President Donald Trump met with leaders of historically black colleges and universities or HBCUs on Monday, one day before he signed an executive order on these institutions. The president of Talladega College was among those at a White House meeting to discuss HBCU’s.
In January, Talladega President Billy Hawkins visited the White House when the college band traveled to D.C. to perform in the inaugural parade. That trip sparked controversy because some alumni said the band should not attend, given the president’s divisive rhetoric during the campaign.
Hawkins has returned to D.C. this week to talk about improving funding for black colleges, an issue he discussed following his January trip.
“If we don’t come to the table, then we’re not going to eat. Talladega College will go the table and work with this administration,” says Hawkins. “We will take our agenda, and that is the support of our students when it comes to federal financial aid.”
Hawkins says he also wants to talk about infrastructure on college campuses.
Leaders from other historically black colleges attending will represent Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Stillman College, Lawson State Community College and Tuskegee University.