I look forward to our discussion and the work you have ahead to ensure that all students--all students in this country can access high-quality, higher education without taking on debt they cannot repay, or falling victim to predatory…

Unfortunately, many states have chronically underfunded HBCUs compared to other institutions, leaving them to achieve far more with far less.

I have always felt that the solution must be education.

HBCUs have been at the very heart of addressing our Nation's longstanding education and racial equity failures.

We must preserve and protect HBCUs for the sake of the next generation of change-makers and for those yet unborn.

As a graduate of Fisk University, I am proud to Chair this first hearing to exclusively examine the State of these vital institutions since 2008.

Congress has a responsibility to address the enduring impact of slavery and decades of discriminatory policy.

We will need innovative and transformative solutions to truly provide these historic institutions with the support that they need and deserve.

To fulfill our Nation's promise of higher education for all people, all children, Congress must provide HBCUs with the resources and support they need to combat systematic underfunding and discrimination.

We must continue to invest in HBCUs and their students.

Investing in these institutions and their students is one of the most significant actions we can take to right the wrongs of the past.

Logic tells me that we ought to have a Morgan and a Morehouse and a Hampton and a Howard and a Fisk.