[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H6620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NATIONAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 
This past July, I was able to offer on the House floor a resolution 
recognizing National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.
  The week of September 10th is officially HBCU week. I am pleased to 
be able to join with my colleagues today to recognize these fine 
institutions of higher learning.
  For over 170 years, our Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
have been on the forefront of preparing our nation's youth for a bright 
path and successful future. Originally founded for the purpose of 
providing educational opportunities for African Americans, HBCUs have 
profoundly changed the American economic and social climate.
  The fact is that until 1964, HBCUs represented one of the only 
opportunities African American students had to obtain a degree in 
higher education. HBCUs have changed the face of this nation and have 
opened the door for many generations of African American students.
  Today, America's HBCUs continue to provide excellent educational 
opportunities to all Americans. Over 200,000 diverse students across 
the United States attend HBCUs today.
  I am proud to represent Paul Quinn College, the oldest historical 
Black college west of the Mississippi River. For over 130 years, Paul 
Quinn has provided their students with the tools to become successful 
leaders. Because of their unique resources, HBCUs continue to be 
extremely effective in graduating African American students and 
preparing them to compete in the global economy.
  HBCUs graduate over half of all African American professionals, and 
fifty percent of all African American school teachers. Additionally, 
HBCUs remain extremely successful in graduating African American Ph.D's 
and scientists. The fact is that we cannot move forward as a country 
until all our children have the opportunity to succeed academically. 
Each day HBCUs help us bridge that achievement gap.
  National HBCU Week allows us to reflect upon the impact these 
institutions have had on our history and to celebrate their continued 
commitment to outstanding education. I would like to thank my 
colleagues for their support in passing the national HBCU week 
resolution.

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