[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND ITS 2005 THEME--THE NIAGARA 
                                MOVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2005

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor that I 
rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2005 theme--the Niagara 
Movement. Fitting with this theme which honors the first African 
American meeting held to end racial discrimination, I would like to 
recognize the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the 
steelworker union movement who faced daunting challenges, but whose 
lives were forces for change.
  Over the last century, African American industrial history has broken 
through significant barriers. However, the struggle for equal rights 
and protections faced numerous challenges during this time. The modern 
struggle for access to equal rights, protections, and work began in 
1892 with the Homestead Strike, when African American workers were 
brought in on trains, unaware of their destination, to break the 
strike. This marked the advent of the northward migration of African 
American fieldworkers to the mills of the North.
  Though African Americans would increasingly join the steel mills, 
they faced discrimination and limited opportunities once they arrived. 
This, despite the increased strength and numbers the African American 
community provided the labor movement, particularly during World War I 
when African American representation in the steel mills swelled. 
However, it is important to note the perseverance of these brave 
workers who accepted some of the most dangerous jobs and the legacy 
they provided for the generations after them who continued the fight 
for equal rights and equal opportunity.
  Unfortunately, the successful CIO organizing drives of the 1930s and 
success of the broader labor movement began to leave African Americans 
behind. Though African Americans had increasingly joined the mills and 
unions, by World War II they still faced de facto limits on the types 
of opportunities they could expect at the mills. Generally limited to 
the lower skilled positions, regardless of their actual ability, this 
generation began to challenge the working order and demand equal 
treatment, both by their own unions and by management.
  These struggles culminated in the 1970s, when the mills and unions 
began setting hiring and promotion goals for women and minorities. 
Though this represented a watershed event for African American 
steelworkers, they have continued to forcefully advocate for their 
rights while working tirelessly for labor rights and the future of the 
steel industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in recognizing the contributions these American heroes have 
made to the labor movement and to their communities. I am proud to 
honor the ideals represented by Black History Month and its 2005 theme 
of the Niagara Movement, by recognizing the African American 
steelworkers who struggled and continue to fight for equality, 
opportunity, and an end to racial discrimination.

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