[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 9 (Tuesday, February 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CREED

 Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I submit for the Record the 
following National African American Creed, written by one of my 
constituents, Mr. Terry Harris. Mr. Harris is an active member of the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and 
has presented this creed before the NAACP Executive Board. Mr. Harris' 
National African American Creed challenges people to make a difference 
beginning with themselves. In particular, Mr. Harris encourages other 
African Americans to eschew drugs and gang violence, gain an education, 
display kindness, and support our country. I commend Mr. Harris on his 
interest in helping others.
  The material follows:

                       The African American Creed

                          (By Terrance Harris)

       I, the African American, man, woman, child--son and 
     daughter and great-grandchild of slaves, descendant of Africa 
     and child of God, no longer have to search to find my place 
     in this world.
       I, the African American, have a responsibility to my 
     forefathers whose struggles I must continue to ward off 
     hatred and bigotry.
       I, the African American, descendant of Ishmael and Abraham, 
     have a responsibility, to help my brothers and sisters when, 
     and after, they fall by the wayside.
       I, the African American, descendant of great kings and 
     queens of Africa, am obligated to teach my children about our 
     ancestors and their customs.
       I, the African American, of dark complexion, have a 
     responsibility for keeping my dark beautiful armor shined 
     with Christ-like luster in my daily walk.
       I, the African American, whose ancestors were great 
     warriors, must become a great warrior against such things as 
     drugs and gang violence.
       I, the African American, come from a race which was so 
     powerful, to cause a nation to change its views on 
     segregation and rethink its views on desegregation.
       I, the African American, great grandchild of great chiefs 
     in Africa, have a responsibility to become the head of my 
     family and to raise my children in such a manner that will 
     enable my children to become great leaders.
       I, the African American, come from a race which helped to 
     build this country, have a responsibility to keep the talent 
     alive and to build great buildings that will stand along side 
     the great pyramids of Egypt.
       I, the African American, whose forefathers came from a land 
     rich in vegetation and animal life, have a responsibility to 
     preserve that beauty so that my children will have the same 
     opportunities to bathe in the beauty of nature that God has 
     created for all to enjoy.
       I, the African American, whose ancestors used as a part of 
     their culture, great dances, am obligated to pass this 
     tradition and the history behind the dances on to my 
     children.
       I, the African American, come from a race where such 
     powerful men and women laid down their lives so that I might 
     be able to get a fair education, am obligated to attend a 
     school of higher learning.
       I, the African American, whose forefathers have been spit 
     upon and smitten, all in the name of equality, just so you 
     and I could stand here today, must be willing to display in 
     return the same equal kindness that we have demanded, not 
     just to men and women of the African American race, but to 
     men and women of all races.
       I, the African American, whose fathers and mothers can now 
     become men of science, medicine, and law, am obligated to 
     follow in their footsteps ensuring the best possible care, in 
     order to preserve my history.
       I, the African American, whose forefathers have died in 
     wars when they were not allowed to drink from the same 
     drinking fountain, yet were equal enough to share the same 
     bullet, but couldn't be buried in the same cemetery, am 
     obligated to become a great general of the Armed Forces, and 
     even to become President of the United States of America.
       My country `tis of thee, sweet land of Liberty let it be 
     known that if any changes are to occur, it must start with 
     me--of Thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of every 
     man's pride, from every mountain side, let freedom ring and 
     ring.

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I want to echo the remarks of my colleague, 
Senator Bennett, in sharing with the Senate the creed written by our 
fellow Utahn, Terry Harris. It is an inspiring declaration of personal 
integrity and determination. I join in commending Terry Harris. I urge 
all Americans to read it and carefully consider its message, not just 
to African Americans, but to all of us. In doing the right thing, the 
power of a single individual can make our country a better 
place.

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