CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON RECOGNIZES HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WEEK

Washington, DC – (Thursday, September 13, 2007) – Congresswoman EddieBernice Johnson issued the following statement today in recognition ofNational Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. 

A long-time supporter of our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Congresswoman Johnson introduced H. Res. 135, a Resolution to recognize HBCU week, in conjunction with Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina, and Congressman Ralph Hall of Texas.  

"National HBCU Week serves as a time to celebrate the greataccomplishments of these institutions and recognize their importance to our nation's history."  

"For over 170 years, our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have been on the forefront of preparing our Nation's youth for a bright path and successful future.  For much of our history, HBCUs represented the only opportunity African American students had to obtain a degree in higher education. Today, America's 103 HBCUs provide excellent educational opportunities to over 200,000 diverse students across the United States."

"Because of their unique resources, HBCUs continue to be extremely effective in graduating African American students and preparing them to compete in the global economy.  HBCUs graduate over half of all African
American professionals, and fifty percent of all African American school teachers. 

Additionally, HBCUs represent nine of the top ten colleges that graduate the most African Americans who go on to earn Ph.D.s. The distinctive ability of HBCUs to provide opportunity and advancement to African American students is undeniable."