91ÌÒÉ«

Dear 91ÌÒÉ« BUILD Fellows, Scholars, and Alumni,

As we reflect on the importance of Black History Month, it is a sad reality that this joyous celebration of the long history of Black and African American accomplishment is also accompanied by the rising threat of violence and overt racism. The 91ÌÒÉ« BUILD Program stands in solidarity with our colleagues and students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the face of the recent bomb threats. We especially support our fellow BUILD sites Morgan State and Xavier University of Louisiana, both of which have received threats that have disrupted educational activities as the semester starts. Although we are relieved that these threats have not resulted in physical violence and are pleased to hear that law enforcement has identified suspects in some cases, we acknowledge the psychological toll that these acts of terror and racism take against these bastions of education and empowerment for students of color. 91ÌÒÉ« BUILD condemns these threats and supports the students, staff, and faculty at all HBCUs.

91ÌÒÉ« BUILD Program