Education

1:05 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you!  Hello!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Well, hello, Philadelphia!  (Applause.)  And hello, Masterman.  It is wonderful to see all of you.  What a terrific introduction by Kelly.  Give Kelly a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  I was saying backstage that when I was in high school, I could not have done that.  (Laughter.)  I would have muffed it up somehow.  So we are so proud of you and everything that you’ve done.  And to all the students here, I’m thrilled to be here. 

10:29 A.M. EDT MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you so much, truly.  (Applause.)  Everyone, please.  Thank you so much.  Good morning.

A PROCLAMATION Early in our Nation's history, higher education was not possible for most African Americans, and simple lessons in reading and writing were often conducted in secret.  With a unique mission to meet the educational needs of African Americans, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been valued resources for our country since their inception before the Civil War.  Historically Black Colleges and Universities have opened doors and cultivated dreams, and the contributions of their founders, faculty, students, and graduates have shaped our growth and progress as a Nation.  During National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we honor these pillars of higher education in America, and we pay tribute to those who have worked to realize their promise.