[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2007

  Mr. ISRAEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the vast 
contributions that past and present African American leaders have made 
to our country. As February and Black History Month come to a close, it 
is time for us all to reflect on the crucial role that African 
Americans have played in this great nation.
  As we commemorate the achievements of African American leaders, we 
must remember the efforts of their predecessors who dedicated their 
entire lives to opening the doors for those that followed. If it were 
not for the commitment of civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther 
King Jr., Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers and countless others, today's 
accomplishments may not have come to fruition. Their diligence and 
bravery paved the way for future African Americans and for that they 
deserve our deep recognition and praise.
  Standing here today, I am honored to serve in this historic 110th 
Congress particularly because we have a record number of African 
Americans holding leadership positions. As a Democrat, I am proud to 
have Representative James Clyburn serving as the Majority Whip making 
him the highest ranking African American in Congressional history.
  Additionally, we are privileged to have Chairman Bennie Thompson of 
Mississippi of the Homeland Security Committee, Chairman John Conyers 
of Michigan on the Judiciary Committee, Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs-
Jones of Ohio on the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and 
Chairman Charles Rangel from my home state of New York on the Committee 
on Ways and Means. I am grateful to be serving in this body with such 
distinguished colleagues.
  I hope you will all join me today on this the last day of February in 
recognizing and honoring the profound contributions of African 
Americans to the United States of America.

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