[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 30 (Thursday, March 16, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H1081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            BLACK PRESS DAY

  (Mr. TERRY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today on the occasion of 
Black Press Day. March 16 is the anniversary of the publication of the 
first black-owned newspaper in the United States.
  On this date in 1827, the first edition of Freedom's Journal rolled 
off the press and on to the streets of New York City. I borrow from the 
Newspaper Publishers Association when I recite the credo of the Black 
Press. The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world 
away from racial and national antagonism when it accords to every 
person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal 
rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to 
help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as 
anyone is held back.
  There is no better example of this credo than in my own district in 
Nebraska. The Omaha Star is one of the Nation's most renowned black-
owned newspapers. We owe a special debt of gratitude to the pioneers of 
the Omaha Star, both past and present, who lead the fight for 
acceptance of all races.
  So on behalf of all Nebraskans, I say to the people of Omaha Star, 
thank you.

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