[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E266-E267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ACKNOWLEDGING AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank our 
chairwoman of the CBC, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the gentlewoman 
from California, for her leadership and tenacity in moving forthwith on 
critical issues of importance not only to African-Americans but to all 
Americans. And to our revered and preeminent leader, the gentleman of 
Ohio, Congressman Louis Stokes for his guidance in advising those of us 
who have come recently to this great House to do the people's business. 
My thanks to both my colleagues for allowing us these extended moments 
to reflect.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud African-American to acknowledge 
this month as African-American History Month and to recognize the vast 
contributions made by distinguished citizens of this Nation who are of 
African descent.
  And as we hold our forbearers in high esteem for their courage, 
perseverance, morality and faith, we salute them for their relentless 
efforts in fighting to remove the legal and political disabilities that 
were imposed upon us. While I represent California's 37th Congressional 
District with pride, my birth State is Alabama, and I am reminded of 
the first African-American from Alabama, who was elected to the 42d 
Congress and who advocated even then the importance of education, 
Benjamin Sterling Turner. Education has been a cornerstone in the 
African-American community.
  My father, Rev. Shelly Millender, Sr. knew the importance of 
education. He and my mother, Mrs. Everlina Dortch Millender, advocated 
a quality education and, gave us a value system that is part and parcel 
of the true spirit of African-American families. We recognize that a 
good education is the key to success and should open the doors to 
opportunity. I am further reminded of my father's teaching when he 
would say: never subordinate to race bashing, respect yourself and 
others even though you have differences of opinion, but hold firm to 
your convictions. These are the teachings of numerous African-American 
families. And as I listened closely to the President's State of the 
Union Address as he spoke of education as a No. 1 priority; building 
strong families and communities; and humanitarian efforts in the 
assistance of the underpriveledged through volunteerism, I stand 
tonight to lift up some of my constituents who are role models and

[[Page E267]]

great citizens that the President talked about. Their names were never 
in lights nor on billboards, but they are the unsung heroes of my 
community. They helped in the education of our children, they built 
strong families and engaging communities. And they taught us to have a 
strong value system. Let me share with you these outstanding African-
American individuals.

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