[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
strong support of Congressman Al Green's resolution to honor Black 
History Month.
  As the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, the celebration of the many 
contributions of African Americans to this Nation has evolved from its 
1926 inception as Negro History Week, to what we now know as Black 
History Month. As apparent by the change in titles, the mentality of 
our nation towards race and race relations has made significant 
improvements with each generation.
  Although African Americans were an integral part of the founding of 
this nation dating hack to at least to the colonial times, it was not 
until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the 
history books. Prior to Woodson's vehement efforts to write African 
Americans into the history of the Nation, books largely ignored the 
African American population except to mention them in the context of 
slavery. That is why it is so important that the full history of 
African Americans continue to he preserved and taught so that future 
generations of all Americans will know our abundant heritage.
  An ancient proverb states, ``Who has no past. has no future.'' 
African Americans have made significant contributions to this nation's 
history, and we continue to build that rich legacy today. Because of 
the continued efforts of those who educate our schoolchildren, future 
generations will know about how a race of oppressed people overcame the 
social and political obstacles of slavery and Jim Crow to become great 
innovators, scientists, novelists. musicians, philosophers, and 
political leaders.
  The inclusion of African Americans in academic curriculums ensures 
that children can continue to be inspired by Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm 
X, Mac Jamison, Benjamin Carson, Richard Wright, and Shirley Chisholm.
  Black History Month has not only set a precedent by honoring the 
achievements of African Americans, but it has paved the way for other 
nationwide celebrations of the contributions of other races and 
cultures. Therefore, by supporting Congressman Al Green's Resolution to 
honor Black History Month. I also support the American idea of 
diversity and multiculturalism.
  I commend Congressman Green for bringing this important resolution to 
the floor, and I strongly urge my colleagues' support.

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