New signs and historic markers have been placed at two of Kentucky’s historically black colleges and universities as part of a national effort to celebrate HBCUs. Governor Andy Beshear joined the presidents of Kentucky State University and Simmons College of Kentucky to celebrate the impact these learning institutions have on the Commonwealth.
Reverend Dr. Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College, said it is the goal of the state’s HBCUs to cultivate the minds of young Kentuckians who may not otherwise have a chance to.
“The motto of the United Negro College Fund is ‘The mind is a terrible thing to waste, but it is also a wonderful thing to invest in.’ Investments that we are making in Kentucky’s HBCUs is having a profound impact and a positive effect upon our Commonwealth,” said Cosby.
Despite the Trump administration’s ban on all DEI language, Governor Beshear said Kentucky will continue to support its HBCUs.
“In Kentucky we still believe diversity is a strength, never a weakness. No matter who else is trying to attack programs that ultimately help everybody achieve, we are going to support those programs, support these universities, support our people. I think we can do this in a way that lifts everybody up, that leaves no one out but certainly gives at least the opportunity for prosperity for every single Kentuckian,” said Beshear.
Even though there are only two HBCUs in Kentucky, about 20 percent of African American graduates in the state graduate from these institutions.