[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL GREAT BLACK AMERICANS COMMEMORATION ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 1, 2004

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic support of the 
National Great Black Americans Commemoration Act of 2003, and I want to 
thank my distinguished colleagues from Maryland, Senator Barbara 
Mikulski and Representative Elijah Cummings, for their leadership on 
this legislation.
  The bill before the House, S. 1233, provides key funding for an 
important Baltimore institution. The National Great Blacks in Wax 
Museum will help preserve our nation's history. Located in East 
Baltimore, the Museum features nearly 200 exhibits and commemorates 
Black Americans in the fields of government, law, military service, 
science and religion. More than 300,000 visitors each year view its 
exhibits and participate in its programs. I have visited the museum 
several times, most recently for the unveiling of the image of our 
friend and former House colleague, Kweisi Mfume.
  In the words of noted historian Carter G. Woodson, ``If a race has no 
history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible 
factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being 
exterminated.'' If Dr. Woodson were alive today, he would applaud the 
work of Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin. Back in 1983, these two pioneers 
recognized the importance of going beyond textbooks to expand the 
horizons of young minds, to stimulate their imaginations, to bring 
historical figures to life. The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum has 
helped preserve and celebrate the legacy of Black America, which I 
would emphasize is important for all Americans, including nascent 
immigrant communities.
  Enactment of this bill will also expand the educational opportunities 
provided by the Museum, which works in coordination with religious and 
art groups to offer after-school and community activities in East 
Baltimore. This bill also authorizes $15 million for expansion of the 
Museum's existing facilities through a grant from the Department of 
Justice, and it will establish the Justice Learning Center.
  This bill has passed the Senate unanimously and I look forward to its 
passage in the House and enactment. I urge my colleagues to visit the 
Great Blacks in Wax Museum, to recommend it to their constituents, and 
to vote in favor of S. 1233.

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