[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

121 STAT. 2782
 
PROCLAMATION 8172--SEP. 4, 2007


Proclamation 8172 of September 4, 2007
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Education is a fundamental part of achieving the American dream, and
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) help ensure that
every student has the opportunity to pursue a quality education. During
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we underscore our
commitment to these distinguished institutions in their efforts to
provide more Americans with the tools to realize their dreams.
The founding of many of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities
over a century ago expanded the American education system and extended
the opportunity of a higher education to some who had been wrongly
denied access. Today, HBCUs throughout our Nation continue to be centers
of quality education, advancing opportunity and inspiring individuals to
meet the challenges of our time as responsible leaders.
My Administration has increased Federal support for HBCUs and remains
committed to strengthening these colleges and universities. The HBCU
Capital Financing Program has provided access to funds for
infrastructure repairs, educational equipment, and construction of new
facilities. The President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black
Colleges and Universities works to help HBCUs develop new partnerships
with the private sector and benefit from Federal programs to strengthen
and advance faculty development and cooperative research.
We will continue to provide our strong support to HBCUs, so that every
citizen can enjoy a future of hope and opportunity, and we salute these
great institutions as they build on a foundation of continued success
for every student.
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 9 through
September 15, 2007, 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 programs, ceremonies, and activities in respect and
appreciation for the contributions these valuable institutions and their
graduates have made to our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
GEORGE W. BUSH