[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 25 (Tuesday, March 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 2004

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, when the idea of Black History Month 
(formerly Black History Week) was conceived by historian, Carter G. 
Woodson, he envisioned a celebration of black history achievement as 
well as an educational medium. Mr. Woodson organized the first 
celebration in 1926 to be held the second week in February in honor of 
Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Because of its 
popularity among the black and white press, schools and women's clubs, 
the week long commemoration was expanded into a month long salute to 
African Americans. Black History month has provided a forum for African 
Americans to share their culture with the world and it is a very 
educational and entertaining month.
  For the past 5 years, I have hosted an Unsung Hero Program during 
Black History Month as a means of acknowledging the many 
accomplishments of my constituents who often go unnoticed for their 
service to the community.
  We are living in challenging times and the African American community 
is being severely impacted by many of the subtle changes in our 
society. Despite the fact that the 2004 theme for Black History Month 
is BROWN VS. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, for the first time in many years, 
our schools are becoming more segregated, African American students are 
experiencing a higher drop out rate than their peers, it's becoming 
more difficult to obtain student loans to attend college and 
affirmative action is being challenged on all fronts. In addition, that 
dreadful disease AIDS, has reached the pandemic stage in the African 
American community. However, in the past, my sisters and brothers of 
color have faced more formidable threats to their well-being and I am 
confident that each challenge will be met with a fierce determination 
to resolve the issues at hand.
  The following residents of the 9th Congressional District have proven 
they are willing to embrace Mr. Woodson's vision of a brighter tomorrow 
by their efforts to serve humanity. I am proud and honored to present 
to you my 2004 Unsung Heroes for inclusion in the U.S. Congressional 
Record:
  Ms. Thomasine Allen, Mr. Abdul Amin, Mr. Lewis Briscoe, Mrs. Rose 
Etienne, Ms. Loretta Fontenot, Mrs. Janis Matthews, Miss Charlotte 
Menifee, Mrs. Dianne Henderson Moore, Mrs. Barbara Myles, Mr. Kenneth 
Negbenebor, Mr. David Mitchell, Ms. Cheryl Randle, Mrs. Janice Stanton, 
Ms. Helen Truscott, Mr. Ennis Williams, Mrs. Maggie Williams and Mr. 
Spergon Wynn, Jr.
  These individuals were nominated by their friends and neighbors. 
However, because of redistricting by the Texas Legislature, after this 
term, the residents of Galveston County will no longer be my 
constituents. While this is my last Unsung Hero Program in their 
community, I assure you that Galveston County will always hold a 
special place in my heart. I am grateful to have represented their 
community and for their encouragement throughout the years.

                          ____________________