On October 26th, UNCF will launch #PreserveHBCUs a 24-hour social media campaign to urge the Senate to provide at least $5 million for the HBCU Historic Preservation Program, as passed by the House, before Congress adjourns. Taking place during National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week, this day of action engages HBCU alumni, stakeholders and supporters to help preserve over 700 historic buildings on HBCU campuses.
“HBCUs have a significant place in American history and provide incredible value and values to minority and low-income students, and to the communities in which they reside,” said Cheryl Smith, UNCF senior vice president of public policy and government affairs. “The HBCU Historic Preservation Program serves an essential purpose to HBCUs, which have a special place in the fabric of American history, culture and education. We look forward to working with the Senate to ensure final passage before the 114th Congress adjourns.”
No federal funds have been provided since 2009 for the restoration of historic buildings at HBCUs; however, this year there is a chance to secure funding in the FY 2017 budget. Last month, the House unanimously passed H.R. 295, a bill that would re-authorize $10 million annually through 2023 for the HBCUs Historic Preservation Program, and the Clyburn amendment to appropriate $5 million for FY 2017, but no funding has been recommended by the Senate.
“Thanks to Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC), a proud HBCU alumnus, this important bill is moving one step closer to the finish line, but further action is desperately required,” said UNCF President and CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax. “HBCUs are indeed national treasures and we invite everyone to join us today in supporting the restoration of more than 700 historic buildings on HBCU campuses.”
HBCU historic preservation was a signature UNCF initiative from 1995 through 1999, when UNCF partnered with the National Park Service to support the rehabilitation of historic structures on 10 HBCU campuses. Historic preservation remains a UNCF strategic priority today as several HBCUs this year are celebrating or approaching 150 years of existence.
Here’s how you can join UNCF October 26th to #PreserveHBCUs:
- Visit the #PreserveHBCUs Campaign information page -
http://cqrcengage.com/uncf/preserveHBCUs - Download our Social Media Toolkit -
http://cqrcengage.com/uncf/file/4ZmXuIwQDY... HP social mediatoolkit.pdf
- Download our #PreserveHBCUs Graphic -
http://cqrcengage.com/uncf/file/eGZJTdvTw8... - Download and share our #PreserveHBCUs Save-the-date flyer -
http://cqrcengage.com/uncf/file/Ao7ygxlGKu... 10 18.pdf
- Download and share our official campaign launch flyer -
http://cqrcengage.com/uncf/file/g3ECWMS4sj... campaign launch flyer 10 26.pdf
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About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF annually awards $100 million in scholarships and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste.®" Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, @UNCF and #PreserveHBCUs.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Wednesday, October 26th 2016 at 7:06PM
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