Martin Luther King Republicans Applaud President Trump's Executive Order Empowering HBCUs

CHICAGO, IL – The Martin Luther King Republicans (MLKR) proudly support the Executive Order signed on April 23rd by President Donald J. Trump, which establishes a new White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This bold action reinforces the President's long-standing commitment to educational excellence, economic empowerment, and innovation at America's HBCUs, promising a brighter future for these institutions.

Housed within the President's Executive Office, the Initiative is designed to elevate HBCUs' capacity to deliver high-quality education, foster private-sector partnerships, and prepare students for thriving careers in high-growth industries such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.

The E.O. builds upon the President's earlier transformative support for HBCUs, relocating the Federal HBCU Initiative to the White House, enacting the FUTURE Act, which secured $255 million in permanent annual funding, and delivering over $300 million in hurricane recovery support. The new Executive Order not only restores the Initiative to the White House but enhances its scope by:

• Supporting the implementation of the HBCU PARTNERS Act

• Expanding research and programmatic excellence

• Improving affordability, retention, and pathways to enrollment

• Strengthening HBCUs' competitiveness for federal and state grants, including R&D funding

• Launching an annual White House Summit on HBCUs

• Establishing the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs within the Department of Education, comprising distinguished leaders from various sectors.

Dr. Jimmy Lee Tillman II, Founder and President of Martin Luther King Republicans and a proud HBCU alumnus of Central State University, applauded the Order:

"As an HBCU graduate, I am deeply moved by President Trump's continued commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This Executive Order is not only a testament to the value of these institutions but a powerful investment in America's future. I am proud that my niece Jumoke Tillman-Howell will graduate from Central State University this May, continuing our family's legacy. Our HBCUs are engines of opportunity, innovation, and national pride, and this Executive Order ensures they have the tools to thrive."

MLKR stands firm in its unwavering support for policies that promote opportunity, community development, and educational excellence for all Americans. This Executive Order is a vital step forward in ensuring HBCUs remain competitive, innovative, and accessible for future generations.