The HBCU Network feels that it is important to showcase what organizations are doing to support our HBCUs. While it is common for African American churches to have outreach programs that strengthen our community, it is not frequent to find church ministries that are focused on celebrating and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For this reason, we find it important to highlight Shiloh Baptist Church (SBC), one the oldest African American churches in Washington, DC. Under the leadership of the Reverend Doctor Wallace Charles Smith, SBC has developed an HBCU Council focused on celebrating the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and supporting students through scholarships. The Council has a leadership board and membership consisting primarily of proud HBCU alumni (both old school and new) representing a number of HBCUs nationwide.

February marks the second year of SBC's HBCU Heritage Series. The Series kicks off with a Reception and Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 19 at the Howard University Blackburn Center to raise funds for SBC's two scholarship programs. Last year's event raised over $3,000 in scholarship funds to support local high school students (from DC, Maryland, or Virginia) attending HBCUs. SBC is hoping to increase the fundraising in 2005 in order to support more outstanding students.

In addition to the HBCU Heritage Series, the HBCU Council also hosts workshops for the local community focused on SAT Preparation, the college admissions process, and other topics of importance to future college students.

For more information on the SBC's HBCU Heritage Series events, please visit the Shiloh Baptist Church website at http://www.shilohbaptist.org or call the HBCU Council at 202-232-4200 extension 25. All events are open to the public.