[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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