Black colleges net $20 million during historic week

During the nation's week-long celebration to honor historically Black colleges and universities, President Clinton activated a federal funding program which netted almost $20 million to upwards of 50 institutions during the period.

"For too many years in America, these schools were the only institutions of higher learning open to young African Americans," said the President as he signed the proclamation at the White House. Pointing to his commitment that "this academic community remain vibrant," the President noted that his new specially appointed high-level commission "will explore new ways" to help the schools.

To convince the educators of the administration's determination to take the leadership, HUD Secretary Henry G. Cisneros hosted a contract awarding ceremony in Washington for more than 28 institutions' presidents who shared $13.4 million. The funds will be used for economic development, neighborhood revitalization and anti-poverty strategies.

Receiving a half million dollars, Voorhees College President Leonard E. Dawson hopes to renovate five town houses and a bungalow to house eleven low-income families as well as recruit 30 eligible students at his Denmark, SC, school.

With a similar grant, Xavier University President Norman C. Francis proposes a vast revitalization program in his New Orleans area. At Spelman College, President Johnnetta B. Cole hopes to use her $500,000 to implement an entrepreneurial business development program in the school's Atlanta neighborhood.

Among other schools receiving $500,000 were Coppin State College, of Baltimore, Kentucky State U of Frankfort, Grambling State U, Grambling, LA, Fort Valley (GA) State College, Morris Brown College of Atlanta, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Albany (GA) State College, Bennett (NC) College, Elizabeth City State U, Lincoln (PA) U, Mississippi Valley State U, Morgan State U in Baltimore, Harris-Stowe State College in St. Louis, MO, Fisk U in Nashville, Benedict (SC) College, Johnson C. Smith U. in Raleigh, NC, and Shaw U. in Charlotte, NC.

LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis received $320,000 while Clark U in Atlanta shared $458,700.

In another announcement, Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala distributed a $4.25 million initiative for violence prevention programs to heads of 16 other Black institutions. Cleveland Rep. Louis Stokes, a key House appropriations subcommittee member, authored the legislation to allow the institutions to establish family life centers on their campuses.