Proclamation 5708 --
National Historically Black Colleges Week, 1987
By
the President of the
A
Proclamation
Setting
aside a week in recognition of our country's historically Black colleges and
universities is most appropriate because they are truly valuable national
resources. During more than a century and a quarter they have educated hundreds
of thousands of Americans who have gone on to contribute substantially to our Nation
in every walk of life. Their alumni have included some of our most outstanding
leaders and scholars.
This
year, commemoration of the role of historically Black colleges and universities
falls during our Nation's observance of the Bicentennial of the Constitution.
That cherished document is the guarantor of liberty, union, and self-government
for all Americans. Thanks to it we remain a strong people united in the
richness of our diversity. We can all be proud of the role of historically
Black colleges and universities in strengthening our country. Keeping these
fine institutions a vital force in American education is a worthy national
goal.
To
acknowledge the accomplishments of historically Black colleges and universities
and the appropriateness of focusing national attention on their contributions,
the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 22, has designated the week of
September 21 through September 27, 1987, as ``National Historically Black
Colleges Week'' and authorized and requested the President to issue a
proclamation in observance of this commemoration.
Now,
Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of September, in the
year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the
Ronald
Reagan
[Filed with the Office
of the Federal Register,