Education Secretary To Speak In Arlington Oct. 24 To Address Progress Of Country’s 107 HBCUs

John B. King Jr., the secretary of education and an education champion, will give a speech in Arlington on Oct. 24 to address the progress of the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

From the U.S. Dept. of Education:

The event is hosted by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and entitled, “HBCUs: Promoting Excellence, Innovation and Sustainability.”

HBCUs, as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, include: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans…” Today, HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions prepare students to serve domestically and internationally in public and private sector professions.

King, a former teacher, principal, and leader of schools and school systems, will deliver the keynote address during the 2016 HBCU Week Conference and is praised by President Obama, who called him a talented educator citing his dedication to education over the years.