On Tuesday, President Joe Biden declared Sept 5 through Sept 11 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) week and encouraged educators, public officials, and all Americans to “observe this week with appropriate programs and ceremonies that acknowledge the countless achievements of HBCUs.”
President Joseph R. Biden
“This gathering,” said Biden, “is an important affirmation of the vital role HBCUs play in this country. HBCU graduates are the bearers of a proud tradition. A tradition of countless scholars and advocates, leaders of industry, arts and sciences, faith and community.”
President Biden made note that Vice President Kamala Harris is a graduate of an HBCU, Howard University. But some have wondered why Biden has yet to appoint an executive director to lead The White House Initiative on HBCUs.
In the first day of the conference, Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona underscored the president’s support of HBCUs, and the leaders from the Federal Student Aid (FSA) shared new techniques and partnerships designed to make students more successful and keep HBCUs eligible for Title IV grants.
“HBCUs educate a greater percentage of low-income, Pell eligible students, while receiving less revenue and having smaller endowments,” said Cardona. “President Biden is fully committed to you and your students.”
Cardona said that the president will propose $239 million in new funding for HBCUs in the coming year, with $72 million allotted as discretionary funding. Cardona said his Department of Education is continuing to examine the issue of debt relief as a way to close the racial wealth gap.
