Charlotte lawmaker reintroduces HBCU infrastructure bill

HERBERT L. WHITE | THE CHARLOTTE POST

A bill introduced in Congress earlier this month would pave the way for federal funding that would upgrade infrastructure at the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities like Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.

Federal lawmakers have introduced bills to fund infrastructure upgrades at historically Black colleges.

U.S. Reps. Alma Adams, a Charlotte Democrat and Arkansas Republican French Hill introduced HR 8791, the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for Historically Black College and University Excellence Act. Sens. Chris Coons, a Maryland Democrat, and Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican introduced a companion legislation in the upper chamber.

HR 8791 would authorize federal investment to rebuild and modernize aging campus infrastructure at HBCUs across the country. State and federal governments have historically underinvested in Black colleges, and many have deferred maintenance for infrastructure, equipment and dormitories. 

“For generations, HBCUs have educated students who went on to lead in every corner of our country, often while operating with far fewer resources than their peer institutions,” Adams, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus said in a statement. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today’s higher education landscape. From academic buildings and research labs to student housing and technology infrastructure, this bill makes long-term investments that will strengthen our campuses, support workforce development, and expand opportunity for future generations.”

North Carolina has 10 accredited four-year HBCUs, the most of any state. Adams, whose district includes represents Johnson C. Smith University, is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, the nation’s largest Black college with more than 15,000 students enrolled. South Carolina has seven four-year HBCUs and a private two-year college.

“HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less,” said Scott, co-chair of the HBCU Caucus. “The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy.” 

HBCUs represent 3% of all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., but graduate 17% of all bachelor’s degrees and 27% of science, technology, education and math degrees awarded to Black Americans. Black colleges are also economic engines in their communities, generating $16.5 billion in regional economies. 

Said Hill: “Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities. “I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer their students. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a meaningful step toward addressing that. It would help ensure our HBCUs have the facilities and infrastructure to match the excellence of the students they serve.”

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