[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E60-E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2006

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, February is a month of remembrance. 
February is a significant month for the United States of America 
because it marks an important part of our heritage, Black History 
Month. It is important for all Americans to recognize the great 
contributions of African-Americans.
  Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard scholar, deserves most of the credit 
for establishing Black History Month. He was determined to bring Black 
history into the mainstream public arena and he succeeded. In 1926, 
Woodson organized the first annual Negro History Week, which took place 
during the second week of February. Woodson chose this date to coincide 
with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln--two men 
who had greatly impacted the Black population.
  Over time, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month. This 
4-week-long celebration of African-American history is packed with 
important anniversaries and remembrances of African-American struggles 
and triumphs. February 14, 1817 is the presumed birthday of Frederick 
Douglass, February 21, 1965 marks the date of Malcolm X's assassination 
and Nelson Mandela's release from prison was on February 11, 1990.
  Americans must remember that within the 4 short weeks of February, 
American history was radically changed. Many African-Americans risked 
their lives to stand up for their freedoms and as a result our culture 
has changed for the better.
  The first day of February is significant for two separate reasons: On 
this day in 1865 Abraham Lincoln approved the 13th amendment to abolish 
slavery, and 1960 was the date of the Woolworth lunch counter sit-in. 
African-Americans prevailed again throughout February with the 
ratification of the 15th amendment guaranteeing that race would not 
prevent a man from voting, February 3, 1870; the day of the 
Montgomery bus boycott arrests, February 22, 1956; and opera star 
Marian Anderson's birthday on February 27, 1897.

  Black History Month pays tribute to inspirational African-Americans 
from the past, as well as those who will continue to make history well 
into the future. It is important to inspire today's children by 
teaching them that there

[[Page E61]]

were people in the past such as Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, and 
Dr. Vivien Thomas who laid the paths for all Americans. The hard work, 
sacrifices and hardships of these role models permitted the 
accomplishments of a new generation: Tiger Woods, Senator Barack Obama, 
and Dr. Benjamin Carson.
  Mr. Speaker, with all of the significant contributions African-
Americans have accomplished throughout history, it is important that we 
recognize those achievements. Let's make sure that all Americans 
celebrate and understand the principles, achievements and ideals of 
African-Americans; after all, African American history is American 
history.

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