[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 22, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 WITH NEW NAACP LEADER WE CAN HAVE HOPE

                                 ______


                          HON. CARDISS COLLINS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 22, 1995

  Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, the selection this past 
weekend by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People [NAACP] of Myrlie Evers-Williams as its new chairwoman, comes at 
a crucial time for new and aggressive leadership of our Nation's oldest 
civil rights organization.
  I congratulate Mrs. Evers-Williams, and I salute the NAACP for its 
courage in making tough choices. Tough choices are never easy to make, 
and I doubt if this will be a choice made in vain.
  Mrs. Evers-Williams now has before her the immediate task of 
protesting G.O.P. roll-backs of civil rights gains spearheaded by her 
organization over the past three decades. These are civil rights 
policies--labeled affirmative action programs--that have been set in 
place in the United States since the 1960's to counter discrimination 
against African-Americans, women, ethnic minorities, and persons from 
low socio-economic backgrounds.
  Ironically, at the same time that Mrs. Evers-Williams was being 
elected chairwoman of the NAACP this past weekend, on the east coast, 
G.O.P. political aspirants were extolling promises to end affirmative 
action--saying such policies hurt and discriminate against white males.
  On the west coast--in California--voters who last year denied 
services to illegal immigrants, were gearing up to decide whether to 
end State programs that broaden opportunities for those most in need--
women and racial/ethnic minorities.
  How symbolic that such battles are taking place during Black History 
Month. How frightening that these battles must take place again--or 
even at all.
  I stand with our freedom fighters willing to continue the struggle 
for civil rights for all Americans. Indeed, anyone who has benefited 
from these rights is obligated to rise today to ward off this vicious, 
mean-spirited attack against our hard fought gains.
  Mr. Speaker, listen to the message being delivered to America today. 
The people want opportunity. The people want freedom of choice. Don't 
allow roll backs of the struggles for civil rights. Let this great 
Nation of ours continue becoming even greater. In other words, leave 
our civil rights gains alone.


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