As plans for the Inauguration of President-elect Joseph Biden and Vice President-elect
Kamala Harris are underway, Coahoma Community College has announced that the over
70-year-old institution will be featured among its HBCU sister-schools from across
the nation in a special presentation highlighting the impact that HBCUs have played
in the fabric of our country.
According to the Presidential Inauguration website, for more than 200 years, America's
citizens have witnessed the President and Vice President of the United States' Inauguration
ceremonies. From the first Inauguration of George Washington, in New York City, in
1789, to today, as we prepare for the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies, the Swearing-In Ceremonies
represent both national renewal and continuity of leadership.
One of the ways the Inauguration will highlight the impact of historically black colleges
and universities and their graduates on society is a digital video that will air during
the week of the Inauguration festivities.
Marriel Hardy, chief communications officer and branding identity, sees this opportunity
as a great outlet to share the rich history of Coahoma, and HBCUs in general, with
a national and global audience.
"For generation after generation, Coahoma Community College has been a springboard
of success for countless successful Tiger alumni," said Hardy. "Over the years, the
institution has worked tirelessly to provide educational and vocational opportunities
to those who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to gain a quality education.
So, for Coahoma to be featured alongside the nation's top HBCUs is a testament to
the mission of service that we were founded upon over 70 years ago."
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are higher education institutions
in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to
serve the African-American community primarily. Most of these institutions were founded
in the years after the American Civil War and are concentrated in the Southern United
States. There are currently 101 HBCUs in the nation.
"Coahoma has risen from humble beginnings to prominence as one of the nation's premier
comprehensive community colleges," said Hardy. "We have committed to preparing our
students for college or university transfer and/or entering a skilled workforce. This
is our charge. This is our mission."
"Because of this particular mission and charge, inclusion in 59th Presidential Inaugural activities is a true honor and speaks to the transformative
work that Coahoma has been endeavored to do for so many years," Hardy added. "I know
this will be a tremendous point of pride for all who hold Coahoma near and dear."
The incoming administration has stated that they realize the critical role historically
black colleges and universities played in their victory and believe that they should
share their success.
Coahoma officials plan on releasing specific details regarding the time, date, and
airing platform of the presentation as soon as those details are made available. Friends
of the institution are encouraged to monitor the institution's website and social
media accounts for the latest updates.
For more information about the 59th Presidential Inaugration, visit www.bideninagural.org.