[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 24 (Wednesday, March 1, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to reflect on a momentous day 
in American history. On this day in 1780, Pennsylvania became the first 
State in our Nation to abolish slavery. The Gradual Abolition Act was 
an important first step in our Nation's history toward greater equality 
for all Americans.
  Last month, 226 years later, we celebrated Black History Month. And, 
we have much to celebrate since 1780. The accomplishments of African-
Americans and their tremendous sacrifices have strengthened our great 
Nation and we recognize their enormous contributions to our diverse 
culture.
  In 1870, the 15th amendment to the Constitution granted African-
American men the right to vote by declaring that the ``right of 
citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged 
by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or 
previous condition of servitude.''
  It would be almost a century, however, for the true spirit of the 
15th amendment to be fully realized. Through the use of literacy tests, 
poll taxes, and other means, African-Americans were effectively 
disenfranchised in many parts of the Nation. Significant numbers of 
Black Americans across the country were not registered to vote until 
the Voting Rights of Act of 1965 was enacted.
  Organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People, NAACP, have continued the effort to gain true equality 
for African-Americans. In my home State of Oregon, the Portland chapter 
of the NAACP was founded in 1914. It remains the oldest continually 
chartered chapter west of the Mississippi River.
  As we continue to make strides in the battle for equality, we 
remember the tremendous accomplishments of African-Americans. But the 
struggle is not over. We can always do better. We must continue to 
fight to fulfill the legacy of the civil rights movement and ensure 
that all Americans have equal rights and opportunities.

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