Three Mississippi HBCUs awarded $3.1 million total to preserve their 'vibrant history'

bernard · Jul 12, 2024

Three of Mississippi's Historically Black Colleges and Universities are set to receive more than $3.1 million in total to help preserve historical structures on their campus.

The National Park Service announced via a press release that the organization awarded $10,670,000 to 15 projects in eight states as part of the Historic Preservation Fund’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program. The program is aimed at repairing historic structures across HBCU campuses in the United States.

According to the news release, Congress appropriated funding for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program in Fical Year 2023 through the Historic Preservation Fund, where funding is provided by Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease revenues, not tax dollars.

Alcorn State University, Lorman

Harmon Hall Repairs, Phase 1 — award amount: $722,400
Dormitory No. 2 Rehabilitation — award amount: $750,000
Belles Lettres Hall Rehabilitation — award amount: $750,000

“Alcorn State University is grateful to the National Park Service for awarding us over $2 million to preserve and rehabilitate our historic structures. We appreciate their commitment to conserving the rich heritage of our nation’s HBCUs. In addition, I would like to thank our Economic Development and Community Engagement team for their grant writing efforts, which brought this work to fruition," Alcorn State President Tracy Cook said in a statement to the Clarion Ledger.

Jackson State University

Preservation of the Zachary T. Hubert Health Center — award amount: $198,564

"We deeply appreciate this generous grant award from the National Park Service. This funding will be instrumental in preserving the Zachary T. Hubert Health Center, a vital resource for the healthcare needs of our students, faculty, and staff. Safeguarding this facility helps us continue to foster an environment of holistic wellness where our campus community can thrive. We are grateful for the continued support in our mission to enhance the quality of life at Jackson State,” Jackson State President Marcus Thompson said in a statement to the Clarion Ledger.

Rust College, Holly Springs

Leontyne Price Library Rehabilition — award Amount: $750,000