Governor Kay Ivey officially designated October 2024 as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Month in Alabama in recognition of the state’s 14 HBCUs and their role in shaping Alabama’s educational and economic landscape.
“Alabama is home to 14 HBCUs, the highest number of any state, providing exceptional educational opportunities to improve the lives of Alabamians each year,” Gov. Ivey’s proclamation reads. “These institutions not only represent historical and economic significance in the state but also fulfill a unique role by offering access to top-tier educational opportunities to a large number of African American students.”
According to the Governor’s Office, HBCUs in the state serve as economic powerhouses, generating more than 130,000 jobs and making substantial contributions to local and regional economies.
I have signed a proclamation declaring October as HBCU Month in Alabama!
Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities are vital pillars of education, shaping future leaders with bright futures.
I’m proud to celebrate the achievements of our HBCUs. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/sg12AeKO7A
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) October 1, 2024
A group representing a coalition of Alabama’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities is thanking Governor Kay Ivey for issuing a proclamation designating October as HBCU Month in the state.
HBCU Cares, said Tuesday that Ivey’s decree highlights the “rich contributions of HBCUs in fostering economic development, producing top-tier graduates, and driving innovation in critical fields like STEM.”
“With over 100 historically black colleges and universities around the nation, HBCUs have had an invaluable impact on strengthening communities by serving as economic hubs in their respective regions, generating more than 130,000 jobs for their local and regional economies, and producing more than 50,000 graduates each year,” reads the proclamation. “And with a total of 14 institutions, Alabama has the largest number of HBCUs in the nation that provide exceptional educational opportunities to improve the lives of Alabamians every year.”
“Not only do HBCUs represent historical and economic significance in the state, but they also serve the unique purpose of providing access to top educational opportunities to a large number of African American students.”
Perry Jones, Board Chair of HBCU CARES, believes the proclamation honors the historical traditions of HBCUs while also emphasizing the important role they will play in the future.
“We are thrilled to see HBCUs in Alabama, and across the country, being recognized for their long-standing commitment to providing quality education and enhancing opportunities for African American students and underserved communities,” said Jones. “This proclamation not only acknowledges our proud history but reinforces the critical role we continue to play in preparing the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math.”
With Alabama boasting the largest number of HBCUs in the nation, these institutions contribute significantly to the state’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and enriching the community through their cultural and social impact.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
