Claflin University will join The White Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to celebrate National HBCU Week on Wednesday, September 12, 2007.   President George W. Bush issued a proclamation honoring America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities designating September 9-15, 2007 as National HBCU Week.  To view President Bush’s proclamation, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2007/09/20070905-6.html. 

HBCUs: Fulfilling the Covenant in Our Nation’s Higher Education Community will serve as the backdrop for the celebrations that will take place throughout the country, on Claflin’s campus and in the Garden City.  The theme was inspired by Tavis Smiley’s best seller, The Covenant with Black America. Claflin University, in its mission, continues to fulfill the covenant by offering educational excellence and preparing students without regard to gender, race, religion or ethnic origin.  The federal government sought to establish a covenant with the nation’s HBCUs from the highest level and, under a presidential executive order, created the White House Initiative on HBCUs to provide support for these institutions.

The Kick-Off -- On September 12, 2007, the day of celebration will begin with a show of Panther Pride on Panther Plaza at 11:30 a.m.  The Claflin University Jazz Band, Cheerleaders, Panther Doll Dance Team, and the Flavor of Trinidad (Shakir London), will join faculty, staff, students, community leaders to kick-off the day of celebration.

The Pre-College Access Programs Presidential Luncheon will commemorate the achievements of HBCUs.  The luncheon, by invitation only, will feature scholars from Claflin Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, GEAR UP, and Educational Talent Search programs.

Claflin in the Community – Claflin University faculty, staff and students will take the Orange Maroon Points of Pride to the Prince of Orange Mall from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Alumni and friends will join the Student Government Association, Office of Admissions, academic schools and the pre-college access programs in a show of Panther spirit. 

The HBCU Forum will offer stimulating dialogue about the value and relevance of HBCUs.  Mr. Jerome Jones and Miss Cindi Lewis, Student Government Association President and Vice President, respectively, will moderate the HBCU Forum. Panelists will include community leaders, Claflin faculty and staff.

The campus-wide celebration is opened to the public.  For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Relations at 535-5351, hcarter@claflin.edu.  Mrs. Carolyn Snell will remain available to offer additional information at 535-5338, or via e-mail: csnell@claflin.edu.