[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7927--SEPT. 9, 2005
Proclamation 7927 of September 9, 2005
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities are places of
learning and achievement that reflect our Nation's belief in the great
potential of every student. By upholding high standards of excellence
and providing equal educational opportunities to all Americans, these
valued institutions help ensure that all our citizens can realize their
full potential and look forward to a prosperous and hopeful future.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a source of
accomplishment and great pride for the African-American community and
our entire Nation. By fostering academic achievement, instilling strong
values and character, and equipping students with a quality education,
they prepare rising generations for success and help fulfill our
country's commitment to equal education.
My Administration is committed to supporting HBCUs and making higher
education more affordable and more accessible. To ensure that

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more students have access to a college or university education, I have
requested nearly $300 million for HBCUs in my 2006 budget, a record
level of funding that would represent an increase in spending for these
institutions by 30 percent during my Administration. Through the White
House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we are
pursuing new ways to strengthen and advance HBCUs through endowments,
faculty development, and cooperative research.
America has made significant progress in strengthening our higher
education system for all our citizens, and there is more work to do. We
continue to strive toward a society in which every person can realize
the great promise of America. During National Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Week, we recognize the contributions of HBCUs,
and we acknowledge and celebrate their role in making America a stronger
and better Nation.
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 11 through
September 17, 2005, as National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week. I call on public officials, educators,
administrators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to
observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities
that demonstrate our appreciation for the many contributions these
valuable institutions and their graduates have made to our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH