The anticipated meeting between HBCU presidents, Omarosa Manigault and Congressional Members is being dubbed the ‘HBCU Fly-In.’ The daylong event will take place on the same day President Trump plans to deliver his first State of the Union Address. During the meeting the topics of discussion will consist of strengthening relationships and bettering opportunities between the federal government and the importance of HBCUs.

As of now there are ten confirmed schools that will be attending. The two schools that have been identified are Florida A&M University and Winston-Salem State University, which is Omarosa’s alma mater. Elwood L. Robinson is the Chancellor of Winton-Salem State and Larry Robinson is standing as the interim President of FAMU. Robinson recently sat down with the Tallahassee Democrat and stated the following about the upcoming meeting. “The university is pleased with the invitation of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to participate in such a meaningful conversation about higher education in America,” Robinson said. “Institutions of higher education, historically black colleges and universities specifically, play a major role in the advancement and success of our great nation.”

As a HBCU alumnus, I am very pleased to hear that this meeting will be taking place and hope the rumors are true about President Trump being committed and willing to help HBCUs.  In addition, I hope to God almighty that attending HBCU members are not criticized for showing up. The reason I am making this statement is due to the fact that many celebrities have recently met with President Trump to discuss matters and have been widely criticized for doing so. I am asking for logical and clear heads to prevail prior to this meeting and pray that things are productive for both parties without the protest or circus behind t. A lot of HBCUs are in dire need of funding but if we protest or criticize members of these HBCU for attending this meeting then more HBCUs will be closing in the near future and many students will suffer in the long run.

http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2017/02/12/famus-robinson-attend-white-house-discussion-black-colleges-and-universities/97768950/ 

http://thegrio.com/2017/02/02/republicans-plan-outreach-to-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/

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