Kamala Harris Introduces Legislation to Preserve Buildings and Sites at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Today, U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) reintroduced a bill to reauthorize the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Program for fiscal years 2019 to 2025. Across more than 100 HBCUs around the country, historic buildings and sites—some more than 100 years old—have deteriorated over time and are at risk of being permanently lost if they are not preserved and protected. The bill would authorize funding for grants to restore these historic buildings and sites, as well as improve accessibility on many HBCU campuses.

 The bill is a Senate companion of House legislation introduced by U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC).

 “During my time as a student at Howard University, I was proud and humbled to walk the same hallways as historic figures like Thurgood Marshall, Zora Neale Hurston, and Shirley Franklin,” said Harris. “The history represented at Howard and across every other HBCU imbues special meaning on each campus and reminds students that they can come as they are and leave as the person they aspire to be. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to preserve and improve HBCUs around the country for our future generations.”

 “Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a vital role in American higher education,” said Graham.  “With their long, rich history, HBCUs have helped many students achieve their full potential.  I’m pleased to join this bipartisan effort to strengthen these fine institutions and the Americans who have benefitted from the important role played by HBCU’s.”

“I welcome and fully support this effort to continue our stewardship to preserve these important pieces of American history, and as I have for the last several Congresses, I am introducing companion legislation in the House,” said Clyburn.

 Supporters of the legislation include The United Negro College Fund, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are one of the most important vehicles for higher education and upward mobility in America. Without them, we would have no Thurgood Marshall, Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Jordan or Chadwick Boseman. I commend Senator Harris and the bipartisan group of Senate co-sponsors for working to ensure that the rich legacy of our nation's HBCU's are preserved through the reauthorization of the HBCU Historic Preservation legislation.” -- Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund.  

“The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Fund remains a vital program for HBCUs and a program that UNCF has historically championed. UNCF firmly believes in the value added to HBCUs who are able to receive financial assistance to preserve the historic structures on their campuses. Against substantial odds, HBCUs have played a unique role in transforming the landscape of higher education in the United States and continue to prepare the African American professional and civic leaders needed by communities, employers and the nation. UNCF offers its full support of this piece of legislation and hope to see this bill signed into law.” -- Lodriguez Murray, UNCF Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs

“From Morehouse College in Atlanta to Howard University right here in Washington, DC, Historically Black Colleges and Universities reflect the determination of generations of Black Americans to receive a quality education, even in the face of profound discrimination. We thank Senator Harris and Representative Clyburn for their dedication to preserving these testaments to African American achievement, activism and the Black educational experience, and reauthorizing the HBCU Historic Preservation Program to ensure that the historic buildings on HBCU campuses will continue to inspire and educate future generations.” -- Brent Leggs, director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

 In addition to Senators Harris and Graham, co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Doug Jones (D-AL), and Tim Scott (R-SC).

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass Calls For Northam To Resign

Today, the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), issued the following statement regarding Governor Northam:

“Ralph Northam served in our nation’s military, treated thousands of families as a medical doctor, and had the audacity to ask for Black votes when he wanted to become governor, yet never once mentioned that he thought it was ok to be in black face or dressed as a Klansman.

“An apology now isn’t enough. The governor needs to learn that it’s not about what you do once you’re caught. Instead, it’s about the things you do when you think no one is watching.

“We now know what Ralph Northam did when he thought no one was watching. The person in that photo can’t be trusted to lead. Governor Northam must resign immediately.”

Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax statement on Governor Northam blackface photo

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is the man who would take over if Governor Northam of Virginia resigned because of a racist yearbook photo in which Northam is in either blackface or wearing a KKK robe. Fairfax released the following statement on the controversy:

Like so many Virginians, I am shocked and saddened by the images in the Governor’s yearbook that came to light yesterday.

They are an example of a painful scourge that continues to haunt us today and holds us back from the progress we need to make.

As we commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were brought to Virginia, it is painful to experience such a searing reminder of the modern legacy of our nation’s original sin. And, as someone whose great-great-great grandfather was enslaved in Virginia, this episode strikes particularly close to home.

The Governor needed to apologize, and I am glad that he did so. He also reached out to me personally to express his sincere regrets and to apologize.

I have worked closely with Ralph Northam over many years. He has been a friend to me and has treated my family and me with hospitality and respect.

While his career has been marked by service to children, soldiers, and constituents, I cannot condone the actions from his past that, at the very least, suggest a comfort with Virginia’s darker history of white supremacy, racial stereotyping, and intimidation.

At this critical and defining moment in the history of Virginia and this nation, we need leaders with the ability to unite and help us rise to the better angels of our nature.

I remain committed to serving and helping to heal the Commonwealth moving forward. Now more than ever, we must make decisions in the best interests of the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Cory Booker, Kamala Harris called for Virginia Governor Northam to resign

Democratic presidential candidates, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris are calling for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) to resign over his appearance in a picture showing a man wearing blackface and another dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe.

Read their statements posted on Twitter below:

These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish, and racist violence and they’ve eroded all confidence in Gov. Northam’s ability to lead. We should expect more from our elected officials. He should resign.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 2, 2019

Leaders are called to a higher standard, and the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government. The Governor of Virginia should step aside so the public can heal and move forward together.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 2, 2019

Cory Booker announces White House bid

It's official!

In a video released on February 1, 2019, the first day of Black history Month Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced that he would be running for president in 2020.

Watch his announcement below: