[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1692-E1693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   APOLOGIZING FOR THE ENSLAVEMENT AND RACIAL SEGREGATION OF AFRICAN-
                               AMERICANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H. Res. 194, a resolution that apologizes for the enslavement and 
racial segregation of African-Americans.
  It may be unimaginable today, but for more than 240 years, until 
1865, in the 13 original colonies and the United States, there were

[[Page E1693]]

men, women, and children forced to labor in bondage and bought and sold 
as property. It is a dark and shameful historic truth that this Nation 
must acknowledge and seek to remedy. Those who were enslaved and those 
who owned slaves have all passed away long ago. Yet, the historic 
legacy and pain of slavery is a reality we continue to struggle with as 
a nation.
  As slavery evolved into racial segregation, a new pain and hardship 
was inflicted upon African-Americans. While far less severe than 
slavery, it was no less degrading and demoralizing. This is also a 
painful historical legacy we have rejected as a nation. Still, this 
legacy took place in my lifetime and should be remembered, reflected 
upon, and aggressively attacked when it reemerges ``officially'' in our 
cities, neighborhoods and schools.
  This resolution is courageous and correct. I commend Mr. Cohen, its 
author, because it is meaningful for the U.S. House of Representatives 
to make this public apology. As a former social studies teacher, I 
taught my students that we cannot change history, but we must learn 
from history and use its lessons to make the future better for all 
mankind. Respect, tolerance and the elimination of prejudice and racism 
are actions we can take as individuals and as a society today.
  We have an opportunity today and everyday, as lawmakers here in 
Congress and as citizens across this country, to recommit ourselves to 
seek an end to racial inequality and injustice, and to seek greater 
unity among all Americans. To keep moving forward towards racial 
equality in America requires recognizing past injustice and to this 
end, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

                          ____________________