[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20668]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING AMERICA'S HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join with my 
colleagues in recognizing some of our Nation's most distinguished 
institutions of higher learning: America's Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities.
  The critical role of HBCUs in preparing our Nation's students for 
work and life is undeniable. Nearly 14 percent of our country's African 
American college students are enrolled at HBCUs. These young men and 
women are preparing to be our future community and civic leaders, 
business owners, teachers, artists, scientists, and scholars.
  This year's HBCUs Week, which is themed ``The Tradition Continues: 
New Successes and Challenges,'' reminds us all of the important 
partnership between the Federal Government in ensuring access for all 
those who seek a higher education and the institutions that provide the 
opportunities for students to learn and prepare them for a competitive 
workforce.
  HBCUs not only educate students, but they also conduct ground-
breaking research and engage in community outreach--helping to ensure 
our Nation's higher education system remains the best in the world. It 
is critical that Congress continues to support the unique role our 
HBCUs play in our Nation's higher education system. I extend my sincere 
appreciation and regard for HBCUs and their faculty, staff, and 
students as we celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
Week.

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