[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IT IS TIME FOR AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, once again I am introducing a bill 
to establish an African-American Museum on the Mall in Washington, DC 
as part of the Smithsonian. I submit this bill during Black History 
Month to highlight the significance, urgency and importance of such a 
museum.
  The story of black people in America has yet to be told in its 
entirety. African-American history is an integral part of our country, 
yet the richness and variety of that history is little-known and 
little-understood. As tourists from all over the world come to visit 
our Nation's Capital, they will not be able to learn the full history 
of black people in America. This museum presents a great opportunity--
to showcase our history in its diversity and breadth, and to make the 
understanding of American history more complete.
  Did you know that Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was a pioneering heart 
surgeon that played a vital role in the discovery of open-heart 
surgery? And that Ernest Everett Just, Percy Julian, and George 
Washington Carver were all outstanding scientists? Educators such as 
W.E.B. DuBois and Benjamin E. Mays left an indelible mark on this 
country. The Harlem Renaissance produced poets, writers, and musicians 
like Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, and Duke Ellington. The civil 
rights movement changed the face of this country and inspired movements 
toward democracy and justice all over the world producing great leaders 
like Martin Luther King, Jr., and Whitney Young. Too few people know 
that Benjamin Benneker, an outstanding mathematician, along with Pierre 
L' Enfant, designed the District of Columbia. There are many more and 
their stories must be told.
  Until we understand the African-American story in its fullness and 
complexity, we cannot understand ourselves as a nation. We must know we 
are and where we have come from so that we may move forward together. 
And we recognize the importance of all our people and all of our 
history. The establishment of this museum would be one important step 
toward achieving greater understanding as a nation and as a people.
  It is my hope and prayer that as we preserve these important moments 
in history, we will inspire future generations to dream, to write, to 
march and to teach. As they are able to look back at all that has been 
accomplished, they will be able to look forward and believe in the 
future of our great country.
  I am pleased and delighted that many of my colleagues have joined me 
in cosponsoring this bill. I urge all my colleagues of the 105th 
Congress to support this worthwhile and important legislation.

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