[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H1494-H1506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of May 
12, 1995, the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Payne] is recognized for 
40 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the 
Congressional Black Caucus, I am pleased to lead my colleagues in once 
again commemorating Black History Month. Let me take a moment to 
acknowledge the leadership of our colleague, Congressman Lou Stokes, 
who organized tonight's special order. A health problem has prevented 
him from being here tonight, and we want him to know we wish him a 
speedy recovery. He has been diligent in arranging special orders every 
year during the month of February, Black History Month. It was in 1976, 
the bicentennial year, that Congress first passed a resolution to 
institute a celebration of Black History Month.
  This year, we have chosen the theme ``African-American Women--
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow'' in recognition of the enormous 
contributions that African-American women have made to our history and 
culture. In every field of endeavor--public service, politics, law, 
medicine, literature, corporate management, education, and others--
African-American women are achievers.
  Let me begin by recognizing the women of the Black Caucus serving in 
the 104th Congress. They have inspired tremendous respect as each has 
approached issues before this Congress with eloquence, passion, and 
keen insight. Not only have they left their mark on public policy, they 
serve as outstanding role models for young women and aspirations to 
public service. Let us also recognize the great women of past 
Congresses, the trailblazers whose dreams made today's realities 
possible. Since 1969, when Shirley Chisholm was sworn in as the first 
African-American woman to serve in Congress, the door of opportunity 
has been opening and the Congressional Black Caucus now includes 11 
women. In yet another first, Shirley Chisholm ran for President in 
1972, placing her name on the ballot in 12 primary contests. We had an 
historic first in 1992 with the stunning victory of Carol Moseley-Braun 
as she took her place as the first African-American to serve in the 
U.S. Senate.

  This year marked the passing of one of our greatest leaders of all 
times, the Honorable Barbara Jordan. A staunch defender of the 
Constitution, Barbara Jordan was a tower of strength during the 
Watergate crisis, one of the most troubling times in our Nation's 
history. As the first African-American Congresswoman from a southern 
State, and as the first African-American woman to deliver a keynote 
address at the Democratic National Convention, she was a true pioneer 
in the field of public service. A forthright woman of courage and 
dignity, she will be greatly missed.
  Let me take a moment to recognize all of the African-American women 
who have served so honorably in the U.S. Congress, beginning with 
Shirley Chisholm and followed by Yvonne Brathwaite Burke; Cardiss 
Collins, who is the longest serving African-American woman in the 
history of Congress; our great champion Barbara Jordan; Katie Hall, 
Barbara-Rose Collins, Eleanor Holmes Norton; Maxine Waters; Eva 
Clayton; Corrine Brown; Eddie Bernice Johnson; Cynthia McKinney; Carrie 
Meek; Sheila Jackson-Lee; and Senator Carol Moseley-Braun.
  Let me also pay tribute to an outstanding Cabinet member, Secretary 
of Energy Hazel O'Leary, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for 
many years going back to our days growing up together in New Jersey. In 
her position at the Department of Energy, she has worked tirelessly on 
issues ranging from energy development to the health effects of 
radiation testing. She has achieved tremendous success in negotiating 
trade agreements with a potential value to our Nation of billions of 
dollars.
  Also rendering outstanding service in the executive branch are 
Lorraine Miller, who formerly served as Deputy Assistant to the 
President for Legislative Affairs and now holds a post in the Federal 
Trade Commission; Alexis Herman, Director of Public Liaison at the 
White House; and Tracey Thornton, Special Assistant for Legislative 
Affairs.
  I am proud of the many accomplished African-American women who hail 
from my home State of New Jersey. In fact, I had a swearing in ceremony 
in Newark which was presided over by a distinguished African-American 
judge, Judge Ann Thompson. I also have crossed paths with Connie 
Woodruff, a former labor union representative who is now a columnist. 
Dr. Delores Cross, a New Jerseyan who has achieved excellence as an 
educator and administrator, now serves as president of Chicago State 
University.
  My home State of New Jersey is rich in a history which encompasses 
many famous African Americans. For example, Harriet Tubman, the famous 
operator of the underground railroad, worked as a servant in hotels in 
Cape May, NJ between 1849 and 1852 in order to earn money to finance 
her missions.
  In 1886, a school was established in New Jersey called the New Jersey 
Manual Training and Industrial School for Colored Youth; it was better 
known as the Bordentown School. Among the many distinguished visitors 
and commencement speakers was the great educator and civil rights 
champion, Mary McCleod Bethune.
  East Orange, NJ was the hometown of Marion Thompson Wright, the first 
African-American professional historian. She taught at Howard 
University until her death in 1962.
  Gail Elizabeth Harris was the first African-American priest in the 
diocese of Newark, NJ. The fifth woman ordained in the Episcopal 
Church, she graduated from the Divinity School of the Pacific in 
Berkeley, CA.
  New Jersey was also home to the great tennis champion, Althea Gibson. 
In 1951, she became the first African American to play at Wimbledon. In 
1957, she won both the singles and doubles Wimbledon crowns.
  One of the most successful African-American entrepreneurs, Sara 
Spence Washington, founded the Apex Beauty Products Co. in Atlantic 
City, NJ. Ms. Washington established her business in 1919, and by the 
late 1930's her Atlantic City office and factory had 87 employees, 
including chemists, clerks, bookkeepers, and beauty operators. With 
beauty schools in 11 cities, an estimated 35,000 individuals throughout 


[[Page H1495]]
the world were dependent on the sales of her products.
  African-American women were breaking into nontraditional roles long 
before women gained any degree of acceptance in the workplace. In the 
field of aviation, Bessie Coleman, who was born in 1893, became the 
first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license back in 1921.
  Then, in 1934, Willa Brown Chappell became the first African-American 
woman to gain officer rank--lieutenant--in the Civil Air Patrol 
Squadron. She went on to form the first black aviator's group and 
established the first black-owned flying school, the Coffey School of 
Aeronautics.
  African-American women have achieved a number of historic firsts in 
recent decades. Patricia Harris set records as she became the first 
African-American woman to be appointed an ambassador to an overseas 
post when President Lyndon Johnson chose her as Ambassador to 
Luxembourg; 2 years later she became the first to head the credentials 
committee of the Democratic National Committee; and then under 
President Jimmy Carter, she ascended to the position of Secretary of 
Housing and Urban Development, the first African-American woman to hold 
a Cabinet position.

  In 1973, Shirley Ann Jackson received a Ph.D. in physics and became 
the first African-American woman in the United States to receive a 
doctorate from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
  Mae Jamison will take her place in history as the first African-
American woman to become an astronaut, exploring the world of 
possibilities beyond the planet Earth.
  African-American women have also excelled in the creative and 
performing arts. The whole Nation took notice when Maya Angelou read 
her beautiful poetry at President Clinton's inauguration. Toni 
Morrison, the great novelist and editor, won a Pulitzer Prize for 
fiction for her novel ``Beloved'' and the National Book Critics Circle 
Award for ``Song of Solomon.'' Many Americans have enjoyed the music of 
jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, who was hailed by Time Magazine as ``The 
First Lady of Song.'' Also gifted with a beautiful voice is Leontyne 
Price, the soprano singer, who won the San Francisco Opera Medal after 
performances in ``Falstaff,'' ``Porgy and Bess,'' and ``Anthony and 
Cleopatra.''
  New York City's highest cultural award, the Handel Medallion, was 
awarded to the actress and singer Lena Horne, the first African-
American woman to sign a contract.
  In Newark, NJ, we are very proud of our hometown star, Sarah Vaughan. 
Known as the Divine One, she was a premier jazz vocalist with many pop 
and jazz hits.
  As we honor famous African-American women, let us also pause to pay 
tribute to the millions of unsung heroines whose positive influence has 
made a difference in our lives. Every day, in every community, African-
American women are working tirelessly and unselfishly to provide a 
better quality of life for those around them. They are volunteering in 
churches and community organizations, they are raising funds for 
scholarships so that the next generation can look to the future with 
hope; they are caring for older persons who might otherwise be 
forgotten. In my own life, in addition to the women in my family who 
gave me such encouragement and direction, I was fortunate to have many 
caring teachers and other concerned adults who helped guide me through 
the difficult times. I owe a debt of gratitude to a woman by the name 
of Mary Burch of Newark. She opened up her home and her heart to the 
young people of our community, organizing positive activities through 
an organization known as the Leaguers.
  Another woman who gave generously of her time and talents in the 
interest of young people is Ms. Madeline Williams, who served as an 
NAACP advisor when I was a young man.
  Under her guidance as a high school student, I was able to rise to 
the position of president of New Jersey Youth Councils and College 
Chapters of the NAACP.
  Last year, during the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative 
Conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Oceola McCarty, the woman 
from Mississippi who earned her living doing laundry and then donated 
her life's savings to a scholarship fund so that a deserving youngster 
would have the opportunity to succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to pay tribute to all these outstanding 
African-American women--yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

                              {time}  2245

  African-American women, from Maya Angelou, to Toni Morrison, to many 
people like Ella Fitzgerald and Leontyne Price, as we talk about people 
who have done so much in all fields, African-American women are 
certainly those.
  I will proceed as we go through this hour to talk about some other 
African-American women who have been so outstanding. But at this time I 
would ask the gentlewoman from Florida, Mrs. Meek, if she would come 
before us, Mrs. Carrie Meek, to tell us about her African-American 
women who have done so many outstanding things.
  (Mrs. MEEK of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Chairman, it is a pleasure to be here to 
talk about the achievements of Black women.

                           I Am a Black Woman

                            (By Mari Evans)

     I am a Black woman
     the music of my song
     some sweet arpeggio of tears
     is written in a minor key
     and I can be heard humming in the night
     Can be heard humming in the night
     I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea
     and I/with these hands/cupped the life breath
     from my issue in the canebrake
     I lost Nat's swinging body in a rain of tears
     and heard my son scream all the way from Anzio
     for Peace he never knew . . . I
     learned Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill
     in anguish
     Now my nostrils know the gas and these trigger tire/d fingers
     seek the softness in my warrior's beard
     I am a Black woman
     tall as a cypress
     strong
     beyond all definition still
     defying place
     and time
     and circumstance
     assailed impervious indestructible
     Look on me and be renewed

  Mr. Speaker, that poem identifies Black women.
  We have come a very long way since we were seen as acquiescent, 
submissive Aunt Jemimas, who showed grand faces, plump laps, fat 
embracing arms and brown jaws pouched in laughter. We have come a long 
way.
  The heartbreaking tenderness of Black women and their majestic 
strength speak of the heroic survival of a people who were stolen into 
subjugation, denied chastity, and refused innocence.
  Black women's hands have brought children through blood to life, 
nursed the sick and folded the winding clothes of many masters. Their 
wombs have held the promise of a race which has proven in each 
challenged century that despite the threats and mayhem, we still rise. 
Their feet have trod the shifting swampland of insecurity, yet they 
have tried to step neatly into the footprints of mothers who went 
before.
  I remember those mothers. I am standing on their shoulders. I 
remember Harriet Tubman as she toiled so very hard to save slaves and 
to take them out of slave territory. I strongly remember Sojourner 
Truth, who was so strongly engrossed in what she did, she bared her 
chest at a big meeting and said ``Ain't I a woman?''
  That is the story of the Black woman, the Black woman I remember so 
very well. I have heard Marion Anderson sing. I have heard Dorothy 
Maynor sing. What beautiful experiences and song coming out of the 
mouth of Black women, as a result of their many big contributions, not 
only in their movement, but also in their freedom of song and spirit.
  And I remember so well Ida Wells at the Democratic Convention, where 
she refused to take second seat. And I also remember the mother of the 
civil rights movement, how she would not stay at the back of the bus, 
and how she made Black welcome to the front because of her courage.
  I remember Winnie Mandela, C. Deloris Tucker, Black Women's Political 
Congress that C. Delores started. And Ms. Gwen Sawyer Cherry, the first 
Black woman to serve in the Florida 

[[Page H1496]]
legislature. I remember Shirley Chisolm, Yvonne Braithwaite Burke, 
Barbara Jordan, Cardiss Collins, Hazel O'Leary, Madam C.J. Walker, and 
Althea Gibson, one of the most outstanding tennis players in the world.
  That is the story of Black women. I rise today to pay tribute to 
these Black women, particularly Black women like Maya Angelou, Alice 
Walker.
  But most of all, sketched in my memory is Mary McLeod Bethune. In 
1947, Mary McLeod Bethune, in an address to the 22d Annual Meeting of 
the Association of the Study of Negro Life and History said:

       If our people are to fight their way up out of bondage, we 
     must arm them with the sword and shield and the bunker of 
     pride, belief in themselves and their possibilities, based 
     upon a sure knowledge of the achievements of the past.

  This quote, perhaps more than anything else, captures the basic 
spirit and philosophy and commitment that Mary McLeod Bethune and other 
strong Black women had for their race and the promotion and the 
development of women in African-American history.
  I am always greatly moved by the memory of Mrs. Bethune. She was an 
inspirational American woman who signified and showed all the good 
qualities of Black American women, who was from the people, not of the 
people. She provided my generation, indeed many generations, with a 
beacon of light and hope that all things are possible through God and 
hard work.

  I am hopeful that future generations of Black women remember those 
Black women from the past, those who have been in our past a long time 
ago, and they will remember the future, because they will be the light 
of the world from standing on the strong shoulders of the Black women.
  Today, the light of these Black women stand throughout our country. 
It is so important that we remember. I thank the Black Caucus for 
bringing to the consciousness of this Congress how important and the 
contributions that Black women have made to this country. I am happy to 
be a part of this, I am proud of the Black women in this Congress, how 
they stand up and support the cause of African-Americans and how they 
stand up and support, particularly the Black males in America, who need 
so much help from Black women. This gives me the pride that I do not 
think anyone else has a chance anywhere to achieve.
  We must continue to develop the history of Black women. You do not 
find as much of it, Mr. Chairman, as we should. It is important that we 
really visualize what Black women have done in this country throughout 
the beginning of this country. The slave women who toiled and did the 
best, came over to this country, laid like spoons in a slave ship. Yet 
they were strong, they raised their children and they gave us all 
inspiration.
  We have lighted some torches here tonight. Gwen Sawyer Cherry, Mary 
Church Terrell, Nannie Helen Burroughs, and many others whose lives 
have informed and inspired our work. It is to good that we must 
continue to dedicate our lives to carrying forth that vision to another 
higher level, until we too shall pass the torch.
  That is the story for the Black women in the past, in the present, 
and in the future.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from 
Florida for that tremendous insight. She really is one of our 
outstanding leaders.
  Now let me recognize the gentlewoman from the great State of Texas, 
Sheila Jackson-Lee.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank you very much. Likewise, let 
me pay tribute to Congressman Stokes for his continuous support of an 
opportunity to bring to the Nation I believe the recognition of the 
value of contributions of African-Americans throughout this country.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank you for leading this hour of tribute. For this 
month to come to a close, we would not want to be on record without 
being able to bring tribute to so many talented.
  This year the challenge is African-American women, yesterday, today 
and tomorrow, and I rise today to be able to give special honor to many 
African-American women.
  I am reminded, for a personal note, of the special women in my life. 
My Great Grandmother Sims, my Grandmother Bennett and Grandmother 
Jackson, many of whom who laid the groundwork for some of the 
challenges that I faced. My loving mother, Ivalita Jackson, my special 
Aunt, Valrie Bennett, along with Aunts Audrey and Sarah and Vickie and 
Sybil, all with their own very special stories of trials and 
tribulations and jubilations. And today is a day of celebration.
  I would like to take this opportunity to call special attention to 
the extraordinary struggles and achievements of African-American women.
  In the Black woman there is combined the two most challenged 
characteristics of American identity: Race and gender. What is utterly 
amazing is the fact that Black women have not only borne the weight of 
this double burden, but that we have done so with great courage and 
dignity and no small degree of success.
  Mr. Speaker, Black Americans are by now well accustomed to what has 
now been a long history of a questioning of their equality. In this 
Congress we continually fight to oppose the elimination of affirmative 
action. We continually fight the challenges that come when it is time 
to tell us we should not have access to education, jobs and contracts. 
And yet we continue to fight.
  I pay tribute to all of the women who served, African-American women, 
in the United States Congress, those who have already served and those 
who are serving now.
  Today I give my most heartfelt and deepest words of praise that I can 
summon, for those must certainly be some of the most deserving group 
among us, the Black women of America.
  First and foremost, our lot has been marked by the same unrewarded 
but vital work for which the majority of women in our society have had 
to do for generations. African-American women have been homemakers. 
They have reared children. They have guided families, and counseled 
many, the jobs that we are generally responsible for, along with the 
other job. These are the jobs for which we receive no pay, and are 
indeed lucky to receive thanks for it now and then.
  Our other job, however, and we do it very well, includes sometimes 
domestic worker, sometimes child care provider, bus driver, clerk, 
secretary, beautician, and occasionally something that qualifies to be 
called as professional jobs.
  Some of these jobs pay some of the lowest wages in the country. Our 
average income is only $8,825. Mr. Speaker, that is only 40.7 percent 
of the $21,695 average income of white American males. Yet we have 
survived.
  African-American women have on this income raised their children, 
provided homes for our families, and maybe even opened businesses.
  We have also been charitable. You will find African-American women in 
all of the social groups throughout this community, working to help our 
children, providing support systems for our schools, being volunteers, 
and, yes, being like the humble laundress from Mississippi who gave 
$180,000 from her savings over the years to educate Black college 
students in Mississippi. What a tribute, someone who cared, someone who 
worked with her hands, and someone who gave back.

  Black women, for their children and for their families, have kept us 
altogether. There are nearly 2 million Black women providing for almost 
5 million children on their income.
  Black women are sometimes associated with welfare. We have heard the 
great debate, the cuts in welfare, the elimination of welfare, the 
termination of welfare. But the fact is, that our total number, 6 
million of us are in the American work force, despite the disincentive 
of our meager wages. So that image is a misnomer.
  We are working women, we are women who have protected our families, 
we are women who have a vision for the 21st Century, we are women who 
want the best and want the most for our children.
  Under these circumstances, mere survival would qualify as success. 
But we have done much more than merely survive. Over 1.5 million of us 
have made our way into the technical, administrative and professional 
ranks of American society. Against great odds, African-American women 
have become doctors, lawyers, scientists, academics, mayors, and, yes, 
Members of this August body with increasing frequency.

                              {time}  2300

  Mr. Speaker, in the name of all of our great female pioneers, like 
Phyllis 

[[Page H1497]]
Wheatley, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Mary McCloud Bethune, Fannie 
Lou Hamer, Dorothy Hught, and Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, African-
American women have continued to achieve.
  I call upon my colleagues and Americans everywhere to join me in 
saluting all of the strong African-American women, those in the Clinton 
administration, those serving in local government, national government, 
these are our heroes and sheros.
  And then I would like to acknowledge a few Texas women. We have 
already noted the Honorable Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was the 
first black to serve in the Texas State Senate since reconstruction; 
Irma Leroy, community activist, and Christen Adair, who were the first 
secretaries of the NAACP; Magdelein Bush, who organized the Martin 
Luther King Center, Lois Moore, who heads up our massive hospital 
district; Frances Frazier, a community activist with Nina Bailey, a 
strong activist, and Dorothy Hubbard; Dr. Alma Allen, an educator who 
promotes our children, our many ministers wives who cater and support 
their communities; Zina Garrison Jackson, outstanding sports enthusiast 
and tennis player; Maudet Stewart; Alice Bonner, the first African 
American judge in the State of Texas; Zoe Jones, one of the founders of 
National Council of Negro Women chapters in the State of Texas--black 
women who are today carrying on the great tradition of our predecessors 
and making a seminal contribution to American society.

  I would also like to challenge the Members of this body in particular 
and Americans in general to celebrate the role that African American 
women play in our society.
  It reminds me of the words of Langston Hughes, as he spoke through 
the black mother who said, Life for me ain't been no crystal stairs, 
but I's still a-reaching and I's still a-climbing.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to be able to join this special honor 
and tribute to African American women, ages past, today and tomorrow. 
And it is a challenge for all of us, as we move into the 21st century, 
to be reminded of their legacy and that of Maya Angelou that says, 
despite all that we have to overcome, still we rise, still we rise.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
that eloquent statement. We certainly appreciate the outstanding work 
that she has brought into this 104th Congress.
  I now yield to the gentleman from the great State of Georgia, Mr. 
Sanford Bishop.
  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend you along with my 
colleague for sponsoring this special order today. As we look back on 
the month of February, as we celebrate Black History Month, I certainly 
would like to commend our colleague, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. 
Stokes], for his many years of service in leading this caucus as we 
celebrate Black History Month.
  Like many of our colleagues, I have been fulfilling requests to talk 
about black history during the past month at schools and colleges, 
churches and civic organizations throughout my area of middle and south 
Georgia. It is an honor to have an opportunity to participate.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that the 70-year-old observance of Black 
History Month has made a big difference in our understanding of 
history. It has helped teach us about how our country's unique 
diversity has enriched and strengthened us as a people and a nation. 
Evidence of this statement can be found in the far-reaching 
contributions made by African Americans in science and medicine, art, 
entertainment, education, business, exploration, statesmanship and 
government, the law, in the military and indeed in all aspects of the 
country's growth and development from our colonial days to the present.
  These are contributions that helped the country grow more rapidly, 
become more prosperous and ultimately emerge as the strongest and most 
secure nation on earth.
  All cultures that have become a part of this great melting pot have 
made important contributions. Diversity has set America apart and 
helped make our country great.
  It is truly something worth celebrating. All of the Black History 
Month programs that I have participated in have been rewarding, but one 
in particular was memorable. In Valdosta, GA this past Sunday, near the 
Georgia-Florida line, a grass-roots group of citizens conducted a 
fundraising drive over the past 2 years to erect an archway which was 
dedicated and a memorial at the site of unmarked graves of former 
slaves.
  The site was discovered some 40 years ago when a gentleman by the 
name of Mr. Nelson, who was at that time a laborer in the cemetery, was 
instructed by his superviser to go and to dig and to prepare a compose 
pit in a certain portion of the Sunset Avenue Cemetery. As he prepared 
to carry out his instructions and he started to dig, he was interrupted 
by a woman who was visiting the cemetery, a Mrs. Findley, a black woman 
who was very, very steeped and knowledgeable of the history of the 
Valdosta, Lyons County, Brooks County area. She interrupted him and 
said, son, do you know what you are doing? He said, yes, ma'am, I sure 
do. She said, what are you doing? He said, I am carrying out the 
instructions that my boss gave me, and that is what I intend to do.
  She said, well, let me tell you, before you go any further, what you 
are about to do is to dig up some of your history. He said, what do you 
mean? And she explained that at the site legend had it that that was 
the site of unmarked graves of former slaves who had lived in the 
Valdosta area.
  He said, well, I had better check into this. And he went and he 
brought that to the attention of his supervisor in 1956. He challenged 
his supervisor and said, I just do not think we ought to go forth with 
this compose pit without checking further into it.
  His supervisor paused and he said, all right, we will check into it. 
And they dug a trench gingerly around the area. They discovered with 
some exploration that there were indeed the outlines of the graves.
  So through four or five supervisors, Mr. Nelson protected the area, 
informing each of his supervisors of what had taken place, and each one 
allowed that area to be protected and they did not disturb it. But he 
had a dream that someday that this area would be preserved. And finally 
with the help of the grass-roots citizens group, a group called the 
Committee for the History of the Unknown Slaves and a group called 
Valdosta Project Change, they are able to raise money and to finally 
dedicate a very meaningful memorial to these individuals.
  We know a great deal about the lives of the more prominent figures 
who rose from bondage, figures like Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, 
Frederick Douglass. But we know very little about most of the men and 
women who endured lives of servitude. We do know, however, that they 
struggled to better themselves and their families. Many learned to read 
and to write. Many learned skilled trades. They forged lives that were 
characterized by deep spirituality and a yearning for a new day of 
freedom and justice.

  They courageously laid the foundation for the freedom to come. The 
memorial was dedicated last Sunday. It says: To the unknown slaves of 
Valdosta, in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to our 
community.
  This recognition is well deserved and long overdue, and I am 
privileged to have been a part of it.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very 
much. That was really a very moving story. We appreciate the gentleman 
bringing that to history. There are so many unsung heroes, as the 
gentleman mentioned, and I really appreciate his contributing that to 
our special order tonight.
  Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. 
Watt], a gentleman who has brought a great deal of new energy also into 
the Congress.
  Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank that chairman for 
yielding to me and for organizing this important African-American 
History Month special order and doing so and taking over in the place 
of our colleague, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Stokes].
  I think it would be remiss if we did not send our special regards and 
wishes for a speedy recovery to our colleague, Lou Stokes, and hope 
that he gets 

[[Page H1498]]
back here soon and continues to provide the kind of leadership he has 
provided to us over a period of time.
  The theme for this special order, African-American Women, Yesterday, 
Today, and Tomorrow, is particularly appropriate. I would like to do 
three short things, given the lateness of the hour.
  First of all, I want to go back to a special order or an insertion 
that I did in last year's African-American history special order and 
pay tribute to a special woman. Apparently I was a year ahead of my 
time because the theme last year was not necessarily African-American 
women, but I did attribute to a special African-American woman who has 
had a special impact in my congressional district in North Carolina. 
Her name was Charlotte Hawkins Brown, who was the founder of the Palmer 
Memorial Institute, which is located in Sedalia, NC.
  At the age of 18, Ms. Charlotte Hawkins at that time accepted a 
teaching position in a school called the American Missionary 
Association, near Greensboro to teach at the Bethany Institute near 
Greensboro. And that school went out of existence after about a year. 
She committed herself to founding a school for women because of the 
fact that North Carolina had the second highest illiteracy rate in the 
country at that time.

  She traveled back to Massachusetts to raise money for this purpose, 
did some singing at the seashore, waited tables, sought out donations, 
worked in various jobs and finally realized the dream of opening the 
Palmer Memorial Institute in the year 1902. That institute continued 
until Charlotte Hawkins Brown died on January 11, 1961, and the school 
actually continued until the year 1971.
  So that I can make sure that Charlotte Hawkins Brown gets paired with 
all the wonderful, powerful women whose names have been mentioned this 
evening by other Members of Congress, I wanted to restate the important 
role that Charlotte Hawkins Brown has played in our history.
  Second, I want to pay tribute to Harriet Tubman, and I want to do it 
in a kind of a backhanded way. And I do this without any disrespect to 
Harriet Tubman. But there is a gentleman in North Carolina by the name 
of Hal Sieber who has actually researched this thing and determined 
that the Underground Railroad started in Greensboro, NC.
  He has written a book called the ``Holy Ground'' in which he has gone 
and researched this. In that book he writes the following: ``The 
legendary national underground railroad system most often associated in 
later history with the conductor, Harriet Tubman, assisted the escape 
of thousands of African Americans from captivity. It was founded in the 
year 1819, actually one year before Harriet Tubman was born in 
Greensboro, NC, in the woods at New Garden Friends Meeting House.''
  This first route of the Underground Railroad coursed through 
Greensboro, NC, north through western Virginia and across the Ohio 
River to Richmond, IN.
  The first recorded passenger of the Underground Railroad was John 
Moses Dimrey, according to Hal Sieber's historical analysis.
  So I want to pay my utmost respects and memories to Harriet Tubman 
but at the same time remind my colleagues that based on all the 
information we have now been able to develop, the Underground Railroad 
actually originated well before Harriet Tubman. It originated in my 
congressional district in North Carolina.

                              {time}  2315

  So I will make that the second part of my tribute to African-American 
women yesterday, today and tomorrow, and then the final tribute I want 
to make is to the African-American colleagues that we have here in this 
House of Representatives and in the Congress of the United States House 
and Senate: Those important women, Corine Brown of Florida, Eva Clayton 
of North Carolina, Cardiss Collins of Illinois, Eleanor Holmes Norton 
of the District of Columbia, Sheila Jackson-Lee of the great State of 
Texas, and we have heard from earlier this evening Eddie Bernice 
Johnson from Texas, Cynthia McKinney from Georgia, who has led this 
redistricting fight so vigorously in the State of Georgia, Carrie Meek 
from the great State of Florida, whom we have also heard from earlier 
this evening, whom I always refer to as Grandma, Carol Moseley-Braun, 
Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, from Illinois, Barbara Rose Collins from 
Michigan and of course my colleague Maxine Waters from California.
  As you, Mr. Speaker, have indicated, these women have stood firm in 
the face of adversity and been shining examples of how progress can be 
made with dignity and with honor and with integrity and with 
commitment, and it would be remiss of me if I did not pay special 
tribute to them for their contributions as we are paying tribute to 
African-American women. Yesterday they were here. Today they are here. 
And many of these women who I have mentioned here will be here tomorrow 
leading the fight for justice and equality in this country.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, let me just thank the gentleman 
from North Carolina [Mr. Watt] for that very interesting presentation. 
Let me at this time recognize the gentleman from the State of Illinois, 
a person who is no stranger to the struggle, one who we are proud to 
have as one of our colleagues, Mr. Bobby Rush from Illinois.
  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to join 
with you this evening to honor black women, African-American women, 
yesterday, today and tomorrow. And, Mr. Speaker, I also join with you 
and other members of the caucus to express our considerable remarks and 
regards for the work that Congressman Lou Stokes from Ohio has put into 
making this an annual event. His work is certainly commendable, and we 
all wish him Godspeed in his current illness, and we look forward to 
working with him and look forward to his return to this Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to look at and focus the light of history on a 
woman from Illinois who serves as a member of this body, Cardis 
Collins, the Representative from the 7th Congressional District. Mr. 
Speaker, there are literally legions of strong, remarkable women who 
have crossed my path and who I have read about and who made history who 
have contributed all that they could. All that was asked of them, to 
learn that the African-American community, the Nation, was the best 
that it could possibly be. These women have made tremendous sacrifices 
and we have heard names from speakers before me.
  But, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a note and I want to take a moment 
and I want to reflect and focus on Cardiss Collins. I happen to 
believe, Mr. Speaker, that history and historians and indeed historical 
figures have a special meaning to some of us because they guide our 
paths. I believe that people who make history are not by definition 
artifacts on a shelf, but I believe that they are living, working, 
breathing, caring, committed people. Cardiss Collins is such a person. 
Cardiss Collins is a trailblazer. We must note that she was the first 
African-American Congresswoman from the great State of Illinois, and 
for nearly a decade she was the only black woman in Congress. She was 
the first African-American to hold party rank; that is a leadership 
position. She was the Democratic whip at large.

  And Mr. Speaker, we have got to take a moment to pause to honor 
Cardiss Collins because at the end of this term, the 104th Congress, 
she will retire. She will retire from a Congress where she was indeed, 
if not the longest serving woman in the Congress, certainly one of the 
longest serving women in the Congress. She has a long list of firsts, a 
remarkable record of accomplishment and achievements.
  She was the first African-American woman and the first woman to chair 
the House Government Operations Subcommittee on Manpower and Housing. 
She serves as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 96th 
Congress. And she was the first woman to head the Congressional Black 
Caucus Foundation. She made many achievements. She accomplished many 
firsts.
  But I know Cardiss Collins as a tireless worker, a person who spends 
enormously long days working on behalf of the poor, the downtrodden and 
minorities. She is a person who would not stop until she gets her task 
fulfilled. She is relentlessly pursuing all kinds of causes and battles 
that do not 

[[Page H1499]]
make the evening news, that do not make the headlines.
  Cardiss Collins in 1991 became the first African-American to chair a 
subcommittee on the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Back in 1990 she 
wrote the law which expanded Medicare coverage for screening 
mammography for millions of elderly and disabled women. She authored 
the Child Safety Protection Act of 1993, legislation that required 
warning labels on dangerous toys, and Federal safety standards for 
bicycle helmets.
  Cardiss Collins today is leading the fight to protect Medicare for 
the elderly.
   Mr. Speaker, I know of no other female legislator, black, white or 
any other racial group, I know of no one who has throughout her history 
led the charge for justice and humanity like Cardiss Collins. She is a 
person that in a very, very humble and quiet manner wields a mighty 
influence on all those who come within her view or within her realm or 
in her world. Cardiss Collins has the respect of some of the great 
powers that be, both in the State of Illinois, the city of Chicago, and 
indeed throughout the Nation.
   Mr. Speaker, I just had to take a moment this evening to recognize a 
friend and a colleague, a person who, if in fact had not been called 
upon to serve in this Congress, this Congress would certainly not be as 
great as it is. This person, this individual, this African-American 
woman, certainly epitomizes the kind of persons whom we have honored in 
our discussions and our speeches on this floor today, and she is also 
the kind of individual that they will honor in the future, and I want 
to today recognize our colleague Cardiss Collins, as an African-
American woman whose contributions we all admire, respect, appreciate.

  She is an African-American woman for yesterday. She is an African-
American woman for today. And certainly history books will show that 
she is an African-American woman for tomorrow.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Thank you very much. That was certainly very 
stirring. I could not agree with you more that Representative Collins 
has served this Congress so well, and I thank you for bringing that to 
our attention.
  At this time we will hear from the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. 
Barcia].
  Mr. BARCIA. I want to thank you, Chairman Payne, for the opportunity 
to participate tonight in paying tribute to a very special friend and 
an outstanding African-American leader.
  Mr. Speaker, as Black History Month comes to a close, I believe it is 
most appropriate and important to pay tribute to a noted civil rights 
advocate, an inspirational educator and a distinguished community 
leader who has impacted the lives of many citizens in the Fifth 
District of Michigan, the great State of Michigan and across the 
Nation.

                              {time}  2330

  Bernice Barlow, the eldest of James and Estelle Lowrey's eight 
children, was born in Louisiana and moved to Michigan when she was 
still just a toddler. She was born at a time when African-Americans, 
especially women, had to work harder and struggle against forces beyond 
their control to demonstrate their leadership abilities and talents. 
Yet, against those forces, she succeeded and gained the respect and 
admiration of her peers, whether man, woman, black, or white. She now 
uses that influence and her talents to help others reach the same 
threshold of achievement that she has.
  As the longest serving president of the Saginaw branch of the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Bernice is 
a living example of a commitment to improving the lives of African-
Americans. For the past 28 years, under her steady leadership, the 
branch has received numerous State and national awards, including 
outstanding membership and outstanding branch. Prior to becoming its 
president, Mrs. Barlow served as its secretary, and was also a youth 
member of the organization. Bernice is also dedicated to improving 
business opportunities for African-American women, and is a charter 
member and past president of the local chapter of the National 
Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs.
  As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Bernice has assisted many 
young African-American women in achieving their goals. Bernice learned 
early the importance of a good education. She graduated from Saginaw 
High School in 1945, and earned a bachelor's degree and a master's 
degree in education from Michigan State University.
  An elementary school teacher with the Saginaw public schools for 31 
years, she has had an immense impact on her students. Over her 31 years 
of teaching, Bernice taught her many students that with a good 
education, nothing would be beyond their reach. Her words have had a 
positive effect passing from generation to generation, and she has 
inspired all who worked with her or had the good fortune to study under 
her tutelage.
  Bernice is not only devoted to teaching our young people, but also 
teaches basic adult education, showing them that it is never too late 
to learn and improve yourself. Steadfast in her quest to improve her 
community, Bernice has consistently been recognized for her outstanding 
community service. She is a member of numerous operations, and serves 
as a member of the board of trustees of the Messiah Missionary Baptist 
Church.
  In recognition of how much her community appreciates and acknowledges 
her accomplishments, her church is naming their new scholarship the 
Bernice Lowrey Barlow Scholarship, and are recognizing her achievements 
at a banquet held in her honor on March 2, 1996.
  In order to promote fair housing opportunities, Bernice also has been 
recognized by the Tri-County Fair Housing Council for her outstanding 
leadership in helping to eliminate racial discrimination in housing. 
She is also a member of the Saginaw County Mental Health Board, and 
currently serves on a recipients' rights committee, and is the vice 
chair for the program committee.
  Bernice could not have achieved these great accomplishments without 
the support of her family, including her loving husband of 47 years, 
Charles Barlow, and they have four children: Michael, Belinda, 
Mitchell, and Patrick, as well as 10 grandchildren.
  Bernice Barlow is a shining example of the ability of individuals to 
improve our society. She is the embodiment of the finest qualities 
expressed in the word citizenship. I commend Bernice Barlow for her 
lifelong achievements, and I urge my colleagues to join me in extending 
her our very best wishes in her future endeavors.
  I thank the gentleman, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. I thank the gentleman very much for his kind 
remarks, and we know the family will appreciate that being done here at 
Black History Month, and we appreciate your contribution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Cleo 
Fields.
  Mr. FIELDS of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding to me. Let me just say to the gentleman that I certainly 
appreciate the gentleman making recognition of Mrs. Bernice Barlow. I 
was extremely excited at the fact that she was born, she started off, 
in Louisiana, in the State that I represent. I want to thank the 
gentleman for taking the time to recognize such a great servant. Mr. 
Speaker, let me thank the gentleman for taking the time to have this 
special order.
  I want to personally thank all the African-American women in this 
country, those who came before us, or before me, and those who are 
present today in our society who have opened up so many doors of 
opportunity.
  That leads me to a very brief discussion, Mr. Chairman. I wish to 
talk about a few African-American women from Louisiana. I want to start 
by talking about an African-American woman by the name of Yola Antoine. 
Just a few weeks ago, as a matter of fact, when I was traveling in my 
district giving speeches for Black History Month, I was speaking at a 
church, and the mother of the church was Ms. Antoine, and the pastor 
had her to stand, and found out she was 100 years old. So I certainly 
want to take this moment to recognize her and talk about what type of a 
woman she is.
  She is a great woman, because even at 100 years old, she still has 
kids gathering at her home, and she reads the 

[[Page H1500]]
Bible to them, and she should be commended for that. But she cuts her 
own grass, she lives by herself, and to be 100 years of age and still 
be as active as she is in the church, as active as she is with taking 
care of herself, we certainly want to recognize her tonight, and I 
certainly commend her. She is from Eunice, LA. I was just so proud of 
the fact that I had a citizen in my district that was so old, but yet 
so wise and so energetic.
  I also want to talk about those African-American women who work with 
children in the district and in the State that I represent. It brings 
me to the name of Hazel Freemen, who was the past president of the 
Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She also was a high officer in the LINKS 
organization. The gentleman from New Jersey knows about these two 
organizations. This lady works night and day to try to encourage young 
people to stay in school and stay away from drugs and alcohol, so I 
certainly want to talk about her as we celebrate black history and 
recognize women.
  I want to talk about another woman from my district out of Baton 
Rouge, LA, Ms. Eva Legarde. Ms. Legarde was the first female black 
president of the school board. She was elected to the school board. She 
put a heavy emphasis on education. She encouraged kids to stay in 
school. She should be commended tonight. She is no longer on the school 
board. She still works with community groups. She still works with the 
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and with her church, St. Francis Xavier, a 
church in Baton Rouge. She tries to encourage kids to stay away from 
drugs and alcohol.
  I want to talk about Annie Smart, who started a legal defense fund in 
Baton Rouge, LA, because there were so many indigent people in the city 
that did not have legal representation. She started not only a legal 
defense fund, but she started a legal aid program in Baton Rouge. What 
she decided to do as a result of that, she started encouraging more 
young people to go to college and major and get a legal education. She 
encouraged kids to go to law school. We certainly commend Annie Smart 
tonight.
  Ms. Lula B. Coleman. She was the mother of civil rights for Baton 
Rouge. She worked so hard to open up many doors of opportunities that 
many of us have benefited from today. I can speak as one of those 
individuals who is a direct beneficiary of her hard work.
  Janice Clark, who is a judge in Baton Rouge, LA, today. She works 
night and day to work with kids before they are confronted with the 
judicial system. The way she deals with it, she goes into schools and 
she talks to kids about the consequences of committing crimes and doing 
drugs, so she should be commended at Black History Month.
  Diana Bajoie, who is a female State senator who serves in the 
Louisiana State Senate, the first African-American woman elected to the 
Louisiana State Senate. She works night and day to try to improve 
education in the State of Louisiana by introducing bills that are in 
the best interests of educating our children.
  Ms. Georgia Browne, who is a former librarian at Southern University. 
She had a program where she brought kids from high schools from across 
the State of Louisiana, and had them to interface with the library on 
the college campus. She had many programs that included kids from 
churches, so they can understand how to use the card catalog, so I want 
to commend Ms. Georgia Browne tonight.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding to me.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I think all our time has 
expired. I appreciate the gentleman coming.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, as has been my traditional practice for many 
years, I am pleased to again participate in this special order on the 
occasion of Black History Month. It is an appropriate time to pay 
tribute to the many contributions made by Afro-Americans throughout the 
history of the United States, and to remind all Americans that the many 
gifts of black culture are and have always been a significant 
strengthening factor in the overall development of American society.
  Thomas Carlyle wrote that ``the history of the world is but the 
biography of great people.'' Many historians contend that men and women 
do not make events, but rather events make men and women. I do not 
subscribe to that theory. I believe that every advance made by 
civilization, as well as every setback, came about because men and 
women made conscious decisions either to do something or not do 
something. The decisions made and actions taken by black Americans ever 
since our colonial times have impacted greatly on the development and 
the history of our Nation. Black History Month is an appropriate time 
to inform the American people of the many outstanding black individuals 
who have made a better life for all of us throughout the years.
  As examples of outstanding blacks who throughout our history have 
contributed to our way of life, let us not forget: Crispus Attuckus, a 
free black man who gave his life at the Boston Massacre, which signaled 
our War for Independence in 1770, and Peter Salem, a hero of the Battle 
of Bunker Hill.
  Let us also note Benjamin Banneker, an astronomer and mathematician; 
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a pioneer trader and trapper; Harriet 
Tubman and Sojourner Truth, who helped found and run the Underground 
Railroad for escaping slaves; Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who 
became one of the great American diplomats and leaders of all time; and 
the thousands upon thousands of Afro-Americans who fought and in many 
cases gave their lives in the Civil War.
  Other brilliant Afro-Americans include: Jan Matzeliger who invented 
shoemaking machinery; Henry Blair, who invented farm machinery; and 
Granville T. Woods, whose inventions made subway travel safe and 
practical. Noteworthy Black educators include: Dr. Mary McCleod 
Bethune, Frederick D. Patterson, and Benjamin Mays; A. Philip Randolph 
was an outstanding labor leader. Bayard Rustin helped him in organizing 
the marches on Washington in 1941 and 1963 which raised the 
consciousness of all Americans.
  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we celebrated last month, 
was in a class all by himself. An individual whose message of love and 
non-violence was valid for all races and for all nationalities for all 
time, Dr. King has been and will always remain an inspiration to all of 
us.
  Outstanding African-Americans writers include: Toni Morrison, 
Langston Hughes, Alice Walker, James Baldwin, Charles Fuller, Lorraine 
Hansberry, Paul Dunbar, and Alex Haley.
  And we have not even begun to list the many black Americans who made 
an impact in the fields of education, sports, entertainment, music, 
politics, the graphic arts, and so many other spheres of human 
endeavor.
  Mr. Speaker, I am certain that many of our colleagues noted the guest 
editorial which appeared in the Washington Post just this morning by 
the gifted black writer, Jonetta Rose Barras. Ms. Barras comments with 
alarm and disdain regarding some of the efforts of businesses to 
capitalize on Black History Month. She also notes the unfortunate 
tendency of many of our institutions to concentrate all activities 
regarding Afro-Americans into Black History Month, as if the 
achievements of gifted blacks could and should be ignored the other 11 
months of the year.
  I tend to agree with Ms. Barras' chagrin. It is bad enough that the 
memory of our fallen heroes on Memorial Day and Veterans Day is too 
often desecrated by sales pitches and advertising blitzes which totally 
ignore the significance of those occasions. Let us not allow this same 
fate to befall Black History Month.
  Black History Month is an appropriate time to note that the 
contributions of blacks to our culture and our society are truly 
significant. It is a time to note that our world would be different 
today were it not for the contributions of so many gifted men and 
women.
  However, it is not an appropriate time to cheapen the sacrifices and 
the hardships endured by many black Americans throughout the years to 
advance the causes of equality, liberty, and justice for all.
  Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of any of our colleagues who may have 
overlooked Ms. Barras' editorial, I request that it be inserted in full 
in the Record at this point.

               [From the Washington Post, Feb. 28, 1996]

                     Black History Month Gone Wrong

                        (By Jonetta Rose Barras)

       My mother says I'm a glutton for punishment; she's not half 
     wrong. Except this time, I didn't go looking for trouble. I 
     went into the CVS (formerly Peoples Drug Store) for a pair of 
     hose, which except for the Safeway is the only place to find 
     them in Adams-Morgan.
       I'm waiting in line, my hands filled with hosiery, a 
     regular box of Junior Mints and nail polish remover. I'm 
     reading everything in sight, which is Part I of my mother's 
     glutton assessment; Part II is that I often react to what I 
     read, even when I try not to.
       As the cashier rings up my merchandise, I continue reading. 
     The sign that catches my eye seems benign: ``Look for these 
     and other great values throughout the month,'' it reads at 
     the top. I scan down the list--I'm always after a good sale.
       Luster Silk Right on Curl Moisturizer
       Let's Jam Conditioning Gel
       Luster's S Curl
       
[[Page H1501]]

       Soft Sheen
       Afro Pride No-Lye Relaxer
       Nothing for me, I conclude; I've worn my hair natural since 
     1968. It's not a political statement, more of a beauty thing. 
     I think I look great with nappy hair.
       But I relax too quickly; the last few lines of the sign are 
     lethal: ``CVS Pharmacy Supports Black History Month,'' it 
     reads, What the hell do S Curl and No Lye have to do with 
     Carter G. Woodson, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, my aunt 
     Loweska or any of the other tens of millions of black people 
     who have lived and died in this country? I nearly shout at 
     the cashier, She turns the sign around toward her so she can 
     see what set off my alarm. I'm ready to call the manager, the 
     owners, someone, anyone. I am exhibiting 150 percent of 
     righteous indignation (if Madame C.J. Walker were mentioned 
     somewhere on the poster, I might accept the listing of 
     products as a passable salute--although that would be 
     stretching it). I demand justice.
       I am tired of Black History Month; tired of being squeezed 
     between 28 days (29 this leap year). I'd started this month 
     declaring I would not try to convert anyone else. I'd quietly 
     achieve my own version of justice, albeit rather peculiar. I 
     would boycott any Black History Month event. No Alvin Ailey 
     or Dance Theater of Harlem or Smithsonian lectures or tours 
     or special exhibitions of Bearden and Tanner or dinners 
     honoring ``Great Black Leaders.'' There'd be none of that for 
     me.
       Although I never spoke with Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who 
     originated the concept of a Black History Month (in his day 
     it was called Negro History Week), I am sure he would 
     proclaim his dream a nightmare.
       Some think it's progress that African Americans are honored 
     for an entire month. But is it progress when the Smithsonian 
     Institution waits until Black History Month to dump most of 
     its programming targeted for African American audiences and 
     those interested in black culture into one month--forcing 
     every black writer, academician, dancer or whatever to 
     compete with one another because across town at some other 
     institution there is another black history event they want to 
     catch?
       Is it progress when mainstream publishers wait for February 
     to unload books they could have released in the fall, just to 
     make their marketing strategy easier?
       Maybe it's progress when some drugstore chain decides the 
     best way to celebrate the history of millions of Americans 
     whose ancestors helped build this country into the capital of 
     the free world is to stick up some placard advertising S Curl 
     and Let's Jam Conditioning Gel and call it a salute.
       It wasn't supposed to be this way.
       I'm absolutely positive Woodson intended that at some point 
     Negro History Week, Black/African-American History Month 
     would become obsolete. He expected the stories of the 5,000 
     blacks who fought in the Revolutionary War to be right there 
     alongside Washington's. He believed that when the history of 
     World War II was written, it would contain the names of Mary 
     McLeod Bethune, Gen. Daniel Chappie James Jr., the Tuskegee 
     airmen and hundreds of other colored Americans who fought 
     valiantly. And that in every anthology of American poets, 
     Sterling Brown, James Weldon Johnson, Georgia Douglas Johnson 
     and Countee Cullen would be among the writers. Instead, they 
     are in separate books, pulled out during February and 
     considered ``additional suggested reading, variations on 
     themes'' They are not integral components of America's 
     historical discourse.
       This I am certain of: Woodson never intended for his 
     concept aimed at instilling race and cultural pride to become 
     a marketing strategy for museums, publishers and hair-care 
     companies. It's much too precious for that, which is why I 
     had decided to do my own quiet protest.
       But CVS changed all of that; I'm now publicly advocating 
     that Americans who no longer want a segregated history of 
     this country boycott Black History Month and demand full 
     representation throughout the year--the key word here is 
     full, not some weak-kneed, half-committed expression. Full, 
     nothing less.
       After we've righted the misdirection of Black History 
     Month, let's set our sights on Women's History Month--I mean, 
     where does that come from, anyway?

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues and our Nation 
in celebrating Black History Month. I appreciate this opportunity to 
pay tribute to African-Americans who have contributed so much to making 
our Nation what it is today. The theme of this year's special order 
observance is African-American women: yesterday, today and tomorrow.
  I want to take this opportunity to honor the memory of one very 
special woman--a fellow Texan and Houstonian and former Member of this 
House--who has long been an inspiration to me. That woman is Barbara 
Jordan.
  We all felt a deep loss when she passed away recently. But I have no 
doubt that Barbara Jordan's life and accomplishments will continue to 
inspire many generations to come.
  As a legislator, Ms. Jordan built a reputation of being a skilled 
politician and forceful and dynamic individual. She was the first 
African-American woman in Texas to be elected to the Texas Senate and 
the first African-American from the South to serve in the Congress of 
the United States since Reconstruction.
  During her tenure in the House, she served as a member of the House 
Judiciary Committee, the House Committee on Government Operations and 
the Steering and Policy Committee of the House Democratic caucus. In 
reflecting on this year's theme, I cannot think of another woman who 
truly embodies our Nation's greatest traditions and our deepest 
aspirations than Barbara Jordan.
  Barbara Jordan championed the ideal of America being a country where 
legal rights and equal opportunities were available for everyone. She 
furthered that ideal for herself, for African-Americans, for African-
American women, and for persons of all races.
  Ms. Jordan has earned a place in American history, alongside Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. in pushing forward the dream of equal 
opportunity for all Americans. She never ceased to remind us what ``we 
the people'' truly means.
  Texas and the Nation, have lost a powerful voice of conscience and 
integrity. Barbara Jordan was a champion of our freedom, the 
Constitution and the laws of our country. We will miss her unflinching 
intelligence and integrity, her passion for justice, the power of her 
voice, and the sheer force of the truth for which she spoke. From 
Watergate to the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform, our Nation 
relied on her time and again to give us straight answers. And she never 
left us disappointed.
  In another significant first, she delivered the keynote address at 
the 1976 Democratic Party Convention--the first black woman in the 144-
history of our party to do so. She repeated that performance some 16 
years later at the 1992 Democratic Convention when she challenged 
delegates and the Nation to transform our decaying inner cities into 
places where hope lives.
  Also, let us not forget Ms. Jordan's eloquent defense of the 
Constitution when she sat on the House Judiciary Committee that 
investigated the Watergate break-in and the White House coverup that 
lead to the resignation of President Nixon. She made all of us proud to 
be Americans. I am most reminded of a speech in which she stated that, 
``My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total 
and I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the 
diminution, the subversion, the destruction of it.''
  History will remember Barbara Jordan as a dynamic leader, powerful 
politician, riveting orator, a pioneer for all, and the ultimate public 
servant. Her impact transcended age, sex, and ethnicity. Barbara Jordan 
also had a more personal side that friends and associates will remember 
most. The side that was not fully seen by the public eye.
  For example, many do not know that she loved to sing gospel, top 40, 
and country songs at the parties she threw for her graduate students in 
Austin. Many do not know of her sharp intellect, dry wit, and childlike 
curiosity. But one thing is certain, the State of Texas, The city of 
Houston, and the Nation have lost a true treasury in Barbara Jordan. 
She lived the dream of fairness and equal opportunity enshrined in our 
Constitution, and she committed her life to helping all Americans share 
in that dream.
  I last saw Barbara Jordan in San Antonio last spring where we both 
addressed the College Democrats of America. While it was a unique 
exchange involving three generations of Americans, I was most thrilled 
that my two younger daughters, Louise and Meredith, a fourth generation 
and fellow Houstonians, had a chance to meet a real trailblazer in our 
American History. She did not let them down.
  The best way to honor her is to rededicate ourselves to making that 
dream come true for all Americans.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, since 1976, February has been celebrated as 
Black History Month, but the origins of this event date back to 1926, 
when Dr. Carter G. Woodson who was born in Huntington, WV, set aside a 
special period of time in February to recognize the heritage, 
achievements, and contributions of African-Americans. This occasion 
provides the opportunity for our country to celebrate the past and 
present contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans. As I 
reflect on these contributions and accomplishments, I am quickly drawn 
to my district and a gentleman who has demonstrated time and time again 
a tireless effort to be of exemplary service to all mankind. Ernest C. 
Moore is a husband, father, legislator, activist, humanitarian, role 
model, and friend to all who know him. For over 20 years Delegate 
Ernest C. Moore has championed the causes of justice and equity as a 
West Virginia State legislator representing McDowell County, 22d 
district.
  Delegate Moore was born on July 12, 1922 in Winston-Salem, NC but 
moved to Thorpe, WV at age 4 when his father, a railroad worker heard 
about a good paying job in the coal mines. His father spent the rest of 
his life working at U.S. Steel's No. 4 mine in Gary, WV and Moore 
followed suit when he was old enough, starting at No. 4 and then moving 
to the No. 10 mine. Along the way he became active in the United Mine 
Workers, eventually serving as district 29, vice president for 14\1/2\ 
years.

[[Page H1502]]

  Mr. Speaker, Delegate Moore is the longest serving legislator in the 
West Virginia House of Delegates. However, because of health reasons on 
January 22, 1996 Moore retired. He was first elected to the West 
Virginia House of Delegates in 1971 by McDowell County voters. Except 
for the one 2-year term from 1979 to 1980, he has served continuously 
in the House. During his tenure he served on the following committees: 
Enrolled Bills (chairman), Banking and Insurance, Constitution 
Revision, Judiciary (chairman), Industry and Labor (chairman) for the 
67th-69th legislatures.
  Delegate Moore the legislator and humanitarian worked hard to help 
create the much needed Tug River Health Clinics in Gary and Northfork, 
WV along with building of the new Welch Emergency Hospital. The 
significance of this accomplishment is that in McDowell County the 
hospital and three clinics are among the three highest employers in the 
county.
  Delegate Moore the legislator and activist was also a key player in 
the civil rights legislation that led to designating Dr. Martin Luther 
King's birthday a State holiday.
  Delegate Moore the legislator and role model has received almost 
every type of reward and recognition, to name a few. In 1976, he 
received the Distinguished Citizen's Award from Mountain State Bar 
Association. In 1992, the Distinguished West Virginia Award and, in 
1993, Twenty Years of Dedicated Service Award from the West Virginia 
Legislature.
  Delegate Moore the husband and father is married to Mittie Kellum and 
is the father of four, Judy, Douglas, Clifton, and Gail. He has 
maintained that God and his family are the cornerstone of his success.
  Delegate Moore the legislator and friend has not only served as a 
role model to his family and colleagues, but also his constituents. He 
has demonstrated this through his involvement in community 
organizations such as the Brother's Club, the McDowell County Health 
Board, president, Public Defender's Corporation--8th Circuit, and the 
NAACP. His contribution has symbolized the importance of community 
involvement and helped to develop future leaders who will challenge 
this Nation to reach its great potential.
  Mr. Speaker, Delegate Moore like so many others we honor this month 
is a rare and wonderful individual, who, through words and deeds has 
helped make a difference to countless lives in West Virginia and the 
Nation. I would now like to share with you Moore's recent response to a 
news reporter question of regrets during his 23 years of service. More 
responded by saying, ``I don't regret a day, a lot of people would 
probably be shedding tears of sorrow, but if I would be shedding any 
tears, it would be tears of joy. And I know in my heart that I have 
done everything possible to help McDowell County and the State of West 
Virginia.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, there are countless men and women who like 
Delegate Moore improve the lives of many people on a daily basis, they 
may not be famous, but they are extraordinary individuals in the same 
tradition. I ask my colleagues to join me during Black History Month as 
I salute the excellence of Delegate Ernest C. Moore, an outstanding 
example of civic responsibility, courage and commitment of whom the 
African-American community, and indeed Americans everywhere should be 
proud.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to participate today in this 
special order to commemorate Black History Month. In March, we will 
celebrate Women's History Month, and, in that vein, I would like to pay 
tribute to a number of African-American women who have overcome 
adversity to achieve great success.
  African-Americans have made great strides since the Civil Rights 
movement of the 1960's. However, we have a ways to go before the 
economic disparity between the African-American community and the rest 
of America is eliminated. Black women, in particular, still struggle in 
disproportionately high numbers with the challenges of raising children 
while living in poverty.
  Fortunately, we can look at shining success stories in the African-
American community to show young people how to improve their lives and 
communities. In the words of the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan: 
``We need to change the decaying inner cities from decay to places 
where hope lives.''
  A pioneer in American politics, Barbara Jordan was the first black 
State senator in Texas history, and the first woman from Texas, as well 
as the first black, to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives 
after Reconstruction. Barbara Jordan was a champion of freedom and of 
the Constitution. Her beliefs were epitomized when, during the 
Watergate hearings, she declared, ``My faith in the Constitution is 
whole, it is complete, it is total, and I am not going to sit here and 
be an idle spectator to diminution, the subversion, the destruction of 
the Constitution.''
  After serving three terms in Congress, Barbara devoted her energy to 
teaching and continued to strive, in her own words, ``to do something 
unusual.'' This was certainly an understatement. Later in life, Barbara 
struggled with multiple sclerosis, and while the disease crippled her 
body, she refused to allow it to conquer her spirit. Barbara Jordan's 
life and success have left a legacy of opportunity for countless 
American women.
  A number of African-American women from Indiana's First Congressional 
District have also been pioneers. These women have achieved economic 
and personal success, and they serve as role models for the young 
people in northwest Indiana. I would like to bring a few of them to 
your attention now.
  Katie Hall served as U.S. Representative for Indiana's First 
Congressional District from 1982 to 1984. During her tenure in 
Congress, Katie Hall played an instrumental role in creating the Martin 
Luther King National Holiday. She currently serves as the Gary city 
clerk.
  Earline Rogers has been elected to serve as a Gary City Council 
member, State representative, and State senator. Ms. Rogers was only 
the second African-American woman to be elected a State representative. 
She continues to serve as a State senator.
  Judge Karen Freeman-Wilson is the presiding judge of the Gary City 
Court. She is also a practicing attorney and has served as a public 
defender in the Lake County Superior Court.
  Eloise Gentry is the president and CEO of the Urban League of 
Northwest Indiana. She has also served as executive director for 
Community Coordinated Child Care and helped instigate the movement to 
integrate Gary's public schools.
  Judge Shelia Moss was nominated in 1993 by Governor Bayh to be the 
presiding judge of the Lake County Superior Court. She has also held 
the position of deputy director of the Child Support Division for the 
Lake County Prosecutor's Office.
  Hilda Richards is the first African-American chancellor of Indiana 
University Northwest. She was installed in this position in May of 
1994.
  Pauline Hutson was the first African-American woman to become a 
member of the Gary Police Department in 1936, and the first black woman 
to be promoted to detective in 1969. She has gone on to become 
commander of the Women's Division of the Gary Police Department.
  Y-Gene Chambers was the first African-American woman appointed to the 
Lake County Crime Commission and the first black woman appointed to the 
advisory board of Bank One. Ms. Chambers also chartered and was the 
first president of the board of directors of the Gary Educational 
Development Foundation.
  Dr. Waltee Douglas was one of the first women to become an ordained 
minister in the Baptist Church in 1985, at St. John Baptist Church in 
Gary.
  Imogene Harris is the publisher of the Gary Info Newspaper and 
president of the Harris Printing Co. The Gary Info Newspaper is an 
African-American news weekly which has been in continuous publication 
for 34 years.
  Kellee Patterson was the first African-American woman to win the 
title of Miss Indiana in 1971.
  Vivian Carter was the first African-American woman to host a 5-hour 
radio show. She is a cofounder of Vee Jay Record Co., which was the 
first record company to distribute the early recordings of the Beatles.
  Dorothy Leavell was the second female president of the National 
Newspaper Publishers Association, an organization of more than 200 
African-American newspapers in the United States.
  Del Marae Williams is currently east Chicago's city judge. She has 
also served in the Lake County Public Defender's Office and as an East 
Chicago human rights attorney.
  As we celebrate Black History Month, we celebrate an America more 
culturally enriched, intellectually developed, and technologically 
advanced because of the contributions of African-Americans. In closing, 
I would like to commend my colleagues, Representatives Louis Stokes and 
Donald Payne, for organizing this important special order on Black 
History Month.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in the grand tradition of Mary 
McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, and Dorothy Height, former 
Congresswoman Barbara Charline Jordan carried our Nation's baton for 
freedom, justice, and equality as one of the first female African-
American Member of Congress. When she retired from Congress in 1977, 
she left an incredible void and a legacy that my colleagues and I have 
worked tirelessly to fulfill.
  Jordan, who died last month in Houston, TX at age 59, was a true 
inspiration for past, present, and future female African-American 
Members of Congress. Both as a Texas State senator and as a U.S. 
Congresswoman, Jordan sponsored bills that championed the cause of 
poor, black, disadvantaged, and working people.
  Barbara Jordan would be saddened today by the challenges to minority 
voting districts, 

[[Page H1503]]
including the very district Jordan once represented and is now 
represented by my colleague, Sheila Jackson-Lee. Minority voting 
districts have been instrumental in ensuring that we are all included 
in ``We the People.'' Jordan used to say that perhaps George Washington 
and Alexander Hamilton had left her out by mistake when drafting the 
Constitution to begin ``We the People.'' Much of her career was spent 
working to fully implement the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jordan met 
with much success. ``Through the process of amendment interpretation 
and court decision,'' she said, ``I have finally been included in `We 
the people.' ''
  Now, our Nation faces threats to the inclusion of all people in 
challenges to minority districts in many States, including Florida. The 
Third Congressional District of Florida is a truly representative 
district and I believe that my constituents have been well served.
  In Congress today, I would argue that we need more inclusion, more 
compassion, and more minority voting districts to ensure that ``We the 
People'' includes us all. If the current Republican-led Congress could 
be injected with the spirit of Congress' most powerful heroes, the U.S. 
Congress and its American citizens would be better off today.
  Those who have come after her have struggled to fill her giant shoes. 
Barbara Jordan was a true American hero. Let us never forget her legacy 
of equal opportunity, dreaming and living our dreams, and including all 
people as we interpret the U.S. Constitution.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues tonight in saluting 
the accomplishments and contributions of African-American women, who 
have enriched the lives of all Americans. As we hear the end of Black 
History Month, we should keep in mind that this Nation was built with 
the blood, sweat and tears of African-Americans.
  Black Americans have made enormous contributions in fields as diverse 
as science and the arts to politics and sports. From the sublime poetry 
and writings of Maya Angelou to the athletic prowess and wizardry of 
Magic Johnson, African-Americans continue to contribute to the 
economic, cultural and political fabric of the Nation.
  Tonight, I would like to highlight the achievement of an exceptional 
African-American woman and former Member of the House of 
Representatives--the Honorable Barbara Jordan.
  Barbara Jordan excelled in every field of endeavor she focused her 
considerable talents in pursuing. Her distinguished career spanned the 
areas of politics, law and education. Barbara Jordan tragically passed 
away a few months ago, however, she has left an indelible mark on the 
country. Her intellectual brilliance, eloquence, clarity of thought and 
principled stand on so many vital issues facing the country continue to 
resonate today. Barbara Jordan was a trailblazer setting the stage for 
other women, be they black, white, Hispanic or Asian, to follow in her 
stead.
  In the mid-1960's, Barbara Jordan became the first black elected 
official to the Texas State senate since 1883. During her tenure in 
that chamber, she authored the first Texas minimum wage law and 
spearheaded the first package of urban legislation through that 
chamber. And on June 10, 1972, Barbara Jordan, as President pro tem, 
became Governor for a day when both the Texas Governor and Lieutenant 
Governor were out of State, adding another ``first'' to her long list 
of accomplishments.
  In 1972, Barbara Jordan was elected to the U.S. House of 
Representatives where she would soon be propelled to national 
prominence. During the Watergate and impeachment hearings, 
Representative Jordan distinguished herself by delineating before the 
entire Nation why she believed the committee on judiciary should vote 
to indict President Richard Nixon. Newsweek called her speech ``The 
most memorable indictment of Richard Nixon to emerge from the House 
impeachment'' proceedings.
  Jordan's memorable keynote address in the 1976 Democratic National 
Convention sealed her reputation as one of the great political orators 
in the country. Her decision to retire from the House in 1978 in order 
to accept a teaching post at the University of Texas' Lyndon B. Johnson 
School of Public Affairs, represented a loss for American politics and 
a tremendous gain for the world of academia. More recently, Barbara 
Jordan was called upon once again to serve our country as chairman of 
the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform. She performed her task with 
the integrity and utter professionalism that marked her whole life.
  Barbara Jordan led by example; she led by her sheer will to 
persevere; and she led by her intellect and oratorical skill. Barbara 
Jordan was truly a great American. Her legacy is now and forever a part 
of the rich history of African-American accomplishments and 
contributions to our country.
  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, since 1976, February has been celebrated as 
Black History Month, but the origins of this event date back to 1926, 
when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in 
February to recognize the heritage, achievements, and contributions of 
African-Americans. It is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize a 
resident of my district who has made an outstanding contribution to 
both the African-American community, and the central coast region in 
general.
  Rev. Herbert Hoover Lusk, Sr., a native of Memphis, TN, has served as 
a minister and professional community organizer in the City of Seaside, 
CA for over 30 years. Widely known for his speaking ability and 
leadership skills, he has been an instrumental figure in the growth and 
development of the city of Seaside.
  Reverend Lusk received his formal education at Henderson Business 
College in business administration, 1951, and the Right School of 
Religion, 1955, both located in Memphis, TN. Later, he received his 
bachelor of science degree in human relations and organizational 
behavior from the University of San Francisco, 1984, and his master of 
science degree in management and school administration from Pepperdine 
University.
  As an organizational planner and administrator, Reverend Lusk founded 
Operations Shoe-Strings, Inc. Of Seaside 25 years ago, along with 
Operation Tobacco Education and Operation Second Chance. These 
organizations are designed to provide essential services to aspiring 
youth, their parents and other interested community residents.
  Reverend Lusk has served as minister and pastor of the Bethel 
Missionary Baptist Church of Seaside, CA since 1961. During this period 
he has designed and organized church educational programs, a day-care 
and pre-school program, assisted in community organizational efforts 
and developed and administered successful proposal and grant-funding 
efforts. He is also vice-moderator of the St. John District 
Association, which consists of the States of California, Nevada, New 
Mexico, and parts of Africa. In February of 1993, Reverend Lusk 
participated in the first African American national conference ever 
held on South African soil. In addition, he has served as either a 
leader or member of such community organizations as the Monterey 
Peninsula Ministerial Alliance, the Seaside Chamber of Commerce, the 
Seaside Club International, the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People [NAACP], the Southern Christian 
Leadership Conference, the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. and the 
National Alliance for Black Observation Day.
  As a result of his inspirational leadership and tireless efforts 
Reverend Lusk has been widely recognized for his achievements. Among 
the many awards and honors bestowed upon him are the Outstanding 
Services Award of the Anti-Poverty Council, Monterey Peninsula--1971, 
the NAACP Man of The Year, 1971, the Seaside Chamber of Commerce Award, 
1978, the Elvirita Lewis Foundation Award, 1980, the Delta Sigma Theta 
Sorority, Inc. Award, 1985 and the California Legislative Resolution 
Commendation that I sponsored in 1988.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known Reverend Lusk for many years. He has 
demonstrated time and time again a tenacious commitment to bettering 
the lives of the less fortunate in Seaside and surrounding central 
coast communities. His zeal and enthusiasm have inspired cooperation 
and commitment for the betterment of the community. As we celebrate our 
1996 observance of Black History Month, we celebrate an America that is 
richer and more culturally aware because of the undertaking and 
accomplishments of people like Reverend Lusk.
  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, as we remember our former colleague, the 
Honorable Barbara Jordan, it is particularly fitting that the theme of 
this special order in observation of Black History Month is ``African-
American Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.'' This institution has 
benefited greatly from the contributions of Congresswoman Jordan, as 
well as our other strong African-American female members. So, too, has 
America benefited from the presence of African-American women in her 
midst over the past almost 400 years. During slavery the blood, sweat, 
and tears of African-American women became literally and figuratively a 
part of the very foundation upon which out great Nation is built.
  Throughout her story in America, the African-American woman has 
played an integral role in the survival of the family, community, and 
country. Women such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, Ida 
B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, and countless others, struggled to 
obtain freedom and racial equality for African-Americans and all 
Americans, and to make America a Nation true to its principles and 
ideas.
  African-American women embody the pride and strength of a people who 
have experienced and survived great oppression. The tradition of 
leadership and struggle continues today among African-American women as 
evidenced by Marian Wright Elelman, Eleanor 

[[Page H1504]]
Holmes Norton, Dorothy Height, Myrlie Evers, and others. Today, I join 
my colleagues to recognize and salute the strength, pride, resilience 
and commitment of African-American women.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and Congressmen Glenn 
Poshard and Jerry Costello, I rise to honor Capt. William R. (Bill) 
Norwood of Carbondale, IL, for his distinguished career and his 
contributions to Illinois and the Nation. Captain Norwood is retiring 
after more than 30 years with United Airlines. I want to take this 
opportunity to acknowledge his significant achievements.
  Bill Norwood's life has been one of great individual achievements, 
which have helped to pave the way for others to follow. He was the 
first black pilot hired by United Airlines, and the first to reach the 
rank of captain. Today, there are 236 black pilots at United Airlines 
who have followed in Bill Norwood's footsteps.
  He was born in Centralia, IL, where he attended Lincoln Elementary 
and Centralia Township High School. He started working at the age of 
10, selling newspapers, and worked with his father in carpentry. He 
graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a degree 
in chemistry, where he was also the first black quarterback on the 
football team, and went on to earn a master's in business 
administration from the University of Chicago. He was hired by United 
Airlines in 1965 and has flown all the cockpit positions and many 
different airplanes, beginning with the 727 and ending with the DC-10.
  He was inspired to become a pilot by a teacher in grammar school who 
had flown with the Tuskegee Airmen black fighter squadron. He joined 
the ROTC and served 6 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew for 
the Strategic Air Command.
  He is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the United 
Airlines Flight Operations Division Special Achievement Award; the 
United Airlines 1991 Community Relations Award; the Certificate of 
Merit from the Chicago Merit Employment Committee; the Illinois 
Concerns for Blacks in Higher Education Special Merit Award; membership 
in the Southern Illinois ROTC Hall of Fame; the Southern Illinois 
Athletic Hall of Fame; and the Centralia, Illinois Historical Hall of 
Fame. He was profiled in Chicago's ``Successguide 1991'' as one of the 
top 10 black professionals making outstanding contributions to the 
community. He is named in the first editions of ``Who's Who Among Black 
Americans,'' ``Profiles in Black,'' ``The African Americans,'' and 
``African American Firsts.'' He is also pictured in the National Air 
and Space Museum's permanent display called ``Black Wings.''
  Beside these many honors are the contributions he has made to our 
community. Bill serves on the board of trustees of Southern Illinois 
University and the Southern Illinois University Aviation Advisory 
Committee. He is a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education; 
immediate past president and former treasurer of the State Universities 
Retirement System Board; and he works with the Illinois Committee on 
Black Concerns in Higher Education. He is a member of the Airline 
Pilots Association; he has served many terms as treasurer, president, 
and chairman of the board of the Organization of Black Airline Pilots; 
he is a life member of the NAACP; he serves on several committees at 
the Prince of Peace United Methodist Church; and he frequently takes 
time to visit schools and give career and motivational talks to young 
people.
  Bill is retiring from United Airlines to spend more time with his 
family, which he raised with his lovely wife, Molly Frances Cross 
Norwood, who is also president and CEO of the Blue Ribbon Press. His 
two adult sons, William, Jr., who is an air traffic controller, and 
George Anthony, an attorney, are following in their father's footsteps 
of high achievement. On behalf of his many friends and admirers, I 
congratulate Capt. William R. (Bill) Norwood and wish him and his 
family the very best in the future.
  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in this special order to 
observe and celebrate Black History Month. Observing Black History 
Month each year helps Americans educate ourselves about the important 
role that African-Americans have played in our Nation's history. Given 
the unique experience of African-Americans in this nation of 
immigrants, it is important that all Americans understand and 
appreciate the nature of their struggle for freedom and equality--and 
the accomplishments in art, science, education, business, and politics 
that African-Americans have achieved despite the extraordinary 
obstacles that they have been forced to overcome.
  I want to thank Representatives Louis Stokes and Donald Payne for 
organizing this special order today. As a result of their efforts, 
Members of Congress can take this opportunity to celebrate the many 
important contributions that African-Americans have made to our 
country's cultural, economic, and political life.
  Black History Month was initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who 
established the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and 
History in 1915 in order to encourage the proper appreciation for the 
contributions that African-Americans had made to their country. Black 
History Month has been celebrated in some form since 1926.
  The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History has 
made African-American women the focus of this year's observance 
because, as Mary Church Terrell observed, African-American women had to 
overcome the obstacles of both racial and gender discrimination. 
Consequently, I would like to focus my remarks today on some of the 
remarkable African-American women who have overcome tremendous 
obstacles to achieve success in their chosen fields. Brave, smart, 
strong, and determined--these women were truly giants.
  African-American women have been active in every field of human 
endeavor in this country, and yet, more often than not their 
contributions have gone unrecognized. African-American women in this 
country have been activists, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, 
artists, and elected officials. Moreover, they have succeeded in these 
fields in the face of a combination of obstacles more intimidating that 
those that most other Americans have had to confront.
  Women like Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth were born into 
slavery, but they refused to submissively accept their designated place 
in society. Both of these women became dedicated abolitionists and 
contributed to the growing opposition to slavery in this country in the 
mid-1800's. Harriet Tubman returned to the South many times to help 
many other African-Americans escape the bondage of slavery. As a result 
of their efforts to change public attitudes about slavery, millions of 
African-Americans were eventually freed from slavery.
  Emancipation was not the end of African-Americans' struggle for 
freedom and equality in this country, however. Sadly, even 131 years 
after the end of the Civil War, that struggle is not over. 
Nevertheless, tremendous strides have been made. Just as in the battle 
against slavery, African-American women were active participants in the 
struggle to end segregation and secure their political rights. Ida B. 
Wells, for example, was an influential activist and journalist in the 
late 19th and early 20th centuries. She braved threats of physical 
violence to organize African-Americans against segregation and protest 
the lynchings that characterized the post-Reconstruction era. Fannie 
Lou Hamer was threatened, shot, and beaten as a result of her efforts 
to secure the right to vote for African-Americans, and yet she never 
wavered in her pursuit of social justice. Rosa Parks was arrested for 
her refusal to submit to the racist Jim Crow laws that, sadly, enjoyed 
wide support in the South for most of this century. These are only a 
few of the women who were active in breaking down the political and 
legal system that discriminated against African-Americans in this 
country; it would be impossible to mention the names of all the 
African-American women who contributed to this effort, but it would be 
wrong not to point out the important role that they played.
  As a result of the struggle for civil rights, African-American women 
have been able to begin participating fully in the political process. 
Mary McLeod Bethune, a noted African-American educator, was appointed 
by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to administer the African-
American division of the New Deal era National Youth Administration. In 
1969, Shirley Chisholm became the first African-American woman to be 
elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and in 1992, 
Carol Moseley-Braun became the first African-American woman elected to 
the U.S. Senate. Shirley Chisholm also has the honor of becoming the 
first African-American woman to run for the Presidency. It didn't take 
long for African-American women like Barbara Jordan to make their mark 
on Congress. Today there are a number of African-American women in 
Congress, the judiciary branch, and the administration--as well as in 
State and local government.

  Even in the darkest days of segregation, however, African-American 
women were successful entrepreneurs and professionals. C.J. Walker, for 
example, became America's first self-made female millionaire. In the 
1800's and early 1900's, thousands of talented African-American women 
became school teachers and administrators. More recently, African-
American women have begun taking advantage of the hard-won 
opportunities to pursue careers in less traditional fields; Katherine 
Johnson, for example, has achieved renown for developing navigational 
procedures for tracking NASA spacecraft. Today, there are no legal or 
institutional limits on the professions African-American women can 
pursue.
  Finally, I want to mention talented African-American artists like 
Maya Angelou, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison, who 
have given powerful voice to the shared experiences of African-American 
women.

[[Page H1505]]

  This country has made tremendous progress in race relations in the 
last 50 years. Much more needs to be done, of course, but let us not 
forget the substantial advances that have been made, thanks in no small 
part to the African-American women that I have mentioned here today.
  I have focused today primarily on African-American women whose 
accomplishments are in the more or less distant past. That is 
understandable--we don't have the perspective necessary to objectively 
evaluate contemporary events, and we cannot know with any certainty 
what the future holds. It would be inappropriate, however, to conclude 
without some mention of the future. The future is inextricably linked 
to the past--it holds so much potential for African-American women 
today precisely because of the struggles and sacrifices undertaken by 
their mothers and their grandmothers. As a result, their future 
successes will be that much brighter--and the challenges they face 
will, hopefully, be very different that the obstacles that their 
mothers and grandmothers were forced to overcome. It is only fitting 
that we take this time to recognize the contributions that African-
American women have made to this country--and will continue to make.
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our distinguished colleague 
from New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, who chairs the Congressional 
Black Caucus, for his leadership with regard to today's special order. 
We gather today to mark the congressional observance of Black History 
Month. I join Congressman Payne, members of the Congressional Black 
Caucus, and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we acknowledge 
the contribution of African-American men and women to the building and 
shaping of this great Nation.
  African-American have a rich and magnificent history. It is a history 
which is inextricably woven into the economic, social, and political 
fabric of this Nation. In 1926, the late Dr. Carter G. Woodson 
understood that African-Americans were not receiving proper recognition 
in history for their contributions. Therefore, he proposed setting 
aside 1 week during the month of February to commemorate the 
achievements of African-Americans. In 1976, the observance was changed 
to Black History Month. The Association for the Study of Afro-American 
Life and History, which Dr. Woodson founded, has selected the theme, 
``African American Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,'' for the 1996 
observance of Black History Month.
  Mr. Speaker, we gather to pay tribute to African-American women who 
have contributed to the building and shaping of America. The list is 
long and the names are many. In most instances, these individuals had 
to overcome tremendous obstacles and challenges in order to succeed. 
Let us pause to recognize some of these outstanding Americans and their 
extraordinary achievements.
  In January, the Nation mourned the passing of a great African-
American achiever. For many years, Barbara Jordan's voice was heard in 
these Halls, speaking out on the issues of the day and defending the 
Constitution. Not only was she a knowledgeable legislator, but she was 
also sincere and compassionate. She was a tireless advocate for those 
who had no voice in the congressional deliberations.
  Barbara Jordan began her political career with her election to the 
Texas State Senate, becoming the first African-American elected to that 
legislative body. In 1972, Barbara Jordan again made history when she 
and Andy Young became the first African-Americans from the South to be 
elected to Congress since Reconstruction.
  Mr. Speaker, those of us who were fortunate to serve in the U.S. 
Congress with Barbara Jordan loved, admired, and respected her greatly. 
She was a lawmaker of the highest caliber and integrity. Her eloquent 
voice and legal scholarship will be greatly missed.
  As we celebrate Black History Month, we also recall the perseverance 
of Shirley Chisholm who, in 1969, became the first African-American 
female to be sworn in as a Member of the U.S. Congress. Her election 
offered hope that women of color could be elected to all branches of 
government. Shirley Chisholm went on to become the first African-
American woman to run for the highest office of the land when she 
sought the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1972.
  Equally noteworthy is the election of the Nation's first African-
American female Senator. In 1992, Carol Moseley-Braun was elected to 
the U.S. Senate from the State of Illinois. A committed public servant, 
she has served with honor and distinction as a Member of that 
legislative body.
  Mr. Speaker, along with Senator Moseley-Braun, we also pay tribute to 
the African-American female lawmakers within the ranks of the 
Congressional Black Caucus. The CBC continues to benefit from their 
strong leadership and commitment. Like pioneers before them, these 10 
lawmakers have been willing to take strong stances on behalf of their 
constituencies and those who have no voice in the political process.
  Mr. Speaker, we know that there are many other African-American women 
trailblazers who set the pace and cleared the course for those who 
followed. We need only sift through the ashes of history to find 
African-American women who withstood the challenges and rose to great 
heights.
  We recall the perseverance of Harriet Tubman, the engineer of the 
Underground Railroad. This tightly organized, highly secretive network 
of safe houses provided shelter and support for slaves in their escape 
from the South to freedom in the northern States and Canada. Harriet 
Tubman propelled a mass of people to seek better lies for themselves, 
and to demand something more for future generations. She never gave up, 
and she never gave in.
  During this special observance of Black History Month, we remember 
the strength of Mary McLeod Bethune, a woman who founded one of 
America's foremost education institutions, Bethune-Cookman 
College, with a total capital of $1.50; a woman who during her lifetime 
held Presidential appointments, and became a friend and advisor to 
Presidents.

  As we celebrate our theme, ``African American Women: Yesterday, Today 
and Tomorrow,'' we recall the efforts of the legendary Rosa Parks. Her 
refusal to give a white man her seat on a bus in Montgomery, AL, in 
1955, prompted a year-long protest that ultimately resulted in the 
abolishment of a law that required African-Americans to sit in the rear 
of the bus behind white people. Rosa Parks continues to serve today as 
a role model and heroine to those who champion justice and equality.
  Mr. Speaker, I take special pride in participating in today's special 
order in observance of Black History Month. I join my colleagues in 
saluting African-American women who have changed and, indeed, are 
making history. This special order provides just a glimpse of the 
historical contributions of African-American men and women to our 
Nation. It is important to remember, however, that not only in 
February, but every day African-Americans are contributing to the 
building, shaping, and preservation of this great democracy. Our 
history is America's history.
  Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to speak on the 
accomplishments and contributions of Shirley Chisholm during this 
special order on Black History Month.
  Her political life took root when she decided to become a teacher. 
During her years in college, she became known for her outspokenness and 
was encouraged to go into politics. For several years, she worked 
behind the scenes for many political candidates before she decided to 
run for the New York State Assembly. Against all odds, she won.
  In 1968, Shirley Chisholm entered the House of Representatives with a 
bang when she refused to accept an assignment on the Committee on 
Agriculture. In that one moment, she defined herself as a maverick; a 
warrior who would fight for her rights and the rights of others; a 
campaigner for the poor, higher minimum wages, and Federal subsidies 
for day care centers. She showed her commitment, not only to the 
Brooklyn community she represented, but to many communities that were 
powerless and insignificant, and she turned them into forces with which 
to be reckoned.
  During 1981 and 1982, I had the opportunity to work with 
Representative Chisholm when we served together as members of the Rules 
Committee. During these committee meetings, I was able to witness 
firsthand her dedication to causes greater than herself. It was an 
honor to work beside her to achieve changes that improve mankind.
  She began to build a road for other African-American leaders and 
women who were interested in running for Congress. And when this road 
seemed to come to an unexpected end, she did something few people 
expected her to do. She sought a major party nomination for President. 
She was unsuccessful; however, she felt success in being allowed to 
carry the torch that would allow for other minorities to follow her 
challenge to run for President.
  Representative Chisholm retired in 1982 and returned to the teaching 
profession. During these years, she has continued to work behind the 
political scenes for the advancement of all people.
  In her biography, ``The Good Fight,'' she stresses that she does not 
want to be remembered as the first black woman to be elected to the 
U.S. Congress, even though she was. She does not want to be remembered 
as the first black woman who happened to be black to make a serious bid 
for the presidency. She wants to be known as a catalyst for change, a 
woman who has the determination and a woman who has the perseverance to 
fight on behalf of the female population and the black population, 
because she is a product of both.
  Mr. PAYNE of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to join people from 

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throughout our Nation in commemorating Black History Month. This is a 
time when we, as American citizens, recognize and pay tribute to the 
many African-Americans who have made significant contributions in their 
respective fields throughout the course of American history.
  SInce our country's beginnings, every aspect of American life and 
culture has been enhanced by the acts of great African-Americans. 
Dating back as early as the Revolutionary War, some 5,000 blacks fought 
for our Nation's independence. For much of American history they were 
legally denied recognition for their accomplishments and even today, 
many of their contributions are largely unknown.
  For this reason, the noted black author and historian, Dr. Carter G. 
Woodson of Buckingham County in my congressional district, initiated 
what has become known today as Black History Month; 70 years later, Dr. 
Woodson's legacy means that all children across our Nation now 
understand an important part of history.
  Thanks to Black History Month, children now understand that African-
Americans made significant advancements in the fields of arts, science, 
entertainment, technology, communications, politics, and civil rights. 
These social, economic, and educational achievements have contributed 
to our Nation's prosperity and rich culture.
  In addition to Dr. Woodson, we in the Fifth Congressional District 
are very proud of another outstanding individual who emerged as one of 
the most influential African-Americans in American history. Booker T. 
Washington, born in Franklin County, VA in 1856, spent most of his life 
working to achieve economic advancement for blacks. Best known for 
founding the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in 1881, Mr. 
Washington also advised Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William 
Howard Taft on racial injustice facing the United States. In order to 
achieve a better quality of life Mr. Washington advocated vocational 
and industrial training for African-Americans. This would prove to be 
the most effective path for African-Americans to follow in order to 
elevate their economic standing. Booker T. Washington was a voice of 
compromise and moderation in a time when civil and political rights 
were reserved only for a select few. He believed progress for blacks 
would be achieved only if peace between the races was maintained.
  Booker T. Washington was just one great African-American who helped 
more of our countrymen to realize freedom and independence. Other 
individuals, like Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther King, Jr. rank 
among the greatest Americans in history.
  I encourage all citizens to commemorate Black History Month and to 
recognize always that Americans of every race, color, and creed have 
helped to make this the greatest nation on Earth.

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