Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, spoke on the U.S. Senate floor, highlighting the important contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Alabama is home to the greatest number of HBCUs of any state in the nation. Tuberville and Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, introduced a resolution recognizing the positive impact and value that these institutions play in the lives of America’s youth. The resolution formally designates the week of Sept. 6 as National HBCU Week.
“Sometimes we don’t all agree on things here in this chamber, but I think we can all agree that a quality education has the power to uplift and transform someone’s life,” Tuberville said. “It is the key to freedom and the key to opportunity. I know this because I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve coached and mentored hundreds of student athletes over my 40-year career. I witnessed the difference an education can make in the outcome of someone’s life, how it truly creates a pathway to success.”
“It’s like putting a down payment on our country’s future success by creating opportunity,” Tuberville added. “I’ve recruited hundreds and hundreds of students from across our country. I have been in their homes. I’ve seen how they lived. I’ve seen how they’ve grown up. Unfortunately, for many children from difficult backgrounds, a large percent coming from one or no-parent homes, real opportunities can be hard to come by, very hard.”
“Many students across the country have turned to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, better known as HBCUs, to answer these questions because of the pathway HBCUs provide,” Tuberville continued. “While they are respected for their strong traditions, HBCUs are the ultimate opportunity creators for students all across this country.”
Tuberville acknowledge the role that Alabama’s thirteen HBCUs play in the state.
“I am proud that the great state of Alabama is home to 13 HBCUs, the most of any state in the nation,” Tuberville said. “These colleges are major contributors to communities across our state, producing more than 15,000 jobs annually for our local economies. And they also prepare students for the 21st century job market.”
“America’s HBCUs are integral to our nation’s higher education system–providing pipelines to opportunity for millions of students,” Sen. Tim Scott said on social media. “I’m proud to recognize their importance and will continue to build on the good work we’ve done on Capitol Hill to support the HBCU community.”
President Joe Biden proclaimed the second week of September to be recognized as National HBCU week in order to observe the institutions’ contributions to our country.
Tuberville is serving in his first term representing Alabama in the U.S. Senate. Tuberville is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
