HBCUs, DSU Celebrated in Wilmington

DOVER, Del. – The City of Wilmington is celebrating HBCUs – and by extension, Delaware State University – by proclaiming September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities Month in that metropolitan area.

Wilmington Mayor Michael S. Purzycki read the below proclamation at a Sept. 17 HBCU Month/Community Day event at Helen Chambers Park and presented the documents to Delaware State University President Harry L. Williams.

As Delaware’s only HBCU, DSU had a strong presence at the event, as Del State’s drumline, dancers and cheerleaders (accompanied by the Hornet mascot) all gave separate performances, as well as the DSU chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

For images of the DSU’s involvement in the event, click on the below slideshow:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/sets/72157688603994266/show

In addition to remarks by Dr. Williams, Valerie Dinkins, director of DSU@Wilmington, gave a greetings address; and Carlos Holmes, DSU director of News Services, gave an explanation of the historic connection between DSU and Wilmington.

Mayor Purzycki read and signed the below proclamation:

Proclamation:

WHEREAS, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were primarily established in the aftermath of the American Civil War, with the intention of serving the African-American community; and

WHEREAS the Higher Education Act of 1965 determined that any historically black college or university that was established before 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education, would qualify as an HBCU; and

WHEREAS, for over 150 years HBCUs have helped to ensure that all people can experience the fullest measure of equality in education; and

WHEREAS, 105 HBCUs currently exist in the United States and are living monuments to the cause that has driven each generation of its alumni and supporters to encourage the writing of the African-American chapter into the American narrative; and

WHEREAS, Delaware State University is the sole HBCU in the State of Delaware with a mission to integrate the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research and service in its baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs; and

WHEREAS, Delaware State University’s commitment to advancing science, technology, liberal arts, is producing capable and productive leaders who contribute to the sustainability and economic development of the global community.

NOW, THEREFORE I MICHAEL S. PURZYCKI, Mayor of the City of Wilmington, Delaware, hearby proclaim September as

Historically Black Colleges & Universities Month

In the City of Wilmington, and encourages all Wilmingtonians to familiarize themselves with the important history of HBCUs in this country, and to support Wilmington students who seek to contribute to the legacy of academic excellence which emanates from these institutions of higher learning.

In Witness, Whereof, I have hereunto

set my Hand and Seal of the Office

this 22nd day of September, 2017

Michael S. Purzycki

Mayor

City of Wilmington, Del.