TOUGALOO, MISS. – Tougaloo is excited to welcome Marcia Fudge, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. While on the campus of the Eagle Queen, Secretary Fudge met with Presidents of Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, MS Valley State University, Rust College. Also in attendance was United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson and participants representing housing, homelessness, and financial institutions.
Today was the first stop of her "HUD on the Road" tour. The Secretary’s plans included visiting HUD-funded homes to speak with homeowners, the roundtable discussion, and a meeting with faith leaders. The "HUD on the Road" tour is a new initiative from the federal department that promotes engagement with local communities and leaders across the country.
Secretary Fudge believes that our housing issues do not fit into a one-size-fits-all approach. She believes that we need policies and programs that can adapt to meet our community’s unique housing challenges. She is committed to making the dream of homeownership, economic security, and wealth a reality for more Americans.
“Tougaloo is an economic driver, and we are looking to develop the area around our college with the help of our trusted colleagues and partners. We are poised to move things forward for the students and community around us. It is a pleasure to host this roundtable here on the campus” said President Carmen J. Walters.
Congressman Thompson remarked that “All too often funding has come down but not made it to the community in the way that it should.” He went on to say that we have do better and it starts with discussions like today.
Secretary Fudge concurred remarking that “The impact and the ability to succeed is rooted in the partnerships of the people in this room. The funding coming down is momentous and should be widely known amongst our community.”
We thank Congressman Thompson and Secretary Fudge for today’s discussion as it is pivotal to the social mobility Tougaloo College seeks continues and sustain. The engaging and fruitful discussion is a steppingstone to continue lifting and stabilization our communities.
