[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 1995
  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, as this year's Black History Month comes to 
a close, it is appropriate to remember its origins. The celebration 
dates back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a period of 
time in February to celebrate the heritage and accomplishments of black 
Americans. It took 50 years, but in 1976, February was officially 
declared Black History Month.
  In the last decade, black Americans have increasingly received 
recognition for their achievements. In 1983, Guion S. Bluford Jr. 
became the first black astronaut to travel into space. And just this 
month, Dr. Bernard A. Harris became the first black astronaut to walk 
in space. In literature, both Alice Walker and Toni Morrison received 
the Pulitzer prize in 1983 and 1988, respectively. Most notably, Army 
Gen. Colin Powell became the first black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 
of Staff, and his heroic leadership and steadfast confidence during the 
Persian Gulf conflict not only won a war, but reassured a Nation.
  When commenting on the present, let us not forget the black Americans 
of the past who helped set the stage for today's achievements. The 
theme of this year's Black History Month is ``Reflections of 1895: 
Douglas, DuBois, Washington,'' in honor of the famous black Americans 
of the 19th century. Each championed the rights of African-Americans in 
the United States, although at times they disagreed on the means of 
achieving their common ultimate goal. Frederick Douglas, a freed slave, 
devoted his life to the cause of freedom and equality for all 
Americans. W.E.B. DuBois, who also gained freedom from slavery, is best 
known as one of the founders of the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People, and an outspoken advocate for education. 
Booker T. Washington, who took a different approach to education, 
nonetheless shared DuBois' desire for a more integrated and 
conciliatory society. Although these three great men differed on means, 
their goal was the same: justice and equality for all black Americans.
  The accomplishments of black Americans are great indeed, and span 
every sector of society; we should not wait until February of each year 
to remember their many accomplishments. But in celebrating African-
American accomplishments, it is imperative that we emphasize the word 
American as much as the word African. For just as surely as George 
Washington and Amelia Earhart are vital parts of every black American's 
heritage, so too are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thurgood Marshall 
vital parts of our national heritage.
  We should recognize great blacks, therefore, not because they are 
black, but because they are great individuals. If we are to move 
forward as the world's most diverse and successful multicultural 
Nation, we must stop defining each other by the color of our skin, and 
strive to judge one another by the content of our character.


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