Members of the Virginia General Assembly announced the launch of the Virginia Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus on Tuesday, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative group aimed at promoting and protecting the interests of the state’s HBCUs and the students and communities they serve.

The caucus is co-chaired by Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, and Del. Alex Askew, D-Newport News, and brings together lawmakers who are HBCU alumni, represent districts with HBCUs or hold leadership roles on higher education committees. 

“The creation of the Virginia HBCU Caucus reflects our shared commitment to continued investment, affordability and accessibility,” Askew said. “By working collaboratively with institutional leaders, students and stakeholders, we can advance meaningful policies that strengthen HBCUs and the communities they serve.” 

Locke said the caucus provides a focused, bipartisan approach to addressing longstanding inequities while positioning the institutions and students for long-term success. 

HBCU leaders praised the caucus as a step toward ensuring equitable investments in higher education. Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University, said the partnership is “essential to ensuring HBCUs have the resources necessary to continue serving students, advancing research, and strengthening workforce pipelines across the Commonwealth.” 

Other priorities for the 2026 legislative session include increasing investment in the HBCU Partnership to address historic funding gaps, expanding state financial aid and TAG program support, and modernizing campus infrastructure at public and private HBCUs.