BSC to Take Part in National Initiative
to Salute America’s Historically
Black Colleges and Universities

( Bluefield)— Following U.S. House of Representatives passage of a resolution to make the week of September 10th National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) week, Bluefield State College has joined more than 100 fellow HBCUs in saluting the educational opportunities created by member institutions. “The resolution gives HBCUs a chance to recognize their institutions’ accomplishments in education and in their communities,” noted Dr. Albert Walker, President/Bluefield State College.

Charles Greene, executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, says the resolution is important. The difference this time is the resolution will be permanent. “It’s an annual occurrence, but it is an important part of the initiative… and it will state the value that HBCUs have,” Greene noted.

“For some time, Congress and the president have supported HBCUs and this continues to go on because it is important that HBCUs are recognized for their economic and educational role for the future,” said Greene, a HBCU graduate of Virginia Union University.

During HBCU Week, the White House Initiative on HBCUs holds a National HBCU Week Conference on September 10-16 and on the first day, Congress’s Resolution is issued and a proclamation by the President is made honoring HBCUs.

Former President Jimmy Carter signed an executive order in 1980, which established a federal program aimed at overcoming the effects of discrimination while supporting HBCUs’ mission in providing quality education, according to the White Initiative on HBCUs conference registration brochure. Each president since has issued an executive order on HBCUs.

President Bush signed the executive order in 2002. This year, he is scheduled to issue a proclamation during HBCU Week.

September 5, 2006