[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7593]

Proc. 7593

[[Page 133]]

Proclamation 7593 of September 13, 2002

National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a 
          vital part of our Nation's higher education system. During 
          National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we 
          renew our dedication to these institutions and strengthen our 
          commitment to securing educational freedom, opportunity, and 
          access for every American.
          Emerging more than a century ago in a segregated society, our 
          Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided 
          quality education and promoted greater participation by 
          African Americans in every sector of our society. These 
          institutions continue to serve as centers of hope and 
          opportunity, reflecting the belief that every student in 
          America should have access to a college education. While 
          constituting less than 3 percent of America's institutions of 
          higher education, today they enroll 14 percent of all African 
          Americans enrolled in colleges or universities.
          These schools represent a source of accomplishment and great 
          pride for both the African-American community and our entire 
          Nation. The various founders of our Historically Black 
          Colleges and Universities understood that high standards and 
          quality instruction would prepare their students to follow 
          their dreams and succeed in life. By opening doors to new 
          academic pursuits, these schools have encouraged and enabled 
          generations of African Americans to reach their full 
          potential.
          America must continue to support these important institutions, 
          because they provide educational opportunities that otherwise 
          might not be available. In 1980, Executive Order 12232 
          established a Federal program to enhance equal opportunity and 
          strengthen the capacity of Historically Black Colleges and 
          Universities to provide excellence in education. My 
          Administration remains committed to this important mission and 
          to making the goal of higher education accessible to our 
          citizens.
          America recognizes and honors the many achievements of 
          Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and their 
          invaluable contributions to our country. They help foster a 
          culture of achievement and create a brighter future for all 
          Americans.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by 
          the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby 
          proclaim September 15 through September 21, 2002, as National 
          Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon 
          public officials, educators, librarians, and citizens of the 
          United States to observe this week with appropriate 
          ceremonies, activities, and programs in order to show our 
          appreciation for these remarkable educational institutions, 
          and to commend the achievements of their talented graduates.

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          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
          thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
          thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of 
          America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH