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(Washington, DC) - The headlines tell the story: "Morris Brown College Loses Accreditation," "Bethune-Cookman Trims 90 Jobs from Workforce," and "Accreditation Hurdles Haunt Grambling State." Yet these challenging headlines are countered with encouraging ones: "Legislation will Help Save HBCU Treasures," "Historically Black Stillman Thrives, an Oasis of Learning During Divisive Times," and "Diversity Thrives at Black Colleges."
Our nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are at crossroads. Their challenges are great, but their contributions are more important than ever. Education at all levels is the number one concern of African Americans, and the Congressional Black Caucus is determined to insure that immediate attention and action are directed at averting a crisis on HBCU campuses nationwide.
"Nearly 50 years after the historic Brown v. Board of Education ended 'separate but equal' schools, minority students' access to quality education is still being sought and challenged in the courts," Congressman James E. Clyburn said. "For more than 150 years, HBCUs have provided the best opportunity for African Americans to attain an affordable, quality education. The CBC, whose membership includes many HBCU graduates, recognizes the enormous contributions these institutions have made and are committed to insuring they continue to thrive and serve future generations."
Toward that end, the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute will sponsor its annual conference hosted by Congressman Clyburn in Charleston, South Carolina on Friday, June 6, 2003 with the focus on The State of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America. This event will tackle topics such as The Impact of the HBCU Experience on the Fabric of America; Critical Issues Facing HBCUs; and Funding the Future, Preserving the Past (see the attached agenda).
The purpose of the conference is to focus attention on critical issues facing HBCUs including financial stability, student recruitment and retention, student housing, faculty recruitment and development, the development of research capacity, physical facilities, and fundraising strategies. Participants will explore cooperative and collaborative relationships among HBCUs, as well as between HBCUs and majority institutions.
This conference, which is co-sponsored by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and the United Negro College Fund, will be attended by Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, HBCU presidents, faculty, administrators, alumni, students and concerned citizens and government officials. The event is open to the public and will take place in the Basic Science Building Auditorium, 173 Ashley Avenue, at the Medical University of South Carolina from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Hope Derrick at (803)799-1100 or via cell phone at (803)553-1732.
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U.S. Congressman 
