[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 35 (Friday, February 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 22, 1995
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleagues from 
Ohio and New Jersey, Messrs. Stokes and Payne, for calling this special 
order on Black History Month and choosing this year's appropriate 
theme; Reflections on 1895: Douglass, DuBois, Washington.
  This theme sets forth the resolve, dedication and commitment of three 
giants, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, and Booker T. Washington, 
who were profound scholars and leaders.
  Their determination to change the course of history for African-
Americans have inspired peoples of all races to continue fighting for 
freedom, equal access, and justice--without regard to skin color.
  The goals that these leaders championed in the 19th century remain 
every bit as significant today. The only thing that has changed is the 
scope of their dreams and the new challenges that face the African-
American community.
  Like Frederick Douglass, African-American community leaders and 
organizations are united in their efforts to achieve greater political 
equality for all citizens of color.
  In the city of San Francisco, Eva Patterson has worked as a tireless 
advocate for political, economic, and social justice. As the executive 
director of the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights, Ms. Patterson 
continues to be an eloquent spokesperson on human and civil rights 
issues, and leads an organization which is known nationwide for its 
effective advocacy on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, and the 
ignored of our society.
  As the first African-American to receive a Ph.D in history from 
Harvard University, W.E.B. DuBois understood that education represented 
the key to economic advancement and remained an activist for expanded 
educational opportunities for African-Americans until he died in 1963.
  Like Dr. DuBois, Larry Gray, of the San Francisco Midnight Basketball 
League, has also worked to expand educational opportunities for young 
African-American men in San Francisco's western addition. Larry Gray, 
an ex-NBA player, is a role model to the youth of San Francisco, 
emphasizing the value of education, job training, and peer support in 
the development of African-American youth.
  Also like Dr. DuBois, another African-American, Cmdr. Richard Holder, 
has stressed the importance of self-sufficiency and achievement in his 
career.
  Commander Holder, the head of San Francisco's Special Operations 
Division, is the highest-ranking African-American in the San Francisco 
Police Department. He is known for his commitment to assisting his 
community through initiating community policing, participating in 
neighborhood organizations, and serving as a role model to all young 
people in San Francisco.
  Like Booker T. Washington, who concentrated on the economic 
development of African-Americans, Etienne Le Grande has developed an 
organization devoted to economic empowerment. As executive director and 
founder of WISE--Women Initiatives for Self-Employment--Etienne has 
become a leader in small business creation and incubation in the San 
Francisco Bay Area. Through her efforts, hundreds of women, primarily 
low-income and minority, have been helped in finding and realizing 
their dreams of ownership and self-sufficiency.
  Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate to represent California's 8th 
Congressional District and to work with the many outstanding African-
American leaders and community organizations based in the city of San 
Francisco.
  I have had the privilege of extolling the achievements of other 
African-American leaders on previous occasions, and there are many more 
yet to recognize. But recognizing them for their work is not enough: 
we, as Members of Congress honoring Black History Month, must pledge to 
support their efforts and enable them to continue their efforts until 
true economic, social, and political justice is achieved.
  As we work toward greater equality and freedom in our society, we 
must remind ourselves that the efforts of Mr. Gray, Ms. Patterson, Mr. 
Holder, and Ms. Le Grande, and their predecessors, represent struggles 
that deserve credit and appreciation every day--not just during Black 
History Month.


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