Assembly Resolution No. 2326

BY: M. of A. Rules (Darling)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        September  15-19,  2024,   as   Historically   Black
        Colleges  and  Universities (HBCU) Week in the State
        of New York

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to  recognize  and
commend  those  exemplary  institutions  of  higher education within our
great Nation which preserve the heritage of African  Americans  and  for
their enduring commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
memorialize  Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 15-19, 2024, as
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in the State of
New York, in conjunction with the observation of National HBCU Week; and

  WHEREAS,  Since  their  establishment  188  years  ago,  HBCUs  have
continued  to  build a legacy of excellence, achievement, and inclusion;
they were created to provide opportunities and access to  education  for
Black  students during a time when institutions of higher education held
discriminatory practices; and

  WHEREAS,  The  establishment  and  advancement  of  HBCUs   fostered
academic  excellence,  cultural  empowerment, and professional readiness
for Black students throughout our nation and they play a crucial role in
contributing to the  economy  and  workforce,  aligning  their  academic
programs  with  the needs of industry while ensuring HBCU graduates meet
the demands of the job market; and

  WHEREAS, HBCU graduates are exemplary public  servants,  scientists,
doctors,  artists,  lawyers, judges, engineers, educators, entertainers,
business owners,  and  leaders  and  have  distinguished  themselves  in
numerous ways; and

  WHEREAS,   For   almost  200  years,  HBCUs  have  been  defined  by
unparalleled standards of learning and have produced  countless  leaders
throughout the world; and

  WHEREAS,  With  great  admiration, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to these  colleges  and  universities  which  stand  at  the
threshold  of  the  future with their legacy of outstanding achievements
and their impressive body of distinguished alumni; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 15-19, 2024, as
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in the State of
New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.