WASHINGTON, D. C. – The Senate has approved a resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) that designates the week of Sept. 12, 2010, as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.”

The Senate passed the measure (S.Res.595) by unanimous consent late Tuesday.  Authored by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the resolution encourages citizens to show their support for and celebrate “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week” with appropriate ceremonies, activities and programs.

“Mississippi has an extensive historically black college and university system that is dedicated to higher education and providing opportunities to the thousands young men and women,” said Cochran. “This resolution will help recognize these institutions and their work to encourage more students to further their educations.”

 “This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of Mississippi’s historically black colleges and universities,” said Wicker. “These institutions have a long history of service to the students of Mississippi, and I am glad to be part of this effort.”

There are currently 105 historically black colleges and universities in the United States, including seven in Mississippi:  Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds Community College at Utica, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tougaloo College.

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