[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 180 (Thursday, September 17, 1998)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 49817-49818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25111]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 180 / Thursday, September 17, 1998 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 49817]]
Proclamation 7122 of September 15, 1998
National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week, 1998
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Education has always been at the heart of opportunity
in America. That has never been more true than today,
when a revolution in technology is fundamentally
changing the way we live and work and learn. In this
new era of dynamic challenge and possibility, we
recognize that the best opportunities for personal and
professional success will go to those who are well
educated. Our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) play a vital role in helping to
extend access to a quality education.
Established before and just after the Civil War to
educate free black students, these institutions have
been African Americans' primary route--and for many the
only route--to higher education. Struggling to exist in
a segregated society, striving to keep tuition
affordable despite limited financial resources, these
schools nonetheless upheld their mission of academic
excellence and equal opportunity.
Even after the 1954 Supreme Court ruling that ended
legal segregation of America's public schools, the need
for HBCUs did not disappear. These schools continue to
provide young African Americans and other students with
a nurturing and affirming environment. Today, America's
105 HBCUs are educating almost 300,000 African
Americans, and they count among their graduates the
majority of our Nation's African American military
officers, physicians, Federal judges, elected
officials, and business executives. The distinguished
faculty members at HBCUs serve as role models and
mentors, challenging students to reach their full
potential and to refuse to set limits on their dreams.
HBCUs are a source of great pride and a symbol of
economic, social, and political growth.
As our Nation grows increasingly diverse in race,
culture, and ethnic background, these institutions are
a valuable source of knowledge about the history and
heritage of African Americans, serving as keepers of
significant archives and centers for the study of
African Americans' many contributions to the life of
our Nation. Most important, these schools continue to
champion the cause of equal access to education. With a
notable past, a dynamic present, and a promising
future, America's HBCUs are helping to prepare our
Nation's young people for the challenges and
opportunities of the new millennium.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 20 through
September 26, 1998, as National Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon the people
of the United States, including government officials,
educators, and administrators, to observe this week
with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities
honoring America's Historically Black Colleges and
Universities and their graduates.
[[Page 49818]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-third.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 98-25111
Filed 9-16-98; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
