Written By Thonnia Lee
Tuskegee University proudly announces that Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., a stalwart supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will be honored with the Booker T. Washington Award in Leadership and Education at the Embracing the Legacy gala. The gala, dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of Tuskegee University, is set to take place on March 15 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Congresswoman Adams, representing North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District for five terms, is renowned for her advocacy for HBCUs, championing the idea that these institutions are among the nation’s most valuable treasures. Serving on the Committee on Education & the Workforce and the House Committee on Agriculture, Adams has been instrumental in shaping policies related to education, agriculture, and workforce protections.
“Congresswoman Alma Adams is an exceptional leader whose tireless efforts in education and social justice, particularly her unwavering support for HBCUs, mirror the values we hold dear at Tuskegee University,” said Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, Tuskegee University President. “We are thrilled to present her with the Booker T. Washington Award in Leadership and Education at this year’s Embracing the Legacy gala.”
Rep. Adams has achieved significant legislative milestones, including the enactment of the FUTURE Act, providing vital funding for Minority-Serving Institutions and creating a $50 million R&D grant program for HBCUs and MSIs. As a founding member and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the founder of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, she continues to champion causes addressing healthcare disparities and supporting HBCUs and their graduates.
A former educator with 40 years of experience teaching at Bennett College, Rep. Adams has been a tireless advocate for quality education. She introduced the landmark Momnibus package to address maternal health disparities and has been a driving force behind legislation supporting nutritious school breakfasts, increased teacher pay, and civic engagement among students.
The Embracing the Legacy gala eagerly anticipates honoring Congresswoman Alma Adams for her outstanding leadership, dedication to education, social justice, and her unwavering support of HBCUs.