[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______


                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 1996

  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, each February, those of us who serve in 
Congress have the occasion to rediscover a rich history that has been 
carefully chronicled by educator and historian, Dr. Carter Woodson, the 
father of Black History Month. This year, our focus is on African-
American women, their past, present, and future.
  As a group, these women have made remarkable contributions to this 
Nation. As individuals, they have enriched lives. Over and over, their 
stories speak to the strength behind the struggle; to the courage that 
leads to triumph; to the vision that leads to victory.
  This year, our Nation mourned the death of Barbara Jordan, a true 
champion of the Constitution. She made history from the moment she was 
elected to Congress as the first African-American from the South to 
serve since Reconstruction. With her passionate commitment to law, her 
burning sense of justice, and above all, a voice that spoke truth, she 
exemplified the spirit of African-American women.
  But such heroines are found in all walks of life, and not just in 
Washington, but in towns and cities across the country. I am proud that 
Connecticut's First Congressional District is home to so many 
remarkable African-American women.
  Some made their mark with community activism, like the late Isabelle 
Blake, founder of Connecticut's African-American Day Parade; Ella 
Cromwell; and Blanche Jackson. Some are outstanding educators, like Dr. 
Edythe Gaines of the Connecticut State Board of Education and Eileen 
Baccus, president of Northwestern Community Technical College.
  Some have served in the political world, like Alred Dyce of the 
Bloomfield Town Council; Carrie Saxon Perry, who broke barriers as the 
first African-American woman elected to lead a northeastern city; 
Annette Carter and Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey, who serve in the State 
legislature today; and Veronica Airey-Wilson, who serves on the 
Hartford City Council. There are government professionals, like the 
city manager of Hartford, Saundra Kee Borges, and the city treasurer, 
Denise Nappier, and those who sit on the bench, like State Superior 
Court Judge Curtissa Cofield.
  Some inspire us with creativity, like Dollie McLean, founder and 
executive director of the artist collective. Others take the lead in 
business, like Kyle Ballou of Fleet Bank. Some we depend on for our 
news, like Gayle King, WFSB-TV 3 news anchor. And some have sent our 
spirits soaring--like Nakisha Sales of the 1994-95 NCAA Champion UCONN 
women's basketball team.
  It has been said that history is not what happened, but what is 
remembered. In this month, we seek to ensure that this precious history 
and these unique accomplishments are preserved forever.

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