Reps Honor 130th Anniversary of 1890s Land-Grant Universities

Cheyenne, OK – Today, Representatives Frank Lucas (OK-03), Alma Adams (NC-12), Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Mark Walker (NC-06) introduced a bipartisan resolution “expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2020, be observed as the 130th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions.”

“I am honored to recognize Langston University, Oklahoma’s only historically black college in the state, on the 130th anniversary of the 1890 Land-Grant Educational Institutions,” Congressman Lucas. “Today, these institutions provide educational access to all through research and extension.  Founded in 1897 by the Second Morrill Act, Langston University is an accomplished leader in areas such as agriculture innovation and health care, among many others. Now, 130 years later, Langston University and other 1890s Land-Grant Educational Institutions continue to provide a robust higher education that prepares students for leadership and success in their careers and futures.  1890 Land-Grant Universities play a foundational role in our higher education system, and today, I am proud to recognize the many achievements and contributions they continue to make to their communities and country.

“1890s Land Grant Universities, like all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have given so much to our community and our country,” said Rep. Adams.  “These institutions are more than schools: they represent pathways to the middle class; they’re cornerstones of our communities; and they have unlocked so much potential that our country has too often ignored.  As a proud 1890s graduate, I am honored to introduce this resolution celebrating the 130th anniversary of these essential institutions.”

“For 130 years, the 1890 Land Grant Universities have promoted prosperity in underserved communities and expanded educational opportunities to millions of students of color and first-generation college students,” said Rep. Fudge. “These 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Central State University in my home state of Ohio, play a critical role in making critical scientific discoveries in food, farming, plant and animal health, and other important areas of agricultural research. It is befitting to recognize our HBCUs with a Congressional resolution honoring 130 years of excellence in education, science and agricultural research.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to prioritize funding for 1890 Land Grants to ensure designated institutions have the resources needed to continue educating and training the next generation of Black scientists, farmers and engineers.”

“As we celebrate the 130th anniversary of their creation, I must note that 1890s have been at the forefront of research, extension, and education,” said Rep. Bishop. “Our 1890s, like Fort Valley State University, created a space for Black people to gain higher education when no other opportunities were available.  For 130 years now, 1890s Land Grant Universities have been touching the life of every American and many overseas too.  Agriculture impacts citizens’ health, creates jobs, boosts the economy, and even protects our national security—and I thank you for it.  The value of our 1890s Land Grant Universities is impossible to overstate.  Congratulations on 130 years of changing the world!”

The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-7), Roger Marshall (KS-1), A. Donald McEachin (VA-4), Don Bacon (NE-2), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Mike Turner (OH-10), Cherrie Bustos (IL-17), Andy Barr (KY-6), Joyce Beatty (OH-2), Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Jim Hagedorn (MN-1), Rick Allen (GA-12), John Garamendi (CA-3) and Cedric Richmond (LA-2).

For the text of the resolution, click here.