[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E422-E423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PRINTING REVISED UPDATED VERSION OF ``BLACK AMERICANS IN CONGRESS, 
                              1870-1989''

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2001

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 43. This legislation would support the authorization 
and printing of a revised and updated version of the House document 
``Black Americans in Congress.''
  This document delivers an abundance of information on the 
accomplishments of African Americans who served as members of Congress 
from 1870-1989 as well as updates the current status of African 
Americans in Congress. It highlights African American involvement in 
politics during historic periods such as the Reconstruction Era and the 
fight for civil rights during the Civil Rights Movement.
  ``Black Americans in Congress'' is important because it explains how 
over the past 12

[[Page E423]]

years there have been African American members of Congress who have 
compelling stories that should be told. There are African American 
members of Congress that are lawyers, doctors, teachers, librarians and 
farmers, all of whom have very distinguished backgrounds whose lives 
are worth noting and should be embraced by the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  I support the revision of this document because it is a dynamic tool 
in building a path of knowledge respecting the struggles, victories and 
losses of black politicians throughout America's history. This 
resolution will continue to document African American representation in 
Washington and will assist African Americans in becoming more informed 
about and more active in national politics.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge that the House document, ``Black Americans in 
Congress'' be revised so that the history and insight of the political 
process and the roles that black elected officials have played will 
have a permanent place in America's political memory and future.

                          ____________________