[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 37 (Monday, September 19, 2005)]
[Pages 1377-1378]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7927--National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
Week, 2005

September 9, 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

[[Page 1378]]

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 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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 13, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 14. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.