[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H6623-H6624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
recognition of National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
Week. This special week, the nation pays tribute to HBCUs that make 
such a difference developing young minds and shaping our future.
  As defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, HBCUs are ``any 
historically black college or university that was established prior to 
1964, whose principle mission was, and is, the education of black 
Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized 
accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary (of 
Education) to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training 
offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making 
reasonable progress toward accreditation.
  Nearly fourteen percent of our country's African American students in 
higher education are enrolled at HBCUs. These colleges and universities 
are preparing a new generation of leaders, business people, teachers 
and scholars. They play a vital role in ensuring that our higher 
education system is the finest in the world. This year's HBCUs Week is 
themed, ``The Tradition Continues: New Successes and Challenges,'' 
which is a tribute to the rich tradition of HBCUs and the enduring role 
they play in the weave of our social fabric.

[[Page H6624]]

  North Carolina is home to several HBCUs, and I am particularly proud 
of the two in my Congressional District; Shaw University and 
Fayetteville State University.
  Shaw University, located in Raleigh, was founded in 1865, making it 
the oldest HBCU in the South. Shaw is a private, coeducational, liberal 
arts university, awarding degrees at both the undergraduate and 
graduate levels. Affiliated with the Baptist Church, the primary 
mission of the University is teaching with the commitment to maintain 
excellence in research and academic programs that foster intellectual 
enhancement and technological skills. Shaw stresses character 
development, which includes religious, cultural, social and ethical 
values. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a major force in 
the Civil Rights Movement, got its start at a conference held a Shaw in 
1960. Dr. Clarence G. Newsome currently serves as President of Shaw 
University.
  Fayetteville State University is a constituent institution of the 
University of North Carolina. The primary mission of the university is 
to provide quality education to its students through a basic liberal 
arts foundation, specialized professional training, and specific 
graduate programs. The university is fully accredited by the Southern 
Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, individual university 
departments, degree programs, and service functions hold memberships 
and accreditations with appropriate professional organizations. 
Chancellor T.J. Bryan is the tenth Chief Executive Officer of the 138-
year old HBCU and the first female to head the institution.
  Mr. Speaker, as the former Superintendent of North Carolina's public 
schools, I know well the outstanding contributions made to our state 
and nation by Shaw University, Fayetteville State University and all of 
our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and I am pleased to 
join my colleagues in paying tribute to national HBCUs Week.

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