[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 31 (Saturday, February 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS WITH A POSTAGE 
                                 STAMP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 16, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution to recommend that the United States Postal Service issue a 
postage stamp to commemorate the achievements of the Fisk University 
Jubilee Singers. I would like to thank my colleagues of the 
Congressional Black Caucus and the Tennessee Delegation that have 
joined me to introduce this important legislation.
  On January 9, 2007 Fisk University celebrated its 141-year 
anniversary. Known for its educational excellence and inspirational 
leadership the heart of Fisk University is found in its Jubilee 
Singers. The perseverance of the renowned Jubilee Singers has anchored 
Fisk University's success through the preservation of the Negro 
Spiritual as a musical art form and contributions to perpetuate the 
existence of the University.
  Sponsorship for this liberal arts institution began with support from 
the American Missionary Association, as well as a great financial 
contribution by Tennessee Freedmen's Bureau member, General Clinton B. 
Fisk. His generosity led him to purchase 42 acres of land to start this 
school for newly freed slaves, ranging in ages from 6 to 67.
  On August 22, 1867, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation, 
Fisk became incorporated and was finally able to provide students of 
color with the opportunity to obtain an education. When faced with 
financial hardship, it was the Jubilee Singers that overcame 
significant opposition to generate life-sustaining revenue.
  The advancement of this choir throughout the racially prejudiced 
Nashville community brought great struggle and hostility. Parents and 
University staff were initially opposed to the choir traveling due to 
the threat of violence. As a result the financial sponsorship from the 
American Methodist Association denied funding for the school. Against 
these odds, the director and founder, George L. White, persevered and 
scheduled the choir a tour in the fall of 1867. Mr. White told the 
A.M.A., ``I'm depending on God, not you,'' and set off with his singers 
and the last $40 of the school's treasury.
  Madam Speaker, the Fisk Jubilee Singers then embarked on what became 
an international tour to raise funds for Fisk University. Their first 
grand appearance was for a National Convention for Influential 
Ministers, in Ohio at Oberlin College. It was one of the first public 
performances of the secret music that African Americans had sung in 
fields and behind closed doors. In this performance, Negro Spirituals, 
which had been a means of communication and the celebration of 
spirituality for centuries, were first introduced to the public sphere.
  The highlight of their international tour was an audience with Queen 
Victoria. Overwhelmed with the choir's performance, Her Royal Majesty 
bestowed on the Jubilee Singers a gift of $50,000. Her enthusiasm for 
the choir led to the painting of the life-size portrait of the original 
11 Jubilee Singers. Over many years of performances the Jubilee Singers 
were able to raise over $100,000 to finance the continued existence of 
Fisk University.
  Madam Speaker, the accomplishments of the Jubilee Singers remain the 
reason Fisk University is able to educate students today. As a Fisk 
graduate, this institution of learning is responsible for my 
participation in this great Congress. Thus, commemorating the Jubilee 
Singers with a First Class U.S. postage stamp would be a tremendous 
honor to acknowledge the sacrifice and remember the services of these 
young individuals.
  It took immense determination to pursue an education after many years 
of condemnation and rejection. The majority of the Jubilee Singers were 
ex-slaves; however, this did not hinder their achievement. Their status 
did not dictate or hinder their dreams of success. They used their gift 
of music to portray the realities and stories of their lives.
  It was the commitment and hard work of the Jubilee Singers that 
should be highly regarded as a selfless act. Having the perseverance to 
fight racism, to overcome the constant hardship of personal financial 
troubles, through sickness, and fatigue, they continued for the sake of 
posterity.
  Madam Speaker, commemorating the Jubilee Singers with a First Class 
postage stamp will acknowledge their legacy to the world. According to 
the National Science Foundation, Fisk alumni earned more doctoral 
degrees in the natural sciences than African-American graduates from 
any other college or university in the Nation.
  The original students who left Fisk University in October 6, 1871, 
never had the opportunity to finish their education. Yet instead they 
risked their lives to save Fisk University knowing one day their dreams 
would come true.
  Madam Speaker, for their past accomplishments and continued success 
for the future, I ask Congress to commemorate these heroes of my alma 
mater with a United States postage stamp. The legacy of the Fisk 
Jubilee Singers should be recognized as an enduring triumph of American 
history. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation and ask the 
House Leadership to swiftly bring this resolution to the floor for 
consideration.

                          ____________________