[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATIONS TO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1958

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to extend my congratulations 
and best wishes to the Central High School Class of 1958 as they 
prepare to celebrate their 50th class reunion on May 30, 2008. Central 
High is located in Galveston, Texas, which is in my Congressional 
district. Constructed in 1895 to ensure that the segregation laws then 
in effect did not deny Galveston's African-American children the 
opportunity to obtain an education, Central High is the oldest high 
school in Texas built to serve African-Americans.
   Laws dictating what schools a child can and cannot attend, based 
solely on that child's race, are a shameful aspect of America's 
history. We should take every opportunity possible to salute those, 
like the students of Central High, who refused to allow the ``Jim 
Crow'' laws stop them from obtaining an education.
   The class of 1958 holds particular significance, as they were the 
first class to complete all 4 years in the new Central High that opened 
in 1954. Madam Speaker, I once again extend my congratulations to the 
members of the Central High Class of 1958 as they prepare to celebrate 
their 50th class reunion.

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