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On October 3, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring October as HBCU Month in the State of Alabama.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) around the nation have an invaluable impact on a number of communities by serving as economic hubs in their respective regions.
Alabama has the largest number of HBCUs in the nation with a total of 14 institutions: Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Miles College, Oakwood University, Selma University, Stillman College, Talladega College, Tuskegee University, Bishop State Community College, Gadsden State Community College, H. Councill Trenholm State Community College, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, Lawson State Community College, and Shelton State Community College.
The Alabama Office of Minority Affairs (AOMA) has a HBCU Co-Op Program focuses on establishing a pipeline of diverse talent between the state’s HBCUs and Alabama’s workforce.
“The Co-Op Program was created under Governor Ivey’s Strong Start, Strong Finish initiative to address the underrepresentation of minorities in certain sectors, while retaining diverse talent in Alabama,” said Nichelle Williams Nix, Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs.
“I am gratified that AOMA continues to launch initiatives designed to enrich our state’s progress,” said Dr. Leslie Pollard, President of Oakwood University in Huntsville. “Our Governor’s vision for this office signifies her commitment to the advancement of all people.”
“Governor Ivey supports the important role that Alabama HBCUs play in their respective communities and in the State, and this Proclamation highlights that,” said Director Nix.
“The recognition of these elite historic institutions by Governor Ivey is significant,” stated Dr. Quinton Ross, President of Alabama State University in Montgomery, “no other State has dedicated an entire month in recognition of HBCUs. This speaks volumes to the Governor’s understanding of the value of these institutions to the state and nation.”
AOMA was established in 2016 as a cabinet-level agency focused on advising the Governor on issues directly affecting women and minorities in the State of Alabama; the agency is a historic first for the State, and only the second of its kind in the nation.
