[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 176 (Monday, December 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LEGACY AND IMPORTANCE OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND 
                          UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize 
the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
  As a graduate of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University 
(FAMU), I know all too well the importance HBCUs play in the fabric of 
our country. They prepare students for careers that span all 
disciplines, teach students the value of self-worth, the importance of 
culture, history, and legacy.
  Growing up during a time when colleges were not readily available for 
African-Americans, HBCUs played a vital role in educating African 
American youth. They continue to play an important role in educating 
students from all walks of life. They offer students, regardless of 
race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents to serve both 
domestically and internationally. According to the United Negro College 
Fund. HBCUs are responsible for producing approximately 70% of all 
black doctors and dentists, 50% of black engineers and public school 
teachers, and 35% of black lawyers.
  I am extremely proud of all the HBCU Caucus is doing to recognize the 
importance of HBCUs and proud to be a member of the caucus. As a member 
of the caucus and an HBCU alumnus, I am committed to continue funding 
these critical institutions and ensuring our nation's youth have access 
to quality affordable education.
  Mr. Speaker, I once again want to stress the importance of HBCUs and 
urge my colleagues to continue to support them. They are the bedrock of 
our nation and symbolic of how our nation came together to ensure all 
students have access to quality affordable education.

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