Towns Applauds President Obama’s New Initiative to Improve Educational Outcomes for African Americans

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns today hailed President Barack Obama’s announcement that he would sign an Executive Order creating the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans.  President Obama made the announcement during a speech at the National Urban League conference in New Orleans.

“This latest effort by the Obama Administration to directly address lagging educational outcomes by African Americans is greatly needed to ensure that the gains made during the civil rights era are not completely eroded,” Rep. Towns stated.  “African Americans have always had the short end of the stick when it comes to education.  This new initiative will restore hope to our communities.”

The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans will be housed within the Department of Education and will work across Federal agencies and with partners and communities to ensure a more productive continuum of education programs for African American students.  According to a statement from the White House, “The Initiative aims to ensure that all African American students receive an education that fully prepares them for high school graduation, college completion, and productive careers.”

The Executive Order also creates the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans that will the President and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on matters pertaining to the educational attainment of the African American community.  “As a former educator, educating young African Americans has always been a priority for me,” Rep. Towns stated.  “I will be hosting a forum in September for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference looking at innovative methods to increase educational achievement for young African American males.”

###