Secretary Cardona opened the 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, celebrating record investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In his address, he acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Dietra Trent and praised the leadership of college presidents.

Cardona emphasized that excellence in higher education is not solely about endowments or rankings but how institutions support their students. He shared a story about Kemryn Lawrence, a former Clark Atlanta student who received personalized instruction when she was the only enrollee in a required course.

"HBCUs go the extra mile for their students," Cardona stated, highlighting the Biden-Harris administration's $16 billion investment in HBCUs. This funding has supported emergency aid during the pandemic, research and development grants, and teacher preparation programs.

The Secretary also addressed broader educational challenges and achievements under President Biden's administration. He cited significant federal investments to reopen schools post-COVID-19 and improvements in student achievement, particularly among Black students.

Cardona discussed mental health initiatives funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and efforts to diversify the teaching profession through teacher apprenticeships and increased salaries. He noted that more than 30 states have raised teacher pay since Biden took office.

Despite progress, Cardona acknowledged ongoing disparities tied to race, place, and income. He criticized efforts to undermine public education through book bans and attacks on diversity initiatives. "If you don’t stand for D-E-I... you stand for division, inequity, and exclusion," he asserted.

Cardona concluded by celebrating America's diversity as a strength of HBCUs and urging continued commitment to educational equity.