[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 19 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL MUSEUM

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                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 1998

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History 
Month to pay tribute to the San Joaquin Valley African-American 
Historical and Cultural Museum. The African-American museum has been 
instrumental in exposing the history and contributions of African-
Americans to the development of the San Jaoquin Valley.
  In 1983, an exhibit was set up as part of Fresno's One Hundred Year 
Centennial Celebration to show contributions African-American settlers 
had made toward the growth, prosperity, and cultural richness of Fresno 
County. By 1988, the exhibit had gained a great deal of popularity and 
needed to grow. Shortly following the exhibit's popularity, a donation 
by the State Center Community College District provided the space 
needed to move the exhibit into its first permanent exhibit hall where 
it remained until 1989. The museum has moved twice since then and now 
proudly rests in downtown Fresno.
  The African-American Historical Museum is used for a variety of 
artistic, cultural, and historical presentations. The building has 
served as a community center for numerous community groups and 
organizations. In addition, the African-American Museum has hosted 
community forums, meetings, workshops, and recreational activities. In 
an effort to combat crime, enhance security, and bring about much 
needed social and physical change within the area, the African-American 
Museum has worked diligenty to enhance and improve the neighborhood 
through various projects and community outreach activities.
  The African-American Museum in Fresno is the only African-American 
Historical-Pictorial museum in the entire San Joaquin Valley. It houses 
some of the Valley's proudest pictorial moments, events, and heroes. 
Additionally, the museum is working with the City of Fresno and the 
Outreach Unit from the School of Professional Phychology and several 
local businessmen to sponsor a total youth involvement conference. The 
conference is directed toward crime prevention and positive redirection 
of youth participation within the community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to the 
African-American Historical and Cultural Museum in honor of Black 
History Month. The museum symbolizes the long and storied history of 
contributions made by African-Americans to the development of the San 
Joaquin Valley. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the African-
American Historical and Cultural Museum many more years of success.

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