[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. BLANCHE M. LAMBERT

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 23, 1994

  Ms. LAMBERT. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month and 
observe the many accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans 
to the rich history of our country, we need look no further than the 
Delta region of Arkansas' First Congressional District. African-
American history and the Delta cannot be separated. African-Americans 
made an impression everywhere they settled in this country. Nowhere is 
this impression so firmly imprinted, so interwoven to the very fabric 
of the local economy, culture, and community as it is in the Delta.
  Under the climate of many hardships of the past and present and as 
the Delta region began shifting from an agricultural to a manufacturing 
economy, African-Americans have made and continue to make numerous 
contributions in music, the arts, education, and the sciences. The 
Fargo Agricultural School was founded to give blacks an opportunity to 
get an education and have career guidance. The rich musical history of 
blues grew and developed in many a Delta town. African-Americans became 
landowners and businessmen. African-American architects and craftsmen 
designed and built the Centennial Baptist Church in Helena, AR, now on 
the National Register of Historic Places. This persistence of the 
spirit is evident today in the number of African-Americans from the 
region who have assumed positions of prominence in every field of 
endeavor. There is no longer one black doctor, one black lawyer, one 
black educator, or one black elected official. Their numbers swell with 
the pride of their accomplishments. Just as significant, however, are 
the lessons these African-Americans impart to us about the importance 
of such things as education, integrity, and belief in oneself.
  In my personal reflections on Black History Month, visions of my 
fifth grade teacher Muriel Wilkins dance before me. They say in the 
life of a child, teachers are second only to parents in a child's 
upbringing. Mrs. Wilkins shaped my life by teaching me not only 
reading, writing, and arithmetic, but compassion for my fellow man and 
responsibility for my actions. I will be forever grateful for her 
powerful influence on my life.
  Fortunately, America is blessed with an abundance of human talent. If 
we are to continue our unique role in world affairs, we must rededicate 
ourselves to providing the opportunities for all Americans to reach 
their full potential. Paying tribute to African-American history during 
the month of February is indeed a moving testimony to the greatness of 
our Nation--and to the individuals who help to make it so.

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