Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, on September 23 of this year, historically black colleges and universities all across the country will celebrate Black College Day, and on that day many colleges across the country will recognize some of the great contributions of historically black colleges and universities. But to put this whole discussion of HBCU's in the proper perspective and the proper context, I would like to talk about the history behind historically black colleges and universities. HBCU's are defined as any historically black college or university established prior to 1964 whose principal mission was and is the education of black Americans and is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education. There are 103, Mr. Speaker, historically black colleges and universities; only 3 percent of all colleges and universities in this country. They are located in the Southeast, in the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands. They include 41 public 4-year colleges and universities, 8 public 2-year universities, 46 private 4-year schools, and 8 private schools with 2-year curriculum. Most of our colleges are more than 100 years old. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania being the oldest, founded in 1837.”