Gov. Brian Kemp, state leaders celebrate HBCU Heritage Day
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Wednesday marks Georgia’s fourth HBCU Heritage Day, which celebrates the state’s 10 historically Black colleges and universities.
Gov. Brian Kemp and his wife, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, three state senators and school leaders gathered at the north steps of the Georgia State Capitol. Kemp said the state’s HBCUs have contributed to its culture, economy and more.
“For generations, these institutions served, in many times, as the only option for Black Georgians and Americans seeking schools and knowledge for success. Today, our HBCUs are the campus of choice,” Kemp said.
Sen. Sonya Halpern, the event’s host, said Georgia’s HBCUs positively impact more than 20,000 students each year.
“Generation after generation, HBCUs play a vital role in elevating students’ socioeconomic status, helping develop future business, civil community, and faith leaders,” she said, adding that they also provide “a proven pathway to the middle class and beyond.”
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Six HBCUs are in Atlanta: Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, the Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College and Spelman College.
In January, Spelman College received a $100 million donation, the largest ever given to an HBCU.
A current bill sponsored by Halpern looks to improve HBCUs by creating “prosperity planning districts” around the campuses, which would revamp housing, small business development, digital infrastructure and more.
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