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MEDIA ADVISORY

February 23, 2004

Frances Marine or
MacKay Jimeson
(850) 245-0413

Commissioner Jim Horne, Community College Chancellor David Armstrong and Colleges and Universities Chancellor Debra Austin Celebrate Higher Education Day for Black History Month
Guest speakers and panel discussions by special guests honor higher education in black history

TALLAHASSEE — Commissioner of Education Jim Horne, Community Colleges Chancellor David Armstrong and Colleges and Universities Chancellor Debra Austin will co-host Higher Education Day for Black History Month.

The keynote speaker for the morning session is former FAMU President Walter L. Smith, author of The Magnificent Twelve: Florida's Black Junior Colleges. The afternoon session will be a panel discussion on the effects of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v Board of Education. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of this decision.

The Brown v Board of Education case had a significant impact on all African American students," said Commissioner Horne. "Today, Florida's students are taking advantage of every opportunity to receive a quality education."

Dr. Smith, along with the Florida Association of Community Colleges, will later be hosting a special presentation and unveiling to honor Florida's Black Community Colleges.

"Florida's community college system is among the best in the nation," said Chancellor Armstrong. "We see a greater number of African American students graduate each year and continue on into the workforce with greater success."

"Florida's university system continues to grow both in diversity and in opportunity," said Chancellor Austin. "This discussion will focus on our nation's past and rising to the challenges of the future."

The schedule of events is as follows:

February 24, 2004
9:00 a.m.
17th floor, Turlington Building
"The Black Junior College Movement in Florida"
Dr. Walter L. Smith, Guest Speaker

10:30 a.m.
816 South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Group departs for Florida Association of Community Colleges

11:00 a.m.
Special Presentation and Unveiling Honoring Florida's Black Junior Colleges
Hosted by Dr. Smith & the Florida Association of Community Colleges

2:00 p.m.
Lobby and 17th floor, Turlington
African American Education History Exhibit

3:00 p.m.
17th floor, Turlington
Panel Discussion: Brown v Board of Education, How Has the Supreme Court's Decision Transformed Higher Education?
Featured panelists: Dr. Larry Rivers, Hon. Judith Hawkins, and Dr. Glenda Rabby