[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            A SALUTE TO THE MOBILE, AL, BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

                                 ______


                          HON. SONNY CALLAHAN

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 1994

  Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
give recognition to an extraordinary program that has boldly taken a 
leading role in promoting cultural awareness of African-American 
history in the Mobile area.
  As we all know, Alabama has played an important role in the 
advancement of African-Americans, including its role as the nerve 
center from which much of the modern-day civil rights movement 
originated.
  However, what most people don't realize is that Mobile has its own 
special chapter of black history even beyond that movement. It is the 
purpose of the Mobile Black History Museum to convey this legacy to 
this generation of African-Americans, as well as all future 
generations.
  Three years ago, Robert Battles began his struggle to make the vision 
for the Mobile Black History Museum become a reality.
  His efforts to enshrine the contributions of the African-American men 
and women who have come before us into the hearts and minds of the 
youth of Mobile County are to be commended. Quite frankly, it has 
become very easy these days for people to concentrate on only the 
negative things happening around us. While these factors cannot be 
ignored, neither should we ignore the positive things that occur each 
day. Indeed, we should strive to focus our attention on these positive 
things.
  The Mobile Black History Museum is unique in its contribution because 
it highlights the struggles and achievements of Mobilians. It is 
important that the youth of Mobile see that there is always room for 
change and reform, no matter who you are, no matter where you come 
from.
  Young minds need role models, and with the rampant increase in black 
on black violence, AIDS, drug abuse, and poverty, it is more important 
than ever before to take time to care for our future as a community, 
State, and nation.
  The museum directs its efforts toward youth, targeting kindergarten 
through 12th grade. Recently, they sent out over 5,000 pamphlets to 
schools in the Mobile area in hopes of reaching all of the young people 
of our county.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Robert Battles, executive director and 
curator of the museum, for his leadership in making this museum a 
reality. Soon, young people of all races will be able to learn about 
African-American history, as well as the many achievements of the black 
community of Mobile in education, social reform, sports, science, and 
medicine.
  And on behalf of the museum, as well as the people of Mobile, I want 
to extend a cordial, south Alabama invitation to all visitors who may 
be in our vicinity, to visit the Mobile Black History Museum and 
experience history that is truly living.

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