; Whereas the dearth of African American women in engineering is a crucial area for improvement that has grave implications for the American economy; Whereas research shows that lack of visible role models in engineering, fear of stereotypes, biculturalism, tokenism, feelings of isolation, and pay inequities in the engineering workforce are all systemic factors in the decreasing number of African American women engineers; Whereas the celebration of existing African American women engineering talent is cited as a way to increase the number of African American women engineers; Whereas February 23rd would be an appropriate time to recognize African American women engineers; and Whereas Historically Black Colleges and Universities are particularly critical in meeting the challenge of cultivating more African American women engineering talent: Now, therefore, be it