[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8869--SEPT. 21, 2012

Proclamation 8869 of September 21, 2012

National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The founders of our Nation's first colleges and universities for African
Americans shared a fundamental belief that, with the right education,
all people can overcome barriers of injustice to achieve their fullest
potential. These pioneers understood that education means emancipation--
a path to freedom, independence, and success. More than 150 years later,
America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) carry
forward this proud legacy, and this week, we celebrate the profound
impact these places of learning have made on the life of our country.
For generations, HBCUs have provided students with access to higher
education and instilled in them a sense of pride and history. Graduates
of these institutions have played an extraordinary role in shaping the
progress of our Union by championing equality and changing perspectives
through the arts. They have strengthened our Nation by building our
economy, teaching our children, healing the sick, and defending America
as members of our Armed Forces. Today, HBCUs continue to help move our
country forward, cultivating leaders in every area of our society. And
with each new HBCU alum, we move closer to achieving our goal of having
the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.
During National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, as we
recognize the immeasurable contributions of these institutions, let us
recommit to ensuring they remain cradles of opportunity for the next
generation. Let us also reaffirm our belief in the power of progress
through education--a belief we share with the visionary leaders who
established our HBCUs so many years ago.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 23 through
September 29, 2012, as National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week. I call upon educators, public officials, professional
organizations, corporations, and all Americans to observe this week with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the
countless contributions these institutions and their alumni have made to
our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA