[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                THE NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM ACT

  Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, as I said last night, I would have liked to 
reach agreement with my colleague from North Carolina on the National 
African American Museum. I am disappointed that agreement could not be 
reached.
  It is unfortunate that the Senate is not able to pass the National 
African American Museum Act prior to adjournment. I urge those 
interested in donating artifacts or collections to the National African 
American Museum, to keep the Smithsonian in mind. It is too bad the 
American people, the Smithsonian and its millions of world-wide 
visitors have to lose out to this delay. My colleague in the House, 
Representative John Lewis, and I will be offering legislation again 
next year.
  The debate on the Museum has gone on far too long. I respect the 
right to filibuster; however, that right has been abused. The time has 
come for this country to have a national museum to honor and document 
the heritage of this country's 30 million African Americans.
  I appreciate the strong bipartisan efforts of my colleagues in 
support of this museum over the past 5 years. I would specifically like 
to thank Senator John McCain and Senator Wendell Ford for their efforts 
in support of this legislation. They have been helpful since I first 
introduced legislation in 1989.
  Some will continue to ask why this museum? Why not an Irish American 
or a German American museum? The history of the United States 
unfortunately shows us that two groups were severely mistreated and had 
a very different American experience. Their experience should be 
remembered and their heritage should be remembered. One group, Native 
Americans, has been successful in having its story told nationally by 
the Smithsonian. The second, African Americans, will be remembered 
appropriately when this act is signed into law.
  Museums are tools of immense power to educate and enrich. An African 
American Museum would help to educate all Americans about the 
contributions of African Americans. The museum will help facilitate the 
knowledge and understanding of African American culture that may change 
unhealthy attitudes and help foster better relations between people of 
all races.
  African Americans make up 12 percent of the population in the United 
States, and there are over 29 million African American citizens. Of the 
over 40 million school children in the United States, 16.2 percent are 
African American. These children need to learn about their ancestors' 
role in shaping this Nation. All Americans would be enriched by this 
knowledge. In addition, of the 30 million visitors to the Smithsonian 
every year, many are from other countries. These travelers also use 
museums to gain cultural impressions and information. If we are to 
preserve and present the American heritage to all Americans and to the 
world, then we must include the contributions of African Americans.
  We often describe American culture as a multi-patterned quilt, 
intertwined with many fabrics. A fundamental thread of the American 
fabric is the history, culture, and art of African Americans. The 
heritage of African Americans is unique. If we are to educate Americans 
about our history and culture, and if we wish to present to the world 
an accurate picture of American heritage, we must show the African 
American experience in a national museum.
  I thank my colleagues again for their support, and look forward to 
enacting the National African American Museum early next year.

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