[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 131 (Friday, September 26, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   COMMEMORATING THE 1972 NATIONAL BLACK POLITICAL CONVENTION'S 25TH 
                        ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to commend the 
1972 National Black Political Convention's 25th Anniversary 
celebration. This event will take place tomorrow, September 27, 1997, 
at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, IN.
  With great vision and dedication, the citizens of Gary, IN 
successfully hosted the First Black Political Convention 25 years ago. 
In 1972, 10,000 African-Americans trailblazed their way to Gary to 
bring together mainstream political leaders, labor officials, and 
ordinary people to forge a landmark and milestone in our country's 
struggle for economic justice and fair share of political power.
  In 1972, there were 300 African-Americans elected to public office, 
nationwide; today, there are 7,000 in Federal, State, and local office. 
In 1972, there were 12 Members of Congress, and in 1997 there are 40 
African-Americans in the U.S. Congress. The issues facing African-
Americans today are different now than in 1972. The conference this 
weekend signals the shift from marches to the political arena, to using 
the political arena as the most effective avenue of opportunity.
  In 1972, the convention agenda focused on political and economic 
empowerment, human development, international policy, communications, 
rural development, environmental protection, and self-determination. 
Twenty-five years later, some of the original organizers, including 
then Gary Mayor Richard Hatcher, are bringing together many of the same 
players for an anniversary celebration. U.S. Representative Maxine 
Waters of California, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, 
will speak at the Genesis Center tomorrow evening. Many social 
conditions continue to place African-Americans at a disadvantage in 
finding employment and adequate housing. As a result, the public is 
being asked to join in the celebration for a weekend of solidarity and 
discussion, which will focus on striving to eliminate the burdens 
plaguing African-Americans.
  A host of the Nation's most respected academic and political 
activists, including Dick Gregory, Dr. Ron Walters, Ron Daniels, U.S. 
Representative Danny K. Davis, and Dr. Ron Karenga, have confirmed 
their attendance. I am proud to be a part of this celebration and would 
also like to commend the efforts of the members of the Gary Committee 
to Commemorate the 1972 National Black Political Convention: Richard 
Gordon Hatcher, James Holland, Dozier T. Allen, Morris Carter, Judy 
Cherry, Carolyn McCrady, and a host of other participants working to 
make this anniversary celebration a success. As the U.S. Representative 
of Indiana's First Congressional District, I am proud to represent the 
place of my birth, Gary, IN. I look forward to continuing to work with 
my African-American colleagues in making this country a better place 
for all people.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commemorating the 25 year anniversary of the 1972 Black Political 
Convention and to encourage public participation in carrying out their 
vision into the future.

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