[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E255-E256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRAD MILLER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2004

  Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
Black History Month and to take this opportunity to honor the African 
American citizens whom I represent. Our state is home to a rich 
tradition of African American leaders whose educational, economic and 
political achievements have enriched North Carolina and our Nation.
  Hard work and perseverance are traditions of the African American 
community. During a time when hatred and bigotry triumphed over our 
Nation's loving and generous spirit, African American leaders worked 
diligently to ensure and enhance the quality of life for future 
generations of both blacks and whites.
  Particularly important to our quality of life in North Carolina has 
been the African American community's persistent commitment to 
education. This is demonstrated in the work of acclaimed educator Dr. 
Charlotte Hawkins Brown who founded the Alice Freeman Palmer Memorial 
Institute. Founded in 1902, the Institute served as an African American 
preparatory school in Guilford County until 1971.
  This commitment remains strong among those who are seated at the helm 
of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the 13th and 
neighboring Congressional Districts. Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber of St. 
Augustine's College and Dr. James Renick of North Carolina A&T State 
University are leaders of thriving higher education institutions. Both 
serve on the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs. These leaders, 
along with Dr.

[[Page E256]]

Johnnetta B. Cole of Bennett College for Women are extraordinary 
examples of those who continue the legacy of producing young scholars 
who will contribute to the progress of our state and nation.
  Evidence of this progress is apparent in the accomplishments of two 
graduates from NC A&T, former Chief Justice Henry Frye, the first 
African American appointed to the Supreme Court of North Carolina, as 
well as Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair, Physicist and Astronaut who lost his 
life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in January 1986.
  The contributions of the African American community in North Carolina 
are also demonstrated in the unique furniture designs and skills of 
artisan Thomas Day of Caswell County whose work continues to influence 
the industry.
  Recently a good friend of mine, John Wesley Winters, Sr. passed away. 
Mr. Winters was a leader in North Carolina, his contributions as a 
businessman, civil rights leader and political leader leaves a powerful 
legacy. Many African American families own their own homes in Raleigh 
because of Mr. Winters' work.
  My District includes the Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, North 
Carolina. Four brave young men, Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, David 
L. Richmond and Ezell Blair, Jr. (now known as Jibreel Khazan) took a 
firm stand by sitting down at a ``white only'' Woolworth lunch counter. 
This new museum helps us reflect every day on how their strength and 
determination, even in the face of threats, jolted a burgeoning civil 
rights movement that forever changed the American cultural landscape. 
We are a better Nation, we are better human beings, because of their 
courage.
  Black History Month reminds us of these and other achievements. We 
will never forget the important contributions that African Americans 
have made and will continue to our Nation.

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