[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 16 (Monday, February 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S996-S997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   KEEPING AMERICA'S PROMISE: EXERCISING VIGILANCE AND LEADERSHIP IN 
                        SUPPORT OF CIVIL RIGHTS

  Mr. BIDEN. Madam President, each year, we pause in February--Black 
History Month--to celebrate the outstanding achievements of African-
Americans past and present, and the extraordinary contributions they 
have made to American history. When the annual tradition originated 
more than 75 years ago, ``black history'' was barely studied. African-
Americans had been in this country at least as far back as colonial 
times, but the history books largely ignored the black American 
population and the experiences that sprang from it.
  However, prodded by the vision and ambition of Dr. Carter G. 
Woodson--one of this country's great historians and the son of former 
slaves--all of that began to change in 1926. In that year, we first 
recognized ``Negro History Week'' and later, in 1976, expanded the 
celebration to span a full month. Now, Black History Month is 
celebrated all over North America.
  Our Nation is far different today from the nation that existed when 
we started this annual tradition. Racial discrimination--once 
buttressed by our legal system--is no longer sanctioned by law. 
Segregated lunch counters and water fountains--commonplace only a few 
decades ago--are now relics of the past. Barriers like poll taxes and 
other shams--once tolerated--are no longer permitted to bar African-
Americans from voting.
  Yes, America is a far better and much richer country today because of 
the enlightenment delivered, in no small part, by the leaders and foot 
soldiers of the movement for civil rights. They awakened a nation to 
the cause of equality and justice for all--and, because of their 
courage and foresight, America is stronger. We are undoubtedly better 
thinkers because of it . . . and better citizens because of it.
  Yet, it is that sense of accomplishment that is, perhaps, our 
greatest enemy. Having survived the civil rights movement and then 
reaped the benefits that struggle produced, we are inclined to believe 
that our work is done, that racial disparities don't exist. But that 
simply is not true.
  While we may no longer tolerate legal discrimination and 
segregation--more than ever before--we live segregated lives in 
segregated neighborhoods. We worship in segregated churches, synagogues 
and mosques. And nearly a half century after the landmark desegregation 
case Brown v. Board of Education, our kids still attend largely 
segregated schools.
  Now is no time to rest on the accomplishments of yesteryear. We must 
remain vigilant in our efforts and true to the vision of legends like 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Shirley Chisholm and Thurgood Marshall 
and Barbara Jordan--all of whom knew what we now know--namely, that 
America can only be great when all her citizens are afforded an equal 
opportunity to grow and learn and, themselves, be great.
  I was called to the U.S. Senate 30 years ago, inspired largely by 
this promise of equal opportunity and by the legions of civil rights 
workers who risked life and limb to ensure that America kept that 
promise.
  When I commenced my service in 1972, we were living in tumultuous 
times--only a few years before, this country had witnessed the 
assassination of her bravest sons; we had survived a war abroad; and 
our security at home threatened, then, by unfriendly foreign powers and 
a deeply divided public--was uncertain. I thought then, as I do now, 
that vigilance and strong, outspoken leadership could usher in the 
healing and transformation we so desperately needed.
  Today, as America commemorates Black History Month, we are again 
facing troubled times. The tragic events of September 11th have tested 
our commitment to keeping America's promise to all her citizens. We 
honor the nearly 3,000 innocents who died in New York, at the Pentagon 
and in that field in western Pennsylvania not by cowering in fear or by 
abandoning our guarantee of traditional civil rights. Rather, we honor 
their lives by, again, remaining vigilant and by exercising strong 
leadership in opposition to intolerance and prejudice in our society. 
We honor them by remaining true to our democratic principles and sense 
of justice. We honor them by seeking opportunities to speak out against 
hatred and unfairness and inequality.
  During this Black History Month and every month, we must remind 
ourselves of the great road we've traveled

[[Page S997]]

but, at the same time, renew our commitment to the basic truths and 
objectives that inspired the journey in the first place. This month and 
every month, we must re-dedicate ourselves to keeping America's 
promise.

                          ____________________