[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 6, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H566-H570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 942) recognizing the significance of Black History
Month.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 942
Whereas the first Africans were brought involuntarily to
the shores of America as early as the 17th century;
Whereas these Africans in America and their descendents are
now known as African-Americans;
Whereas African-Americans suffered involuntary servitude
and subsequently faced the injustices of lynch mobs,
segregation, and denial of basic, fundamental rights;
Whereas despite involuntary servitude, African-Americans
have made significant contributions to the economic,
educational, political, artistic, literary, religious,
scientific, and technological advancement of the Americas;
Whereas in the face of injustices, United States citizens
of good will and of all races distinguished themselves with
their commitment to the noble ideals upon which the United
States was founded and courageously fought for the rights and
freedom of African-Americans;
Whereas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and died to make
real these noble ideals;
Whereas the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick
Douglass inspired the creation of Negro History Week, the
precursor to Black History Month;
Whereas Negro History Week represented the culmination of
Dr. Carter G Woodson's efforts to enhance knowledge of black
history started through the Journal of Negro History,
published by Woodson's Association for the Study of African-
American Life and History; and
Whereas the month of February is officially celebrated as
Black History Month, which dates back to 1926, when Dr.
Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in
February to recognize the heritage and achievement of Black
Americans: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the significance of Black History Month as
an important time to recognize the contributions of African-
Americans in the Nation's history, and encourages the
continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity
for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the
past and to better understand the experiences that have
shaped the Nation; and
(2) recognizes that the ethnic and racial diversity of the
United States enriches and strengthens the Nation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Hampshire.
General Leave
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Hampshire?
There was no objection.
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to myself as much time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, I am pleased to
[[Page H567]]
join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Res. 942 which calls for
Congress to recognize the significance of February as Black History
Month.
H. Res. 942 was introduced by Representative Al Green of Texas on
January 28, 2008, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight
Committee on January 29, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the
support and cosponsorship of 55 Members of Congress, yet gives us all
an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions African
Americans have made to America's growth, development, and rich history.
As we are aware, February marks the beginning of Black History Month,
which was first celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G.
Woodson, a noted African American author and scholar, but has since
become a month-long commemorative celebration as a way of recognizing
and highlighting the role black Americans have played in America since
the existence of our country and the role they continue to play on a
daily basis.
Across our great land, Black History Month is marked by the offering
of educational and cultural programs, heightened media coverage and
special celebrations and events, all designed to share with the world
the strength, ingenuity, and accomplishments of our fellow American
citizens.
Mr. Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month and this
year's theme of ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism
in America,'' let's all recall the experiences and valuable
contributions of African Americans to our fine country. Let us not
forget that black history is truly American history.
And with that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of H. Res. 942.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I'm honored to speak today in support of H. Res. 942, recognizing the
significance of Black History Month, sponsored by my distinguished
colleague from Texas (Mr. Al Green).
Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the life and accomplishments of
one great man, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and today we pay tribute
to the contributions all African Americans have made to this great
country.
Each February we express our appreciation of the struggles,
determination, and perseverance of the African American community of
the past and present. Nothing serves as a better example of this than
the civil rights movement itself.
Rev. King would tell you that it was not the sole efforts of one man
but the collective work of many that achieved so much. Without the
civil rights movement, our Nation would not have the strong diversity
of which it is so proud.
Beyond this, February is also a time to recognize the contributions
of African Americans that have enriched our culture and our heritage.
We must continue to learn the historical struggles of African American
citizens in order to better understand the experiences that have shaped
this Nation.
There have been great activists, politicians, artists, writers,
poets, scientists, economists, athletes, entertainers, and musicians
that have all bettered our way of life. The achievements of so many
have encouraged today's youth to strive for a more equal and free
country.
It is impossible to celebrate Black History Month without mentioning
such noted leaders as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks,
Thurgood Marshall, and, once again, Dr. King himself. Their historic
efforts inspired a Nation and brought past injustices to light,
bringing forth beginning to an end of racial inequality.
When Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson had the idea to create a
week-long celebration of black history back in 1926, his goal was to
``make the world see the Negro as a participant, rather than as a lay
figure in history.''
Over time, it has become the month-long commemoration that it is
today, and it is with great pleasure that I speak today in support of
H. Res. 942.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to my distinguished
colleague from Texas (Mr. Al Green) and, in doing so, commend him for
his extraordinary leadership in introducing this resolution and his
service to the United States.
Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his
very kind words and compliment him on the outstanding job that he is
doing in the United States Congress, and I'm always honored to have the
opportunity to serve and work with the gentleman.
I also thank my colleague on the other side of the aisle who has
graciously helped us with this resolution and helped us bring it to the
floor.
This resolution has received bipartisan support. I can say with a
great degree of sincerity that not one Member that I approached about
signing on to this resolution had any reservation, hesitation, or
consternation. Every Member saw this as a worthwhile resolution, and I
want to thank all of the Members who are now supporting it and who will
vote for it.
I also am honored to make this expression of appreciation on behalf
of the millions of Africans who are in America and who are known as
African Americans. They cherish this day. This day means something to
persons in the African American community. So they, too, would express
appreciation, and I do so as one of their representatives in the United
States Congress.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution gives us an opportunity to tell a
portion of the greatest story never told. One of the great stories in
world history is the story of Africans in the Americas and, more
specifically, Africans in America today. This month allows us, and
through this resolution we are allowed, to talk about some of the great
accomplishments of African Americans, and Mr. Feeney has been so
generous with his compliments and the persons that he has named. My
colleague has been very generous with his compliments as well.
{time} 1445
But I want to name just a few more, because at a time like this, on
occasions like this, we want to make sure that we say as much as we
can, understanding that we cannot say enough.
So on occasions such as this, we'd like to at least mention the
prolific poetry of Phyllis Wheatley. We want to say that there was the
scientific genius of Benjamin Banneker, who, by the way, was self-
educated, a self-educated scientist, astronomer and inventor. We'd like
to mention the legal brilliance of Macon B. Allen, who became the first
African American admitted to the bar in the United States in 1845.
We should mention the colossal courage of Harriet Tubman, who, with
her Underground Railroad, took persons from slavery to freedom. And we
have to mention that she didn't do it alone. African Americans are not
free because they were able to extricate themselves from slavery; they
are free because they had help along the way from persons of good will
of all ethnicities and races, all genders. People of good will have
been of service in this fight for freedom for African Americans, and we
should never have this kind of celebration and not mention the fact
that we are here because there were many others who made it possible
for us to have the opportunities we have. Many lived and died, and they
were not all African Americans.
On occasions such as this, we mention the political prowess of P.B.S.
Pinchback, who was the first African American elected Governor to
become Governor of a State; he became Governor of the State of
Louisiana in 1872.
These are some of the notables that we mention. But we should also
mention that African Americans answered the clarion call to serve the
Nation in times of war. They were there at the Boston Massacre. You
will recall that Crispus Attucks was the first person killed, an
African American. They were there at the Revolutionary War. Five
thousand slaves and freedmen fought in the Revolutionary War, with the
Continental Army, with the Navy, and with the militia in the
Revolutionary War.
They were there in World War I; 350,000 African Americans were there
in World War I to serve our country. In World War II, 2.5 million
registered, and approximately 1 million served. And, of course, we can
never forget the Tuskegee Airmen. They were not only there but they
were so outstanding that the President of the United States came to
these Halls and presented them a Congressional Gold Medal.
[[Page H568]]
America is not a perfect Nation, but it does provide the means by
which we can strive for perfection. And I am so honored that by passing
this resolution, we continue to reach for the ultimate perfection in
the United States of America.
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am proud to yield 7 minutes
to my distinguished colleague, Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton,
who has represented the City of Washington, DC for many years and is
known universally as a passionate advocate for truth and justice.
Ms. NORTON. I thank the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) for
that generous introduction. And I thank my good friend, Mr. Feeney from
Florida, for also coming forward and robustly leading this bill forward
today. We all owe thanks to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green),
from whom we've just heard, who is the sponsor of this particular
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor to make, perhaps, an unusual point.
During Black History Month, we should remember that black history is
still being made. The best evidence, of course, is that an African
American is close to, perhaps, getting the Democratic nomination for
President. This breakthrough is not surprising when you consider that
we are still living in a period for black history-making because the
shackles of segregation and of nationwide discrimination were removed
only about 40 years ago. So you will hear many firsts, many record-
breakers continue to come forward for years to come.
We don't really have to go to the history books in the 19th century,
and earlier, to find history makers who should be revered this month.
We are literally still surrounded by living black history on which
history has spoken. Now, mind you I say ``on which history has
spoken,'' I mean you don't have the verdict of history until you can
stand back from it. And, therefore, I want to make a few remarks about
living history from the Congress of the United States.
It is probably the case that most Americans do not recognize that the
first African American elected by popular vote to the United States
Senate was Senator Edward Brooke, who served from 1967 to 1979. This is
real living history, my friends. Now a robust 87, Senator Brooke broke
more records than anybody I know. He became a Senator, '67 to '79, at a
time when breakthroughs hadn't begun to occur. And he became a Senator
from an overwhelmingly white State that was also overwhelmingly
Democratic, and he was a Republican, a life-long Republican. Before
that, he had become the State's first black attorney general.
I know Senator Brooke for reasons that are close to home. If you grew
up in Washington, you will know him because, in studying black history,
we studied this living history in our midst. He is a native
Washingtonian. He graduated from Dunbar High School, the same high
school I attended; served in World War II in the segregated 366th; went
to Howard University and Howard law school, lived a segregated life his
whole life. Then when he got out of the Army and got out of law school,
he went to seek his fortune, not in his hometown, but in Massachusetts,
where he practiced law and then had the audacity to run for office in a
State where his party was pitifully outnumbered and in a State where he
had to risk race when few had done so.
He tells the fascinating story of his life in his own autobiography
called ``Bridging the Divide.'' It was published in 2006. And that's
exactly what Senator Brooke did. He bridged the divide, brought
Democrats and Republicans together, brought blacks and whites together,
and became a history maker of the first order and one who served in the
Congress of the United States.
I must say that the President has already understood his significance
in American history because a few years ago, President Bush awarded
Senator Brooke the highest national honor, the Presidential Medal of
Honor. And, once more, the Senate has the jump on us. Of course, Edward
Brooke was a Member of the Senate, but the Senate has unanimously voted
that Senator Brooke should receive the highest congressional honor, the
Congressional Gold Medal. These are the highest honors that each branch
of government can offer.
I can think of no better way for the Congress to celebrate Black
History Month, not in talking about black history that was made long
ago, but looking inside our own ranks and finding a true historic
figure, one that Democrats can be proud of, that Republicans are surely
proud of, one who epitomizes exactly what everybody says our country
needs today to bring us together, and one who served in our own ranks.
Many in the Congress on both sides of the aisle have already signed
on to H.R. 1000, which is the bill necessary to award the Congressional
Medal. That requires two-thirds of the House to sign on. Many have,
once this was brought to their attention, signed on. We're going to
send it again, of course, to Members, as we try to do something that I
think will be history-making this very month, and that is to have the
Congress of the United States, this month, this Black History Month,
vote to give the Congressional Gold Medal to one of our own former
colleagues, a former Member of the Senate, Senator Edward Brooke, the
first African American to serve by popular vote in that body.
I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. FEENEY. I have no further speakers, Mr. Speaker, and I yield
myself 1 minute.
Mr. Speaker, there are many reasons to celebrate Black History Month,
and one is that it would take more than a month for even the best
student of history to appreciate all of the great things that African
Americans have contributed to America. I would note that later this
afternoon the House will be considering House Resolution 943, which is
the 22nd anniversary of the Challenger disaster. And among the American
heroes that perished that day was astronaut Ronald McNair, who, in
fact, was an African American.
Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 942, a
resolution recognizing the significance of Black History Month.
It is a time to reflect on and honor the important contributions
African-Americans have made to our Nation. We should especially take
note of the extraordinary people who continue to help build our great
Nation.
Of the thousands of African-Americans in my District, I have the
privilege of representing two individuals and an outstanding group:
Marguerita Washington and Rudy Smith, both of Omaha, and the Alfonza W.
Davis chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, based in Omaha.
Dr. Marguerita Washington is the editor of the Omaha Star newspaper
in Omaha. The paper has been in existence for more than 69 years and is
Nebraska's largest African-American newspaper. The policy of the Omaha
Star has been to print only positive news and to be a vigilant champion
for African-American progress. The paper is located in the heart of
Omaha's African-American community.
The Omaha Star was founded by the late Mildred D. Brown in 1938. She
is believed to be the first female, certainly the first African-
American woman, to have founded a newspaper in the Nation's history.
When Mrs. Brown expired unexpectedly in 1989, the paper was then placed
in the very capable hands of Dr. Marguerita Washington, her niece, who
now heads the newspaper.
Dr. Washington and the Omaha Star work for equal rights for all; the
paper was on the forefront, leading the charge to open public
accommodations to African-Americans, including hotels, restaurants,
theaters and taverns. The paper was instrumental in working with Omaha
Public Schools to ensure that black teachers had equal participation.
Dr. Washington also worked hard to get the Omaha Star landmark status
in the city of Omaha and the State of Nebraska.
Rudy Smith has lived in Omaha since age 6 and has been an Omaha World
Herald photographer and editor for more than 40 years. He is in the
process of completing a book of his photographs, many of which have
been exhibited at black colleges, universities and museums around the
country. As a journalist and photographer he has captured images of
some of America's greatest heroes.
Rudy was more than just a photographer; he was able to chronicle
historic moments in Omaha. Every picture he takes is a moment; each
special moment holds a lifetime of memories that lives on after the
moment has passed. Each of his photographs is a window to a memory and
has the ability to deeply connect you to the beauty of life itself. His
talent is endless.
Omaha native Alphonza Davis graduated from Omaha Tech High School and
later Omaha University. He finished first in his class at Tuskegee and
was chosen squadron leader. He was killed in combat in 1944 while over
in Germany. The local Tuskegee Airmen chapter in Omaha is named after
him.
[[Page H569]]
The chapter is one of 45 nationwide, and its membership includes four
original Tuskegee Airmen. They are LTC (Ret) Paul Adams, LTC (Ret)
Charles A. Lane, Jr., LTC (Ret) Harrison A. Tull, and Mr. Robert D.
Holts. These members continue their service to our community by
mentoring and working with youth through the local Civil Air Patrol.
The Tuskegee Airmen and their record of success during the war are
unmatched. Not a single American bomber protected by the Red Tails was
ever shot down by enemy aircraft. By war's end, the Tuskegee Airmen had
flown over 15,000 sorties, completed over 1,500 missions and destroyed
more than 260 enemy aircraft.
I join my colleagues in recognizing these and the millions of
African-Americans in our country for their numerous achievements
throughout history, today and the future. This designation is only a
small token of the thanks they deserve for all of their contributions
to our society. I urge the adoption of H. Res. 942.
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to address the
House for one minute.
I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 942. This
bipartisan resolution recognizes the significance of Black History
Month.
I want to thank my friend and colleague, Representative Al Green, for
introducing this resolution.
February is Black History Month, a time for all Americans to learn
about and recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans.
African Americans have made historic contributions to this Nation in
all walks of life--from economics, to education, to politics and the
arts.
Sadly, African Americans have been victims of too much
discrimination, segregation, and hatred in their history in the United
States.
That is why it is so fitting we stand here together today, one body
in unity, to recognize the amazing accomplishments of our Nation's
African Americans.
We also stand here to recognize that the ethnic and racial diversity
within the United States is a wonderful thing, which only serves to
strengthen our great Nation.
I urge my colleagues to embrace this diversity, to support Black
History Month, and to cast a vote in favor of H. Res. 942.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of H. Res. 942, Recognizing the Significance of Black History Month,
introduced by my distinguished colleague from Texas, Representative
Green. This important legislation recognizes and celebrates the
accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans in this Nation.
The celebration of Black History Month began with Negro History Week
in 1926, the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson, a noted
African-American author and scholar recognized then, as we do today,
that the achievements and contributions of African-Americans deserve
not only to be acknowledged, but also to be celebrated by all
Americans.
Over the course of 50 years, Negro History gained momentum,
culminating in its transcendence to Black History Month. Now each
February we express our appreciation of the struggles, determination
and perseverance of the African-American community of the past and
present. February is a month to recognize the contributions of African-
Americans who have enriched our culture and our heritage.
There have been great African-American activists, scientists,
artists, poets, athletes, politicians, writers, economists, musicians,
engineers, and entertainers who have all bettered our way of life. From
Harriet Tubman to Barbara Jordan, Althea Gibson to Venus Williams,
Marian Anderson to Ella Fitzgerald, Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther
King, Jr., so many African-Americans have enriched this Nation that
there are far too many to name them all.
Unfortunately, the struggle for African-Americans to gain recognition
and celebration in this Nation continues beyond Black History Month.
While we can be proud of the many achievements of our past, events such
as Hurricane Katrina and Jena 6, demonstrate that we still have much to
achieve in the way of equal rights and justice for all.
One of the great challenges facing the African-American community is
the disproportionate rate at which our people are incarcerated.
According to the Department of Justice more than 2.3 million people
are incarcerated in this Nation's State and Federal prisons. As of
December 2006, African-Americans made up 40.2 percent of Federal prison
inmates, most of those being African-American men.
When you compare these statistics with the fact that African-
Americans only make up approximately 12 percent of the total
population, the disparity becomes more apparent. The human toll--the
wasted lives, shattered families, and disturbed youth--are
incalculable, as are the adverse social, economic and political
consequences of weakened communities, diminished opportunities for
economic mobility, and widespread disenfranchisement.
In Jena, Louisiana, two African-American high school students sat
under what some White students called the ``white'' tree on their
campus. The White students responded by hanging nooses from the tree.
When African-American students protested the light punishment for the
students who hung the nooses, the District Attorney came to the school
and told the students he could ``take their lives away with a stroke of
his pen.'' Racial tensions continued to mount in Jena, and the District
Attorney did nothing in response to several egregious cases of violence
and threats against African-American students.
But when a White student--who had been a vocal supporter of the
students who hung the nooses--taunted African-American students,
allegedly called several African-American students ``nigger'', and was
beaten up by African-American students, the punishment was drastically
different. Six African-American students were charged with second-
degree attempted murder. Mychal Bell was one of the students tried and
convicted. He faced up to 22 years in prison for essentially a school
fight.
The African-American community came to the aid of these young men, as
they have done in years past for other young men. While we take this
month to celebrate the past and present African-American achievements
and contributions, we must face the future with an understanding that
there is more to be done and more to be achieved.
As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, a Representative of
the people of the United States, and an African-American woman, I am
proud to cosponsor this legislation and I urge my colleagues to join me
in supporting this legislation.
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my full
support for H. Res. 942, a resolution that recognizes Black History
Month as a time to acknowledge the many contributions that African
Americans have made in our Nation's history and as a time for all
Americans to fully understand the events and struggles that shaped our
great Nation.
When Aristotle said, ``If you would understand anything, observe its
beginning and its development,'' he suggested that we cannot fully know
what something is if we do not know its past. This certainly holds true
for our country. Knowing our Nation's history does more than tell us
who we were; it tells us who we are. And if we look honestly at our
past successes and mistakes, it tells us what we can become.
Unfortunately, the long practice of omitting, abbreviating, and
misrepresenting African Americans in American history has resulted in
an incomplete and skewed story of our country's history. Fortunately,
the social change of the civil rights movement inspired a change in the
way that America told and understood its history. It became clear that
American history--like America's schools and lunch counters--needed to
be integrated.
Over the years, Black History Month has become a chance to realize
our rich diversity by studying the artistic, scientific, and political
contributions that African Americans have made to the United States and
the rest of the world. Realize Black history is American history, and
February should not be the only time that we acknowledge the
contributions of African American men, women, and children in U.S.
history. African Americans have played a key role in just about every
single moment in American history, and it is high time that our history
books reflect that.
Driven by my commitment to the human and civil rights of all, I have
worked hard to ensure that all people--regardless of their nationality,
sexual orientation, gender, or race--have access to their most basic
rights. My experiences in and before I came to this body have taught me
that all people have influenced our country's greatness. It is
critically important that these contributions are acknowledged and
retold.
Mr. Speaker, as we observe and celebrate the contributions of African
Americans in America we must not forget that we are making history as
we speak. We are living in an historical era in which extraordinary
people from all walks of life are seeking opportunities that were
previously not available to them. Outstanding Americans such as
Barrington Irving, the youngest and first person of African descent to
fly around the world, teach us that we can achieve great things in this
land of opportunity as long as we have the will and drive. As we all
know, for the first time in history, the two contending candidates for
the Democratic nominee for President are a black man and a woman.
As we reflect on the numerous contributions and experiences of
African Americans in this country, we must be cognizant of how we as a
modern multi-ethnic and multicultural nation deal with the issues of
our time. How we do this will determine how future generations will
view us in the history books. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on
this important resolution.
[[Page H570]]
Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you offering my
generous support for the commemoration of H. Res. 942, recognizing the
significance of Black History Month. This is a month to honor the
tremendous strides and achievements made by numerous African-American
leaders and activists, and to signify our continued celebration of
diversity in the United States. I urge all Americans to use this month
as an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments made by past
African-American leaders while continuing to work for the advancement
of racial equality.
The enormous contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois and other notable leaders in the
African-American community have championed improved race relations and
equality. We must also highlight the achievements made by a host of
prominent African-Americans in other fields such as the arts,
athletics, politics, and academia.
This year's theme, ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of
Multiculturalism,'' honors the founder of Black History Month and
applauds his commitment to the preservation of African-American
history. Woodson was instrumental in popularizing the role the African-
American community has played in enriching the history of the United
States. His mission and legacy is one our country must uphold while
continuing to inspire future generations to embrace diversity and
equality.
Again, I would like to express my support for the significance of
February 2008 as Black History Month. Let the following month serve as
a reminder of our indebtedness to those leaders possessing the courage
to combat injustice. They have completed the ultimate service not only
for the African-American community in the United States but for all
citizens.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of this
most important month of February, deemed as Black History Month. Let us
join with the rest of the Nation in highlighting the significant
contributions that African Americans have made to our great Nation,
while celebrating this year's theme of ``Carter G. Woodson and the
Origin of Multiculturalism.''
Throughout this noteworthy month, we all should take a moment to
reflect on the fact that February was designated to make a national
appeal to Americans to make note of the tremendous role that African
Americans have played in the development and advancement of our
country's rich history. February embraces the birthdays of two
distinguished Americans--Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln--whose
contributions to our society are immeasurable. Let us remember that not
only are we honoring Black history; we are celebrating all of our
history, American history.
This month we should remember the legacy of the illustrious Harlem
Renaissance and the contributions this period had in shaping America's
cultural heritage. African American writers Langston Hughes, Richard
Wright, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison have now become
major voices in American Literature. Military achievements, not only by
the Tuskegee Airmen, the 54th Regiment from Massachusetts, and the 29th
Regiment from Connecticut, but by other courageous Black soldiers, have
helped to create the gallant Armed Forces of this country. In this
month, let us all work together to ensure a positive future for the
40.2 million African Americans who contribute to this Nation on a daily
basis.
In my home State of Connecticut, we make note of Hartford's Black
governors who oversaw the region from 1755 to 1800; fearless
Connecticut abolitionists James Mars and J.W.C. Pennington who
petitioned Connecticut's legislature regarding voting and social rights
for blacks in the 1840s and 50s; and of course the survivors of the
Amistad slave ship, who spent days seated in a Hartford courtroom
awaiting their fate by a U.S. circuit court judge. Through relics such
as the Old State House, Mark Twain House, Harriet Beecher Stowe House,
the Connecticut freedom trails, and the Amistad Center for Arts and
Culture, we are paying homage to the extraordinary African Americans
who have resided in our State.
Mr. Speaker, this year during Black History Month, I urge my
colleagues and this Nation to remember all of the African Americans who
have helped to weave the historical tapestry of America. I urge us all
to realize the service, dedication and courage that have emerged
throughout the decades. This year, let us truly celebrate Black History
as a part of us all. Like our motto says, E Pluribus Unum, Out of many
we are one. We are a great Nation formed by the contribution of many,
and this month we celebrate one of those outstanding groups.
Mr. FEENEY. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 942.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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