[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H644-H645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today marks the end of Black History 
Month, a time when we are reminded of the great contributions of 
African-Americans to our Nation. Rhode Island has a proud history of 
African-American accomplishments ranging from the heroic deeds of the 
Black Regiment, which fought under General Nathaniel Greene during the 
American Revolution, to Ruth Simmons who, as president of Brown 
University, is the first African-American to head an Ivy League 
institution.
  Last month, I met with civil rights leaders from Rhode Island to 
discuss the work of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and how we are still 
working to keep alive his vision for America. While we have made great 
strides since Dr. King's death, we have much more to accomplish. 
Throughout my service as a public official, I have met far too often 
with people with no access to affordable health care, housing, or even 
quality education for their children, and who fear for the safety of 
their loved ones because of gun violence. Congress must have the 
courage to address these problems immediately and promote efforts to 
improve the lives of all Americans.
  We cannot tolerate violence and crimes that target a victim's race, 
religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We must demand 
affordable health care and housing. We must support equal pay for equal 
work. And we must defend affirmative action in order to provide greater 
opportunities to minority students, workers, and business owners.
  When accepting his Nobel Peace Prize Reverend King said, ``I have the 
audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day 
for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, 
equality and freedom for their spirits.'' I challenge all of us to 
share Dr. King's audacity and to continue fighting for an America that 
offers equality for all.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the many achievements of 
African-Americans this February 2002, Black History Month.
  The first Black History Month took place in 1926, when Carter G. 
Woodson chose the second week in February, a week that includes the 
birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, to honor the 
contributions of African-Americans.
  The rich history of African-Americans reflects the challenges our 
Nation has faced, the diversity of our people, and the bright future 
ahead. Throughout our history, African-Americans have bravely fought 
for the freedoms we hold dear. The first American to lose his life in 
the American Revolution was a free black man named Crispus Attucks and, 
posing as a double agent, a slave, James Armistead, a slave, received 
permission to enlist in the Army under French General Marquis de 
LaFayette, providing the Americans with crucial information about 
British naval support.
  During the 19th century, many African-Americans joined the 
abolitionist movement, fighting against the injustices of slavery. We 
remember the bravery of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and 
Sojourner Truth who stood for the principles of freedom and equality.
  The 20th century has also known many achievements of African-
Americans. In New York a remarkable period of literary creativity in 
the 1920s and 1930s came to be known as

[[Page H645]]

the Harlem Rennaissance. Among the notable writers of this era were 
Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and poet James Weldon Johnson. In 
sports, while fans will remember Jackie Robinson's talents in fielding, 
hitting, and base running, it was his bravery in breaking the color 
barrier that paved the way for many great athletes.
  In our mutual struggle for civil rights, our Nation has reaped the 
benefits of dedicated African-Americans. We must never forget the life, 
message, and many achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose 
efforts paved the way for the revolutionary legislation of the 1960s. 
In addition we remember the bravery of Ms. Rosa Parks, who as a young 
woman, stood to end discrimination on a bus in Alabama and ignited 
change throughout our Nation.
  Our society has come a long way. Today, many African-Americans serve 
in this body and in the President's Cabinet. President Bush recently 
stated that ``Nobody can understand this country without understanding 
the African-American experience. It began when America began.''
  Mr. Speaker, too often, people think of Black History Month as a time 
for African-Americans to reflect and celebrate their rich history. 
However, this is a time for us all to recognize the significant 
contributions of African-Americans, to reflect upon the struggle to end 
slavery and to extend civil rights to all, and to reinvigorate our 
efforts to end prejudice throughout our Nation and our world.
  I am pleased to join my colleagues and all Americans in expressing 
appreciation for the contributions African-Americans have made to our 
Nation this Black History Month.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of 
objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sweeney). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentlewoman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 335

       Whereas the first Black Americans were brought to these 
     shores as early as the 17th century;
       Whereas these first Black Americans and subsequent 
     generations were enslaved and brought to America against 
     their free will;
       Whereas, despite this enslavement, early Black Americans 
     made significant contributions to the economic, educational, 
     political, artistic, literary, scientific, and technological 
     advancement of the United States;
       Whereas many of these enslaved Black Americans fought and 
     died in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War;
       Whereas, despite official and social discrimination, 
     subsequent generations of Black Americans have continued to 
     build on these early contributions and continue to make 
     important advancements in politics, business, culture, 
     education, art, literature, science, and technology;
       Whereas Black Americans have worked consistently and 
     arduously to strengthen the Constitutional values of freedom, 
     liberty, and equality;
       Whereas Black Americans have disproportionately contributed 
     to protecting the Nation's security and freedom through 
     service in the Armed Forces;
       Whereas Black Americans have built many of the Nation's 
     strongest faith-based institutions which serve the Nation's 
     poorest citizens, strengthen the Nation's moral core, and 
     uplift its spirit; and
       Whereas the month of February is officially celebrated as 
     Black History Month, which dates back to 1926, when Dr. 
     Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in 
     February to recognize the heritage and achievements of Black 
     Americans: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That--
       (1) Congress recognizes the significance of Black History 
     Month, an important time to recognize the contributions of 
     Black Americans in the Nation's history, and encourages the 
     continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity 
     for all people of the United States to learn more about the 
     past and to better understand the experiences that have 
     shaped the Nation; and
       (2) it is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) the contributions of Black Americans are a significant 
     part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United 
     States; and
       (B) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States 
     enriches and strengthens the Nation.

  The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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