National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2007

Proclamation 8172 of September 4, 2007

National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week, 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.