[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM AND MEDIAONE

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, I rise today to commend and 
congratulate Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and MediaOne cable 
company for sponsoring a special educational event for students in the 
metropolitan Atlanta area commemorating Black History Month.
  In recognition of Black History Month, Turner Broadcasting System, 
Inc., a Time-Warner company, and MediaOne cable company are hosting a 
special educational event on Wednesday, February 10, 1999 at the 
``Magic'' Johnson Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. This event will serve as 
a venue to screen Turner Network's Original film, ``Passing Glory,'' 
and engage students in after-viewing discussion.
  Inspired by a true story about two undefeated high school basketball 
teams in segregation-era Louisiana, ``Passing Glory,'' is a powerful 
study about the discovery of mutual respect which crosses racial 
boundaries. Father Joseph Verrett ignites the sparks of the Civil 
Rights movement in New Orleans when he organizes a game between his own 
undefeated African American team and an undefeated prep school team 
from a white community. Along with his star player, he must overcome 
the fears and prejudices of the city's residents, both black and white, 
to forever change the established social order.
  Turner Broadcasting and MediaOne are sponsoring this local 
educational event during Black History Month to offer students the 
opportunity to discuss the themes of the film, such as tolerance, 
teamwork, diversity, and racism. The forum will provide a venue for 
students to question civil rights experts and renowned sports figures 
about the history of segregation and the role that sports has played in 
bridging the racial divide.
  This type of forum will motivate students to explore the history of 
race relations in this country and encourage dialogue which will foster 
understanding, the identification of common ground and a genuine 
commitment to afford equal opportunity and civil rights for people of 
all races, religions and ethnic origins. It is the human rights of all 
mankind that underpins the dignity and humanity of all people and a 
worthy goal to which we must all continue to aspire.
  Mr. President, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in 
recognizing and honoring Turner Broadcasting and MediaOne on many years 
of worthwhile work and achievements which have culminated with their 
most recent collaborative educational project on behalf of the many 
students of the Atlanta area in honor of Black History Month.

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