    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7703 of September 12, 2003

    National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a distinguished past
    and an important future in providing higher education for Americans
    throughout our country. As we celebrate National Historically Black
    Colleges and Universities Week, we recognize these institutions for
    their dedication to academic excellence. And we reaffirm our Nation's
    commitment to equal educational opportunities for all Americans.
    Since the mid 1800s, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have
    provided superb education and training to many Americans. And these
    schools opened the door to African Americans when other doors were
    shamefully barred. Since their inception, these schools have furthered
    the development of young people who went on to become leaders in
    government, business, education, science, the military, law, and many
    other fields. Graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
    have made great contributions to America, and continue to serve as role
    models for all Americans.
    The struggles and many successes of America's Historically Black
    Colleges and Universities are the struggles and successes of our Nation.
    Today, our Nation's 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities are
    building on their commitment to excellence and their integral position
    within our higher education system. Our Nation must continue to support
    these schools for the sake of our students and our future.
    In 2002, I signed an Executive Order supporting the White House
    Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help find
    new ways to strengthen these schools. My Administration also has sought
    to increase fiscal year 2004 funding for Historically Black Colleges and
    Universities by 5 percent, requesting more than $224 million. In
    addition, the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black
    Colleges and Universities is helping these colleges and universities
    benefit from Federal programs, obtain private-sector support for their
    endowments, and build private-sector partnerships to strengthen faculty
    development and cooperative research.
    America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a proud and
    storied tradition. America recognizes and salutes their history and
    achievements and will work for their continued success.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 14 through
    September 20, 2003, as National Historically Black Colleges and
    Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians,
    and all the people of the United States to observe this week with
    appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs as we demonstrate our
    appreciation for these important institutions and their many successful
    graduates.

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    117 STAT. 3084

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH