[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 38 (Monday, September 23, 2002)]
[Page 1545]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7593--National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
Week, 2002

 September 13, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a vital 
part of our Nation's higher education system. During National 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we renew our 
dedication to these institutions and strengthen our commitment to 
securing educational freedom, opportunity, and access for every 
American.
    Emerging more than a century ago in a segregated society, our 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided quality 
education and promoted greater participation by African Americans in 
every sector of our society. These institutions continue to serve as 
centers of hope and opportunity, reflecting the belief that every 
student in America should have access to a college education. While 
constituting less than 3 percent of America's institutions of higher 
education, today they enroll 14 percent of all African Americans 
enrolled in colleges or universities.
    These schools represent a source of accomplishment and great pride 
for both the African-American community and our entire Nation. The 
various founders of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
understood that high standards and quality instruction would prepare 
their students to follow their dreams and succeed in life. By opening 
doors to new academic pursuits, these schools have encouraged and 
enabled generations of African Americans to reach their full potential.
    America must continue to support these important institutions, 
because they provide educational opportunities that otherwise might not 
be available. In 1980, Executive Order 12232 established a Federal 
program to enhance equal opportunity and strengthen the capacity of 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities to provide excellence in 
education. My Administration remains committed to this important mission 
and to making the goal of higher education accessible to our citizens.
    America recognizes and honors the many achievements of Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities, and their invaluable contributions to 
our country. They help foster a culture of achievement and create a 
brighter future for all Americans.
     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 15 through 
September 21, 2002, as National Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, 
and citizens of the United States to observe this week with appropriate 
ceremonies, activities, and programs in order to show our appreciation 
for these remarkable educational institutions, and to commend the 
achievements of their talented graduates.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 
18, 2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 14, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on September 19.