    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 36 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
    [Pages 1178-1179]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8172--National Historically Black Colleges and Universities
    Week, 2007

     September 4, 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

    [[Page 1179]]

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:09 a.m., September
    6, 2007]

    Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on September 6, and it was published in the Federal Register
    on September 7.