[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 38 (Monday, September 22, 2003)]
[Page 1216]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7703--National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
Week, 2003

 September 12, 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.
     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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 1:44 p.m., September 
15, 2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 16. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.