[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 24, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H2615-H2619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 83) 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. 83

       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 descendants 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 greatness of the United States is reflected in 
     the historic election of Barack Obama, an American of African 
     ancestry, to the Office of the President of the United States 
     of America;
       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

[[Page H2616]]

       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 
Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LYNCH. 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 Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  As a Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 
and Chair of the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, I'm 
pleased to stand in full support and consideration of House Resolution 
83, which calls for Congress to recognize the significance of Black 
History Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of 
February.
  House Resolution 83 was introduced by our colleague, Representative 
Al Green of Texas, on January 23, 2009, and was considered by and 
reported from the Oversight Committee on February 11, 2009, by a voice 
vote.
  The measure has strong support and cosponsorship of over 70 Members 
of Congress. Yet today's floor consideration of the bill gives Members 
of this body an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable 
contributions that African Americans have made to America's growth 
department 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 it has since 
become a month-long commemorative celebration as a way of recognizing 
and highlighting the role that black Americans have played in America 
since its existence, and the role they continue to play in the country 
on a daily basis.
  From the story of Crispus Attucks, a black man from my home State of 
Massachusetts, who became the first American casualty of the 
Revolutionary War during the Boston Massacre, to such powerful 
individuals as Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker, General Colin Powell, to the 
thousands of military service men and women who have bravely served our 
nation, to the Members of our own Congressional Black Caucus and, of 
course, to our now 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, 
who will speak to this body this evening.
  The contributions that black Americans have made to this great Nation 
are intricately woven into who we are as a people and as a country. And 
it is not just the pioneers or the leaders that have made a difference, 
but importantly, it is the everyday citizen that's serving as a 
teacher, a mentor, a pastor, a doctor, a first responder, a public 
servant, or a parent who continues to impact our country's history in 
such a powerful and positive way.
  Across our great land, Black History Month is marked by the offerings 
of educational and cultural programs, heightened media coverage and 
special celebrations and events designed to share with the world the 
strength, the ingenuity, and accomplishments of our fellow American 
citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month and this 
year's educational theme of ``The quest for black citizenship in the 
Americas,'' let us all recall the experience and valuable contributions 
of African Americans to the United States of America. Moreover, let us 
not forget that black history is truly American history.
  And with that, I urge the swift passage of House Resolution 83.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I am honored to speak today in support of H. Res. 83, which has been 
sponsored by my distinguished colleague from Texas, Mr. Al Green, to 
recognize Black History Month.
  Each February during Black History Month, we express our appreciation 
for the determination and perseverance of the African American 
community, as well as remember the struggles they have endured. This 
resolution is a fitting tribute as we just last month celebrated both 
the life of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and the historic 
inauguration of the first African American President of the United 
States, Barack Obama.
  This resolution seeks to do several things. First, it memorializes 
the great costs African Americans have paid for injustices of the past 
and present. The Civil Rights Movement and the events that led up to it 
were a pivotal point in our history. Martin Luther King, Jr., led the 
charge to right the wrongs of discrimination and strove to create a 
nation where all men and women are truly equal.
  This resolution also seeks to honor the many contributions African 
Americans have made to all facets of our lives.
  We recognize scientists, such as George Washington Carver, who have 
changed our daily lives; politicians, religious figures, and activists 
who have helped shape our Nation, and the artists, entertainers, and 
sports heroes who continue to make our daily lives more enjoyable.
  The collective contributions of the African American community has 
touched every one of our lives in a positive way.
  I reserve the balance of our time.

                              {time}  1300

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to recognize the 
chief sponsor of this resolution, my friend from Texas (Mr. Al Green), 
for 4 minutes.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Towns, Ranking 
Member Issa, Subcommittee Chair Lynch, the manager of the resolution on 
the floor from Ohio, Congressman Jordan, and I also thank the many 
cosponsors of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, how appropriate it is that this resolution would come to 
the floor of the House of Representatives on the day that the newly 
elected President of the United States of America would address a joint 
session of Congress. How appropriate it is because the newly elected 
President of the United States of America is a significant 
manifestation of how important black history is in the United States of 
America. It is on this day that he will address this joint session of 
Congress, and he is a person of African ancestry.
  While it is true that we should remember the horrors of history, it 
is equally as true that we should celebrate the successes of history. 
And I believe that this resolution is a means by which we can engage in 
the celebration of good deeds accomplished and great things done that 
can engender the inspiration to do that which must be done.
  So let us today celebrate the fact that African Americans were able 
to overcome involuntary servitude with the help of Americans of good 
will of all hues, of all colors. And because they were helped and they 
were able to overcome involuntary servitude, we should allow this to 
engender the inspiration necessary to go forward and deal with some of 
the problems that African Americans are confronting today, the problems 
of housing that finds African Americans without homes many times and 
being evicted from homes on too many occasions.
  Let's celebrate the many successes in the area of education, from 
Phillis Wheatley, to many other great educators, Dr. Benjamin Mays, for 
example. And as we celebrate their successes, let this engender within 
us the inspiration to deal with the dropout rates around this country 
that can be in excess of 50 percent in some quarters of the African 
American community.

[[Page H2617]]

  Let's celebrate the successes in the civil rights movement that 
enabled us to overcome the indignation and humiliation of segregation. 
But as we celebrate this, let it engender within us the inspiration to 
help the many who are still suffering around the world, who have not 
had their human rights and human dignity respected by their 
governments.
  Let us celebrate the many political accomplishments that we have 
right here in the House of Congress. We have Member Charlie Rangel, who 
happens to chair Ways and Means; Member Bennie Thompson, African 
American, who happens to chair Homeland Security; Member Maxine Waters, 
African American, who happens to chair the Housing Subcommittee of 
Financial Services.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman's time has expired.
  Mr. LYNCH. I yield the gentleman 1 more minute.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. And as we celebrate the accomplishments of 
these great and noble Americans here in the House of Representatives, 
let it provide the inspiration for us to understand that we are here 
not because of our color, not because we are of African ancestry, we 
are here because the people of America expect us to do the great work 
that has to be done.
  So this is a time for celebration that engenders inspiration, and I 
am honored to be inspired to move forward and support this resolution. 
And I beg that all of my colleagues would vote for it.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am pleased to recognize the 
gentlelady from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for 2 minutes.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 83, commemorating the annual celebration of Black History Month.
  As our Nation celebrates Black History Month this February, we are 
fortunate to also mark a unique milestone with the election that was 
mentioned before by my colleague of the first African American 
President. How proud we all are that this day has come.
  While it can be said that this extraordinary achievement has brought 
about a new era in our history, it is important that we take time to 
remember all of those who made great sacrifices to help make the dream 
of equality in our Nation a reality.
  Black History Month gives all Americans a chance to mark how far our 
Nation has come, and serves as a useful reminder of the struggle and 
efforts of those Americans who fought for freedom for all citizens in 
our Nation.
  I am blessed that I have many African Americans in my community that 
certainly went through the struggle of the civil rights, and the 
stories they tell and how they come into the schools and continue to 
tell the stories. And I think it's important that our young people know 
the struggles to get to where we have a President, so they can lift up 
their heads and say, ``I can be President of the United States.''
  While Black History Month was originally created in February to mark 
the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, both of 
whom had enormous impacts on the lives of African Americans, it was 
developed into an opportunity to celebrate lives and works of the many 
ordinary African Americans who have helped to enrich our society and 
improve our Nation.
  In the case of the civil rights movement, as it is so often the case 
in American history, it was the everyday Americans that had the 
greatest role in making the change that brought equality to our Nation. 
The struggle for equal rights and the civil rights movement are 
defining points in our Nation's history and serve as proof that our 
greatest adversities can come from our greatest achievements.
  I urge my colleagues to vote for H. Res. 83.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, it gives me great pleasure to 
recognize the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for 3 minutes.
  Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on February 12, 1909, exactly 100 
years ago this month, a group of 60 persons came together as a result 
of a race riot in Springfield, Illinois, the birthplace of Abraham 
Lincoln; very ironic, the emancipator of this Nation.
  It is very important for us to recognize that these groups of people 
came together, 60 in number, to make amends and to address the racial 
conditions in the United States at the turn of the century and as a 
result of this riot in Springfield, Illinois. But it's also important 
to note that of these 60 individuals, 53 were white people and seven 
were black people, headed up by W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida Wells Bennett, 
strong Americans who rose to the occasion.
  You know, one of the great NAACP writers, Langston Hughes, put it 
best when he was describing the condition of the African American 
people when he wrote that, ``Life for me (African Americans) ain't been 
no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it and splinters, and boards torn 
up, no carpet on the floor, bare. But all the while I've been a 
climbin' on and reaching landings and turnin' corners, and sometimes 
going in the dark where there ain't been no light.'' But in February of 
1909, there came a light, and that light was the NAACP.
  What an extraordinary story. And no greater testimony can be given to 
the NAACP than to recognize that on this very evening, for the first 
time in American history, an African American, the President of the 
United States, will address a joint session of Congress. What an 
extraordinary tribute on the very time that we are here to celebrate 
100 years of the NAACP founding.
  So on this occasion we say, happy birthday, NAACP, and thank you.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would be honored to 
recognize Representative Donald Payne from New Jersey for 2 minutes.
  Mr. PAYNE. Thank you for allowing me to participate in this very 
important recognition of Black History Month. And let me thank 
Congressman Al Green in particular for bringing H.R. 83, which 
recognizes the significance of Black History Month, to the House floor.
  Over 80 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the men of Omega Psi Phi 
created Negro History and Literature Week, which called upon the black 
community to study black history and literature as well as raise 
awareness about our community's contributions to American history. At 
that time, the seed was planted. The movement that grew out of the 
black churches, colleges, schools and community centers flowered in the 
designation by President Jimmy Carter of February as Black History 
Month.
  For over 30 years, the Nation, and particularly the black community, 
has used February as a time to shine a light on the achievements that 
African Americans at every level have made to our community, our 
Nation, and to the world. The contributions that African Americans have 
made to the creation and evolution of our Nation, while sometimes 
glossed over, are so intricately interwoven in the American fabric. To 
know American history, one must know black history; they go hand in 
hand. Far too often black history has been watered down to disconnected 
factoids and pieces of trivia or quick mentions in our schools' history 
books. We, as a Nation, lost sight of the fact that the accomplishments 
of African Americans are not ones of disjointed milestones, but ones 
that have been innumerable, continuous, enduring and diversified.
  Dr. John Hope Franklin once recalled a conversation he had with Dr. 
Woodson where the latter wished for a time----
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman's time has expired.
  Mr. LYNCH. I would like to recognize the gentleman for 1 additional 
minute.
  Mr. PAYNE. Where the history of African Americans would be made an 
integral part of American history.
  Well, let me conclude by saying that, in New Jersey, we have been 
able to have legislation called the Amistad bill, A1301, that 
incorporates the history of African Americans into the history books 
and has a commission--it was a bill that was introduced by Senator Bill 
Payne in 2002--and the history of African Americans is now to be 
interwoven into the regular history of our Nation. And that's where we 
should strive for the day where we will not have a separate African 
American history month, but that the accomplishments of African 
Americans would be interwoven into our history books.
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, before urging passage of the 
resolution,

[[Page H2618]]

let me just say I think it's a testimony of the greatness of this 
country that both the two major political parties today have an African 
American as their leader, with both Michael Steele, and of course our 
President, Barack Obama.
  I urge the passage of this important resolution, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. I thank the gentleman from Ohio.
  Mr. Speaker, again I want to urge my colleagues to join myself, 
Representative Al Green--who is the chief sponsor of this resolution--
Mr. Payne, and others who have spoken here today in supporting and 
recognizing the significance of Black History Month by voting in favor 
of House Resolution 83.
  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 
83, Recognizing the Significance of Black History Month and am proud to 
be an original cosponsor of this measure.
  Some have asked if our country still needs to formally recognize 
Black History Month? My answer is absolutely, yes! Just as students are 
taught about American and World History throughout their school years, 
the contributions of African American to this great nation and to the 
world still need to be taught and re-taught. In fact, the recent and 
historic inauguration of President Barack Obama as our country's first 
African American President of the United States of America underscores 
the continued need to celebrate Black History Month.
  While most Americans now know President Barack Obama's story, too 
many Americans still do not know or understand that he stands on the 
shoulders of many brave African American men and women. In fact, just a 
few years ago, most of my colleagues here in the House had never beard 
of a young leader named Barack Obama. Black History Month gives us a 
wonderful opportunity to share a better understanding of their stories 
of hardship and inspiration with new generations of Americans.
  While many people may have held about Malcom X or Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr. or Rosa Parks, far too many young people don't know about 
Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to serve in this 
House of Representatives and to run for President of the United States. 
Too many young people still have no idea about the work of Fannie Lou 
Hammer to ensure that African Americans in Mississippi could actually 
exercise the right to vote and not just point to the words printed on 
paper.
  We have come an incredibly long way from the struggles that Dr. 
Carter G. Woodson faced in 1926 to set aside one week in February to 
recognize the contributions of African Americans to this country. It 
seems so fitting that we are now able to devote the entire month of 
February for this important recognition, in the month that we also 
celebrate the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. For all 
the problems faced by America during the lifetimes of Lincoln and 
Douglass, including the barbaric but legal institution of slavery, and 
a civil war that almost destroyed the union, by studying the 
contributions of these great leaders, the country made itself better.
  That is why we must continue our celebrations of Black History 
Month--so we can learn more about the contributions of unsung leaders 
as well as those whose name we already know. In recognizing Black 
History Month, we continue the work necessary to make a more perfect 
union. Black History Month is not simply a time for ceremony, it is a 
time to live up to our promise by making equality, freedom and justice 
our national reality.
  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, once again the month of February 
is upon us and we take a moment to look back. We look back and remember 
the fighters, the marchers, and the dreamers. We look back and remember 
those who marched on when they were told to stand down, and who 
remained seated when they were told to get up. We pay tribute to those 
heroes whose voices are heard across the generations, and to those 
heroes whose defiant silence rings louder than any word can be spoken. 
It is Black History Month. It is a month of solemn remembrance; and a 
month of exuberant hope.
  So let us look back to remember and to honor those who refused to 
allow the status quo to hold this nation back from the fulfillment of 
its promise. Let us honor the ordinary slave, who embraced 
extraordinary courage to flee his oppressors and help maintain our 
union; the airman who fought and died for a country whose promise was 
not yet his, but who refused to stop believing what it could become; 
the preacher's son from Georgia, who dared to march and dared to dream; 
and the funny-named son of a Kenyan man and a Kansas woman who asked a 
nation what it wanted to become. Let us take this opportunity to 
remember these people, and the countless others who struggled by their 
side, honoring them with humility and gratitude.
  Yet, also as we celebrate this month of remembrance, there is a 
principle that must not be forgotten: let us look back in order to 
honor the struggles and celebrate the triumphs of African-Americans 
throughout our history, but let us not forget that those struggles were 
endured and those triumphs attained so that we may look forward. These 
heroes of the past fought for that right. That right to look forward 
towards a future brighter than the past, filled with the opportunities 
that give our nation so much promise. If we wish to continue the 
progress towards our forebears' vision we must never forget this 
crucial principle.
  Furthermore, it is this principle of looking forward which makes this 
Black History Month so different from the rest. This Black History 
Month we see, for the first time, the unequivocal results of more than 
two hundred years of looking forward, of more than two hundred years of 
fighting for the hope of tomorrow, and of struggling for the promise of 
the future. We see this in our new president, who embodies not only 
everything so many before him have struggled for, but everything we 
continue to strive for. As President Obama himself has said, ``What we 
have already achieved gives us hope--the audacity to hope--for what we 
can and must achieve tomorrow.''
  Thus, Mr. Speaker I would like to leave my colleagues and the 
American people with what I believe to be the fundamental purpose of 
Black History Month: to look back, to the heroes and happenings of the 
past, so that we and our children may look forward to a future of 
greater promise, greater justice, and greater opportunity than has ever 
been previously imagined.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, each February we celebrate Black History 
Month. This year, with the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the 
centennial of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People (NAACP), and the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, our 
celebration of the unique contributions of African Americans to our 
communities and our Nation is particularly meaningful. Black History 
Month gives us a chance to reflect on those individuals who have 
changed the course of American history. We remember political leaders, 
such as Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. who 
fought valiantly to bring civil rights and social equality to African 
Americans. We honor athletic heroes, such as Jackie Robinson and Willie 
Thrower, gifted artists such as Louis Armstrong and Ray Charles, and 
scientists and inventors such as George Washington Carver and Benjamin 
Banneker, who for decades showed African Americans that they could make 
a mark in the world.
  Race relations in our Nation have come a long way since the days of 
its founding, and even since the 1960's when equal rights were equal on 
paper only in many places. Last month, amid adoring cries and 
astronomical crowds, Americans inaugurated their first African American 
President: President Barack Obama. In years past, we have been able to 
read our children stories of great accomplishments made by African 
Americans. We have been able to encourage our children, showing them by 
example that they can achieve anything they set their hearts to. This 
year, parents and teachers around the country will read to their 
children not only the stories of Douglass, of Parks, and of Booker T. 
Washington, but also the story of an African American boy who grew up 
to become the President of the United States. The story of the Black 
people in America continues to develop with each passing year, and this 
year proved a climactic chapter, full of hope and opportunity for the 
future.
  As the proud founder and chairman of the Congressional Ethiopia and 
Ethiopian American Caucus, one of my goals is to increase awareness 
around the United States of the important contributions that members of 
the Ethiopian American community have made to our society. I am truly 
grateful for the diverse contributions of African Americans to our 
Nation and I encourage everyone to take time to learn more about their 
achievements during Black History Month. I urge my colleagues to 
support H. Res. 83, which recognizes the significance of Black History 
Month, and I thank my friend Representative Al Green for introducing 
the resolution.
  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a strong supporter and 
cosponsor of H. Res. 83. 73 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson strove to 
highlight the significant contributions of African-Americans to United 
States of America. Throughout this nation's history, African-Americans 
have played an enormous role in shaping our political, cultural, and 
intellectual identity. I am especially proud to recognize this year's 
Black History Month under the leadership of our first African-American 
President, Barack Obama.
  Last week, as I celebrated becoming the longest-serving member of the 
House of Representatives, I was able to reflect on the highlights of my 
tenure. One of my proudest moments was voting for the 1957 Civil Rights 
Act, a vote that almost cost me my seat. I later had the similar honor 
of voting the 1964

[[Page H2619]]

and 1965 Civil Rights Acts. Today, with the passage of this resolution, 
we recognize great civil rights pioneers like Harriet Tubman, Rosa 
Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Representative John Lewis, and Jesse 
Jackson.
  Mr. Speaker, I again rise to support this important month for America 
and the many contributions of African-Americans throughout U.S. 
history, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on H. 
Res. 83.
  Mr. LYNCH. 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 Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 83.
  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. LYNCH. 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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