Power in the Margins: Funding What’s Always Mattered
Policy Committee May 15, 2025
HARRISBURG, May 15 – Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have faced years of chronic underfunding, prompting the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee and PA Legislative Black Caucus to convene a joint policy hearing Thursday to discuss how the state can provide sustainable support to these institutions of higher education. The hearing, hosted by Rep. Regina Young (D-Delaware, Phila.), was part of the PLBC’s annual K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action, highlighting the work and advocacy of the first Black Speaker of the PA House of Representatives. The conversation highlighted how targeted investments can strengthen HBCUs, whose contributions have long been overlooked but are essential to fostering equitable educational opportunities for all. 
- Host: Rep. Regina Young, D-Delaware, Philadelphia
- Testifiers:
- Edison Freire- Vice President of the School of Adult and Continuing Education, Lincoln University of PA
- Dr. Crystaline Barger- Board President, PGH HBCU Collaborative
- Chad Lassiter- Executive Director, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
- Omar Rice- Youth Program Manager, Urban League of Philadelphia
Agenda + Testimony
Media Release + News Coverage
Video + Photos