[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2008

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the many 
accomplishments and contributions made by African Americans throughout 
this country's history. Today, I want to speak about the richness of 
America's cultures and the role that African Americans have played in 
making our country great. As a nation we are so diverse and when the 
gifts and talents of each group are shared and blended together, we are 
so much stronger. For many years in our history, we largely ignored the 
strength of our diversity instead of seeking to celebrate it.
  We now celebrate Black History Month to reflect upon the struggle for 
civil rights but also to honor the enormous contributions African 
Americans have made to our country. These contributions cover every 
aspect of American life--from business and education to the arts and 
sciences and, importantly, the sacrifices and heroic efforts of those 
who serve and have served our country to preserve the freedom and 
democracy that we hold so dear.
  The theme for Black History Month this year is: Carter G. Woodson and 
the Origins of Multiculturalism. This theme embraces the beliefs and 
teachings of Dr. Woodson, ``The Father of Black History'' and a pioneer 
of multiculturalism. Through his research, he fostered a movement to 
educate Americans about the rich heritage that many had to that point 
ignored. He stressed the need and importance to recognize and celebrate 
the gifts and talents Black Americans have shared with this country. In 
so doing, he taught us also to embrace the diverse cultures living here 
in the United States.
  In 1927 Dr. Woodson stated that ``. . . we should emphasize not Negro 
history, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of 
selected races or nation, but the history of the world, void of 
national bias, race, hate and religious prejudice . . .''
  Dr. Woodson along with other noted scholars, such as W.E.B. DuBois, 
wanted to make sure all Americans were aware of the contributions made 
by African Americans. Today, because of their efforts, the many 
contributions of African Americans such as civil rights leaders Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks, and historical leaders such as 
Sojourner Truth are put into context of what they have meant for 
African Americans, but also the Nation as a whole. Many, such as 
Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglass, and Harriett Tubman, have roots 
in my home State of Maryland and have added to our rich history as a 
state and a nation.
  Finally, while there are many who fit this category, I want to 
mention two African Americans who are currently making an enormous 
difference through their work in the Third Congressional District of 
Maryland: Reggie Brody and Karen Ndour. I think they offer terrific 
examples of what many others are doing across the Third District and 
the State of Maryland to make our community and our society a better 
place to live and work.
  Reggie is the chief professional officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs 
of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Highly respected in the Anne 
Arundel community, he has received various awards including the 
Organizational Trustee Award and the Community Trustee Award for an 
extraordinary commitment to his community and his commendable service. 
He is well known for his stellar communication skills and his unique 
ability to work with a wide array of community groups and lead them to 
achieve a common goal.

  Karen, an administrator and former attorney, is currently the 
Principal of the National Academy Foundation High School of Baltimore 
N.A.F., that opened in 2002 and is located at Baltimore's Digital 
Harbor. Stressing academic excellence and professionalism, her school 
has four successful programs that partner with local urban businesses 
and industry to provide training for young men and women so that they 
are able to either enter access level positions in their chosen field 
upon graduation or qualify for the college of their choice.
  While teaching law at an East Baltimore High School, Karen was 
featured in a 2005 article in the Baltimore Sun for implementing the 
Baltimore City Student Court Project. Karen was approached after 
teachers and the administration felt the need to lower the suspension 
rate at the school and help make the young men and women who attended 
the school accountable for their actions. Much of the discipline was 
thereby transferred from the ``adult'' administration to the student 
court. The approach has seen significant results: fewer children are 
finding themselves in situations that lead to diminished opportunities 
for their future success.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak about 
the importance of Black History Month and to acknowledge the work that 
my constituents and others are doing for their communities and for our 
Nation.




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