[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E194-E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 29, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor that I 
rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2000 theme--Heritage and 
Horizons, the African-American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st 
century. As I consider this year's theme, I reflect on this great 
nation's African-American heritage, and anticipate a multitude of 
future accomplishments in the new millennium.
  As we reflect on the great African-American contributions made to our 
nation's history, I would like to draw your attention to some 
individuals who were the first in representing the African-American 
community in Indiana's First Congressional District: William Burke, the 
first African-American police officer in Gary; Lonnie Bolden, the first 
African-American firefighter in Gary; Bernard Carter, the first 
African-American Prosecutor in Lake County; and Rudy Clay, the first 
African-American State Senator.
  These individuals, the trailblazers for our future leaders, had the 
courage and initiative to set high aspirations, achieve their goals, 
and become role models for our youth. We must recognize this great 
African-American heritage, honor our African-American pioneers and 
celebrate their accomplishments. However, we must stop there. We are at 
the dawn of a new century.

[[Page E195]]

  A true role model for today's youth is Karen Freeman-Wilson of 
Indiana's First Congressional District. Karen, a native of Gary, 
recalls showing her seventh grade report card to her father. Her grades 
included 5 ``A's'' and one ``B''. After indicating his pleasure, her 
father told her if she brought up the ``B'' and continued to work hard, 
she could achieve any goal she could conceive. She became the 1978 
valedictorian for Gary Roosevelt High School, the first in her family 
to attend college, and in 1985, a graduate of Harvard Law School. She 
then returned to her home in Lake County to confront new challenges as 
a deputy prosecutor and later a public defender. From 1989 to 1992, she 
headed the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, guiding legislation which 
made Indiana the first state in the nation to pass fair housing laws 
aligned with the federal government's. She also brought Indiana law 
into alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Karen was 
appointed a Gary Circuit Court judge in 1994, the first African-
American to serve in that position. As a judge, she developed programs 
to combat drug addiction, gang involvement and teen smoking. In 
addition, she has worked with Gary pediatrician Dr. Steve Simpson to 
establish a home for babies born addicted to crack cocaine.
  On February 21, 2000, Karen Freeman-Wilson confronted her latest 
challenge when she was appointed to be the youngest Indiana State 
Attorney General. As Attorney General, Karen vows to continue her 
efforts to protect children, the elderly, and victims of rape and 
domestic violence, while providing quality legal representation of all 
the people of Indiana.
  Karen clearly states that she owes her personal and professional 
success to many influential leaders and activists who paved the way 
before her. Now, Karen Freeman-Wilson is paving the way for young 
African-American children to confront and conquer new challenges.
  I would also like to draw your attention to two distinguished 
African-American youths who have emerged victorious after facing many 
difficulties and will lead us into the 21st century. Dominic Adams, a 
junior at Lew Wallace High School in Gary, is currently serving as a 
Congressional page. Dominic is a member of the male role model program 
at his high school, head of the school newspaper, and a member of the 
Christ Baptist Church youth choir.
  Another distinguished young person is Andrea Ledbetter, a senior at 
Emerson High School in Gary. She recently won a national Target 
scholarship. Andrea is involved in many activities including the Gary 
Youth NAACP Chapter, U.S. People to People Student Ambassador Program, 
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, Academic Super Bowl team, and 
Governor O'Bannon's Indiana Point of Youth Program. As a part of a 
citywide Stop-the-Violence rally in Gary, Andrea was instrumental in 
recruiting cheerleaders from each of the area high schools to provide 
routines aimed at increasing the peace. In addition, Andrea is an 
outstanding academic student, ranked number one in her class with a 
grade point average of 4.10 on a four-point scale. Andrea and Dominic 
are fine representatives of their high schools in Gary, of Indiana's 
First Congressional District, and of Future African-American leaders.
  As we celebrate Black History Month, let us all continue our work 
together. Let us celebrate our country's African-American heritage and 
commemorate it. Let us address the challenges of the 21st century, 
encouraging and helping our young African-Americans to achieve success.

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