Adams Introduces Resolution Honoring the 131st Anniversary of 1890s Land Grant Universities

Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) introduced a resolution "expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2021, be observed as the 131st anniversary of the 1890 Institutions." The 1890s are 19 Historically Black land-grant Universities that were established by the Second Morrill Act of 1890.

A copy of the resolution is available here.

"1890s Land Grant Universities, like all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have opened doors of opportunity for millions of students over the past 131 years," said Congresswoman Adams, founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. "Especially as we face a global pandemic, it’s important to remember these institutions are more than universities: they're the cornerstones of communities both urban and rural. This success has come even though 1890s haven’t benefitted from the same resources as other land-grant universities. As a proud 1890s graduate, I am honored to introduce this resolution celebrating the 131st anniversary of our dear universities."

The resolution is cosponsored by Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus Vice Chairs Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) and Michael Turner (OH-10), as well as Representatives Andy Barr (KY-06), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Al Lawson (FL-05 ), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Mark Pocan (WI-02), David Scott (GA-13), and David Trone (MD-06). The resolution is also endorsed by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and the 1890s Universities Foundation.

“We are thrilled to endorse this resolution and honor 1890s Land-grant Universities on their 131st Anniversary,” said Peter McPherson, President of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. “For generations, 1890s Land-grant Universities have served as ladders of upward mobility while tackling their communities’ most vexing challenges through research and engagement. Today, their mission and commitment to excellence is as important than ever as we work to bolster investment in these cornerstone institutions. APLU thanks the sponsors for working to advance this important measure and their steadfast support for 1890s Land-grant Universities.”

“The 1890 Universities Foundation hereby expresses its support of the House Of Representatives Concurrent Resolution for the observance of the 131st anniversary of the 1890 Land Grant Institutions,” said Mort Neufville, President & CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams for introducing this Congressional Resolution and for her continuing leadership in advancing initiatives in the United States Congress that will benefit our 1890 institutions. The 1890 Universities Foundation on behalf of our 19 member institutions also expresses thanks to the co-signers of this resolution and all our supporters in the 117th Congress. We urge unanimous support of this Congressional Resolution and your participation in activities to commemorate the event.”

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Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Country) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and he House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, Rep. Adams co-founded the first Bipartisan HBCU Caucus in Congress. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, one of the 1890s institutions. More information at adams.house.gov.