[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.