[The Episcopal Church, Office of Public Affairs] In honor of February Black History Month and Blessed Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has called for an increased understanding and commitment to the Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and University, known as HBCUs.
By The Episcopal Church, Office of Public Affairs
Blessed Absalom Jones Offering to Assist Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and University
From The Episcopal Church, Office of Public Affairs
[The Episcopal Church, Office of Public Affairs] In honor of February Black History Month and Blessed Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has called for an increased understanding and commitment to the Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and University, known as HBCUs.
The Presiding Bishop invites Episcopalians "to deepen our participation in Christ's ministry of reconciliation by dedicating offerings at observances of the Feast of Absalom Jones to support the two remaining Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs): St. Augustine's University in Raleigh, NC, and Voorhees College in Denmark, SC."
The two institutions of higher education were founded in the later 19th century as an Episcopal Church missionary venture. "These schools bring educational, economic, and social opportunity to often resource-poor communities, and they offer many blessings into the life of the Episcopal Church," he said.
Donations to the HBCUs will provide much needed help to: offer competitive scholarships and financial aid; attract and retain exceptional faculty; support cutting-edge faculty research; install new and upgraded technology campus-wide; provide state-of-the-art classroom and athletic equipment.
"The Episcopal Church established and made a life-long covenant with these schools, and they are an essential part of the fabric of our shared life," the Presiding Bishop noted.
HBCUs
Once there were 10 HBCUs; however, St. Augustine's and Voorhees are the only two remaining.
Saint Augustine's University (SAU) was founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Located in Raleigh, over 1,000 students pursue Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at SAU, while adult learners engage in advanced studies in Criminal Justice, Organizational Management, and Religious Studies. The mission of the university is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially, and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world.
Voorhees College is a private historically black four-year liberal arts college located in Denmark, SC. Voorhees was founded as the Denmark Industrial School by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, a young black woman, in 1897. A former student of Booker T. Washington, Miss Wright dreamed the seemingly impossible dream of starting a school for African American youth in rural Bamberg County, SC.
To donate:
Donations are accepted here
Bulletin inserts are available here
For more information, contact Tara Elgin Holley, Episcopal Church Director of Development
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