
spirit.
Chuck Harmon was one of twelve children born to Sherman and Rosa
Harmon on April 23, 1924 in Washington, Indiana where he completed
elementary and secondary school. He attended the University of Toledo
for three and one-half years between 1942 and 1949 and served with
honor in the United States Navy. Mr. Harmon has been married to Daurel
Woodley Harmon for 54 years and has three children, Charlene, Charles
Jr., and Cheryl. He also has two grandchildren, Danielle and Justin.
Chuck Harmon was honored on May 15, 1997 by the City of Cincinnati, a
day designated to honor both Jackie Robinson and Chuck Harmon on the
occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the
color barrier in Major League Baseball. The day doubled as a Golden
Anniversary for Mr. Harmon, who signed his first professional baseball
contract in 1947. Seven years later in 1954. Mr. Harmon broke the color
barrier of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team.
Chuck Harmon has maintained courage and composure throughout many
adverse situations, being the first and only African American to play
on many segregated teams. Mr. Harmon's strength of character and
achievements have resulted in many honors and awards. He has been
honored by the Governor of Ohio, George Voinovich, the Greater
Cincinnati Urban League, the Cities of Golf Manor, Ohio and Washington,
Indiana which have named streets and a park in his honor, and a host of
other sports teams for which he played. For the past 25 years, Mr.
Harmon has focused on public service within the First Appellate
District Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Charles B. Harmon has lived a life characterized by a strict code of
personal and public ethics, self respect, and respect for others. Mr.
Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today, and join with my
congressional colleagues in congratulating player of the Negro Leagues
and a great American from the State of Ohio, Charles B. ``Chuck''
Harmon.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, as members of Congress, I believe it
is incumbent upon us to support the efforts of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to recruit, retain, and graduate
students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to pursue a post-
secondary education.
It is a known fact that Historically Black Colleges and Universities
have played a vital role in giving our Nation's youth the tools
necessary to forge their way in today's society. More importantly,
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided historically
disadvantaged students with the opportunity to determine for themselves
how best to combine their rich cultural heritage with demands of
today's scientific and technological society. Historically Black
Colleges and Universities have also forged the way for all minority
groups to recognize the importance of education and the need for our
children to make their mark in today's world.
I would like to commend the leaders and students, both past and
present, of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for their
tireless efforts in giving voice to those whose voices would have
otherwise been made mute. I commend them for their perseverance and
diligence. I thank them for teaching us that we can make a difference
in society by remaining true to ourselves and embracing who we are.
As the only member of Congress of Samoan ancestry, I have a special
affinity for the struggle of minorities. I have a special affinity for
those affiliated with this Nation's Historically Black Colleges and
Universities. You can believe that as long as I am a Member of
Congress, I will always stand in support of historically Black Colleges
and Universities and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House
Resolution 523 which recognizes the contributions of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities. (HBCUs)
Education has always been key to economic opportunity in America.
HBCUs have been a catalyst for educational and economic opportunity for
generations of African Americans. These institutions were born of the
belief that post-Civil War freedmen should become immediately educated.
They continue to provide
[[Page H6315]]
quality higher education and professional nurturing to a broad mixture
of diverse individuals.
In the days of slavery, slave owners made it a point to keep slaves
from reading and having access to education. One only has to read
Frederick Douglas to fully comprehend what slave owners would have
brought upon themselves if slaves would have received an education.
Even after the Emancipation Proclamation, during the days of Jim Crow
laws, there were numerous efforts to keep blacks from having access to
education.
As a result of the growth and success of HBCU's, 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 HBCUs. These graduates make up the majority of our Nation's
African American military officers, physicians, Federal judges, elected
officials, and business executives. The distinguished faculty members
of HBCUs serve as role models and mentors, challenging students to
reach their full potential.
I graduated from an historically black institution--Florida A&M
University. I wanted to be a physician, but I could not attend graduate
school in Florida or any other southern state--not because I lacked the
qualifications to be admitted to graduate school, but simply because of
the color of my skin. For those of my generation, HBCU's were our sole
lifeline for economic opportunity and advancement.
Today, HBCUs remain a critical part of our education system. These
institutions have significantly increased educational access for
thousands of economically and socially disadvantaged Americans,
particularly young African Americans.
It is wonderfully appropriate that today we honor HBCUs with our
words. It is even more important that we honor them with our deeds. In
our Appropriations process, we must recognize the indispensable role
that HBCUs play in our educational system and fund them properly.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate our HBCUs for their record of achievement
and commend Representative Watts for offering this important
resolution.
Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, today, the House passed House Resolution 523,
a resolution recognizing the contributions of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Historically Black Colleges and
Universities have a long, proud history of educating some of the
brightest minds in America and tapping into the talent and potential of
African-American students at a time in our Nation's history in which
African-Americans did not enjoy the rights and freedoms of other
Americans.
The 16th Congressional District of Pennsylvania is the home of two
historically Black universities: Lincoln University and Cheyney
University.
Lincoln University, named after President Abraham Lincoln, was
founded in 1854 as an institution dedicated to providing higher
education for African-American men. Lincoln University boasts several
famous graduates, including renowned poet Langston Hughes and Former
Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Founded in 1837, as the Institute for Colored Youth, Cheyney
University is the oldest historically Black university in America.
Cheyney University was founded through the help of a Quaker benefactor
who was committed to ensuring that African-American students could
receive a high quality higher education. Cheyney University also has a
long list of distinguished graduates, including ``60 Minutes''
journalist Ed Bradley and Philadelphia Tribune publisher and CEO Robert
Bogle.
Since the founding of Lincoln and Cheyney Universities, African-
Americans have achieved many important milestones in various academic
disciplines. Yet, Historically Black Colleges and Universities continue
to carry the mantle of African-American scholarship for future
generations.
Finally, I want to commend Dr. Ivory V. Nelson, President of Lincoln
University, and Dr. W. Clinton Pettus, President of Cheyney University,
for their leadership and vision.
Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 523, which
recognizes the important contributions of Historically Black Colleges
and Universities. These institutions are rich sources of history and
knowledge that continue to serve communities across the nation.
Virginia's 4th Congressional District is home to two historically Black
institutions of higher education.
Virginia State University, located near the historic center of the
City of Petersburg, was founded on March 6, 1882 when the legislature
passed a bill to charter the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute.
The University's first academic year, 1883-84, saw a student body of
126 and a faculty of only seven. By the centennial year of 1982, the
University was fully integrated, with a student body of nearly 5,000
and a full-time faculty of 250.
Dr. James Solomon Russell founded Saint Paul's Normal and Industrial
School in 1888. In 1941 the institution was granted authority to offer
a four-year degree program. In 1957 the name was changed to Saint
Paul's College, the name it bears today. Saint Paul's College boasts a
characteristically small college atmosphere with a student body of 600,
allowing for both diversity and camaraderie
Virginia's history and desire for academic excellence are indelibly
linked to the success and achievement of these institutions. For this
reason, I rise in support of this resolution to recognize the
Historically Black Universities and Colleges of our Nation.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House
Resolution 523 recognizing the contributions of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities. This legislation acknowledges the
significance of the United States' Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCU's).
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are institutions of
higher learning established prior to 1964. The principle mission of
these institutions was, and is, the education of African-Americans.
Toward this end, these institutions boast a proud and long-lasting
tradition of producing some of the United States' most prominent
African-Americans leaders and scholars, ranging from W.E.B. DuBois to
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and countless other individuals, who have
devoted their lives to the service of traditionally disenfranchised
communities throughout our Nation.
According to a number of sources, there are reportedly more African-
American students attending HBCU's than at any other time in United
States' history. In fact, as reported by the National Center for
Educational Statistics, there was a 26 percent increase in HBCU
enrollment between 1976 and 1994. For the years 1993 through 1994,
roughly 28 percent of Black bachelor degree recipients received their
degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. With regards
to this time span, Historically Black Colleges and Universities were
responsible for awarding another 15 percent African-American master
degree recipients, 9 percent of blacks earning a doctorate, and 16
percent of black professional degree recipients.
The State of Texas has been fortunate to have these Historically
Black Colleges and Universities educate a significant portion of its
residents and other students from a wide array of places throughout the
world. From Texas' first Black college, Paul Quinn College, to colleges
and universities such as Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern
University, and Wiley College, historically Black institutions
throughout the State still play a critical role in the granting of
undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees to minorities. Due to
the existence of these institutions, Prairie View A&M University has
made a significant contribution to the preparation of many of Texas'
minority educators, and Texas Southern University has played an
enormous role in educating many Black attorneys and pharmacists.
Overall, as these institutions continue progressing toward claiming
their stake in the mainstream of U.S. education, their missions and
purposes for existing become more inclusive, as these important
institutions adjust to the changing demographic compositions of their
student bodies. It is a fact that more students from other racial and
ethnic groups are attending.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my Colleagues to support this legislation.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities not only are deserving of
recognition, but they also are necessary to the vitality of our
Nation's higher educational system. This legislation recognizes this
very fact by acknowledging historically Black institutions' commitment
to sustaining a viable education for students for over 100 years.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Dan Miller of Florida). The question is
on the motion offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 523.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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