[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 91 (Friday, July 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN CELEBRATION OF THE GRAND OPENING OF THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN 
             TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE VILLAGE OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2000

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, today I celebrate the Grand Opening of the 
Museum of African American Technology (MAAT) Science Village in 
Oakland, California. This event will take place on Saturday, July 29, 
2000.
  The Science Village is a unique effort by the Northern California 
Council of Black Professional Engineers (NCCBPE) to present the lives 
and scientific contributions of African Americans. Through the museum's 
interactive features, and the ancient African concept of Ma'at, which 
explores truth and balance in relation to the universe, the Village 
will encourage the NCCBPE's long standing goal of increasing the number 
of African American youth who pursue careers in science and 
engineering.
  The Village includes a diverse number of showcases that will reach 
out to the community. In addition to the scientific concepts and 
applications that the community has access to, the Science Village will 
feature a science mobile that will reach out to the community with 
supplemental classroom material and fun activities.
  The actual museum will run a series of seminars about the scientific 
achievements of African Americans, while providing a collection of 
magazines, books, and journals that focus on their achievements and 
their remarkable lives.
  It is the hope of the NCCBPE that the scientific accomplishments of 
African Americans will encourage further discovery in the lives of 
today's youth. To that end, the museum will also provide further 
information on methods to prepare for a career in science and 
engineering. An Internet cafe will also complement the museum's more 
traditional materials. The cafe will be complete with computers for 
teaching scientific concepts and technical skills while providing 
outlets for academic and career research.
  The African American Technology Science Village is truly an 
innovative reminder of the vital ways that the African American 
community has contributed to this country's development. I am excited 
to join in the grand opening and look forward to the possibility of 
similar facilities being established throughout the country.

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