Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr., Congressional Candidate for District 23 (FL), Applauds HBCUs

West Palm Beach, FL, September 14, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr., Congressional Candidate for District 23 (Florida), applauds and supports the White House's Presidential proclamation of September 9, 2007 through September 15, 2007 as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. Having spent the first 18 years of his life growing up on the campuses of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina, Central State University in Wilberforce,Ohio, and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. is acutely aware of the tremendous societal input that HBCUs have provided over a great many years. "Though I may be a graduate of Duke University, my heart forever remains with the Mighty Vikings of ECSU, the Soaring Eagles of NCCU, and the Marching Marauders of Central State," explains Dr. Thorpe.

Dr. Thorpe's father, the late Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Sr., implanted a zest for learning and an appreciation for Higher Education that remains with Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. to this day. "It remains my lifelong mission to ensure the development and growth of our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities," states Dr. Thorpe. Dr. Thorpe further explains, "My father instilled a 'Commitment to Excellence' in his students; thus, it is no surprise to me that one of his charges, Chancellor Gilchrist, has returned to lead Elizabeth City State University into the 21st century." Given Gilchrist's academic upbringing, Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. eagerly anticipates the future direction of his father's old school.

As relates to Florida's 23rd Congressional District, Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. anticipates continued excellence from Florida's HBCUs. Dr. Thorpe states, "Not only do I hold Dr. Ammons accountable for guiding and promoting Florida A & M's future successes, I also expect great things from Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, and Florida Memorial University." A key tenet of Dr. Thorpe's P.E.A.C.E. Initiative for Congressional District 23 (Florida) is anchored by his push for Education Reform within the Kindergarten through 12th Grade curriculum goals set forth by the Public School system. "Once I make certain that our young people are prepared for college-level learning, our surrounding HBCUs must be ready and willing to admit, train, and graduate the young people of CD 23. In effect, my P.E.A.C.E. driven Congressional platform and the collective student-oriented HBCU mission must productively meld in a manner that creates a circle of success for the young people of Florida's 23rd Congressional District," proclaims Dr. Thorpe. It is Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr.'s firmest hope that hometown HBCU graduates will return to CD 23 for positions of leadership and community-wide education of future generations.

Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. pledges to do his level best to support the mission of HBCUs within Florida and within this Nation once he is elected to Congress in 2008.

Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. is the right man at the right time as people yearn for positive change in Florida's 23rd Congressional District. Dr. Thorpe encourages you to support his P.E.A.C.E. platform by visiting www.marionthorpe.com and joining the Thorpe '08 team today.

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