[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN SUPPORT OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______


                         HON. MARTIN OLAV SABO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 1996

  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for 
Black History Month. This year, we are celebrating African-American 
women of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In Minnesota, we are fortunate 
to have a fine tradition of civic leaders who have dedicated their 
lives to enriching the lives of others through their selfless 
contributions. Today, I'd like to recognize three, among many, of the 
African-American women in Minnesota who have become shining role models 
for us all.
  In this brief history, the State of Minnesota has had many gifted 
leaders who were also African-American women. In 1923, Ethel Ray Nance 
(1899-1992) was the first black woman hired by the Minnesota 
Legislature and was the first black policewoman in Minnesota. During 
her long life, Ms. Nance was an activist in several civil rights 
organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement 
of Colored People [NAACP]. She also served as the director of research 
for the National Urban League.
  In more recent years, Nellie Stone Johnson, who celebrated her 90th 
birthday in December, 1995, has been one of the most outspoken and 
thoughtful leaders in Minnesota's African-American community. 
Generations of Minnesotans owe Nellie a great deal for her dedication 
to community-building, to civil rights, and to economic fairness. In 
the tradition of Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale, Nellie Stone 
Johnson has been rock solid in her commitment to the most vulnerable in 
our society.
  Finally, representing a new generation of African-American women 
leaders, Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, elected in 1993, is 
the first African-American and the first female mayor of Minneapolis. 
Mayor Sayles Belton began her public service career immediately after 
college--when as a civil rights worker she traveled to Jackson, MS, to 
register voters. She later became the first African-American president 
of the Minneapolis City Council. As mayor, she has continued her 
efforts to strengthen families and children by focusing on education, 
crime prevention, and the economic development of neighborhoods in the 
city.
  I am proud to say that these women, and many other African-Americans, 
have had an important impact on my life and the lives of many 
Minnesotans. I wish to thank them for their service to the community, 
the women's movement, and the United States of America. All citizens 
should be grateful for their accomplishments and endeavors. Mr. 
Speaker, as we observe Black History Month, I commend Ethel Ray Nance, 
Nellie Stone Johnson, Mayor Sayles Belton, and all African-Americans 
for their contributions to our society.

                          ____________________