[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H618-H621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1500
                    RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1046) 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. 1046

       Whereas the first Africans were brought involuntarily to 
     the shores of the 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 enslavement and 
     subsequently faced the injustices of lynch mobs, segregation, 
     and denial of basic, fundamental rights;
       Whereas despite slavery, African-Americans in all walks of 
     life have made significant contributions throughout the 
     history of the United States, including through the--
         (1) writings of Booker T. Washington, Phyllis Wheatley, 
     James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Ralph Ellison, Zora Neale 
     Hurston, and Alex Haley;
         (2) music of Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, John 
     Coltrane, Bessie Smith, and Duke Ellington;

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         (3) resolve of athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Althea 
     Gibson, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, and Muhammad Ali;
         (4) scientific advancements of George Washington Carver, 
     Charles Drew, Benjamin Banneker, and Mae Jemison;
         (5) vision of leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Mary 
     McLeod Bethune, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, and 
     Shirley Chisholm; and
         (6) bravery of those who stood on the front lines in the 
     battle against oppression, such as Sojourner Truth, Fannie 
     Lou Hammer, and Rosa Parks;
       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 ideas;
       Whereas Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th President 
     of the United States, making him the first African-American 
     chief executive and breaking one of the last racial barrier 
     in politics in this country;
       Whereas the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick 
     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
       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 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 gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. 
Foxx) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and add any extraneous materials.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LYNCH. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, I present House Resolution 1046 for consideration. This 
legislation recognizes the significance of Black History Month, which 
is annually commemorated during the month of February.
  Introduced by my colleague, Representative Al Green of Texas, on 
January 27, 2010, House Resolution 1046 enjoys the support of over 60 
Members of Congress. Notably, today's floor consideration of the bill 
offers Members of this body an additional opportunity to pay tribute to 
the remarkable and diverse contributions that African Americans have 
made to our Nation's history and culture.
  Madam Speaker, as we all know, the month of February marks our annual 
commemoration of Black History Month. Originally celebrated as Negro 
History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a renowned African American 
author and scholar, our annual tribute to the leading role of African 
Americans in our Nation's history has since grown to a month-long 
commemorative celebration.
  Whether we recall the story of Crispus Attucks, an African American 
from my home State of Massachusetts who became the first American 
casualty of the Revolutionary War, or the works of such compelling 
individuals as Harriet Tubman, Dr. King, Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker, 
and General Colin Powell, we all understand that the contributions of 
African Americans are intricately woven into our identity as a people 
and as a Nation.
  Similarly, we need not look further than the thousands of brave 
military service men and women who have served and who are continuing 
to serve our Nation with honor and distinction at home and abroad, or 
the distinguished members of our own Congressional Black Caucus, or of 
course our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, to 
witness the diverse and significant influence of African Americans on 
American society.
  Madam Speaker, it is also important to note that it is not just our 
African American pioneers or leaders that have made such a difference. 
Importantly, it is the everyday citizen that is serving as a teacher, a 
mentor, a pastor, a doctor, a first responder, a public servant, or a 
parent who continues to impact our Nation's history in an equally 
powerful and positive way.
  Across our Nation, Black History Month is marked by a variety of 
educational and cultural programs, as well as special celebrations and 
events designed to share the strength, ingenuity, and accomplishment of 
our fellow citizens with the world.
  Madam Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month in 2010, 
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, in truth, American history.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 1046.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored today to speak in support of H. Res. 
1046, recognizing the significance of Black History Month. Just a few 
weeks ago we celebrated the life and accomplishments of one great man, 
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and today we pay tribute to the 
contributions all African Americans have made to this great country.
  Each February we express our appreciation for the perseverance and 
determination of the African American community, while keeping in mind 
the adversity they endured. Nothing serves as a better example of this 
than the civil rights movement. Dr. King often said it was not the sole 
efforts of one man, but the collective work of many that brought about 
change. Today our Nation would not have the strong diversity of which 
it is so proud.
  In order to better understand the experiences that have shaped this 
Nation, we must continue to learn about the historical struggles and 
recognize the contributions of African Americans that have enriched our 
culture and heritage. Our way of life has been bettered by the great 
African American activists, politicians, artists, writers, poets, 
scientists, economists, athletes, and entertainers who have contributed 
to the tapestry of our American culture. The achievements of all these 
people have encouraged today's youth to strive for a more equal and 
free country.
  Noted leaders such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, 
Frederick Douglass, and of course Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired a 
nation through their valiant efforts and showed the way to begin the 
quest to end racial inequality.
  In 1926, Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson proposed a week-long 
celebration of black history. Over time, the entire month of February 
has been designated to commemorate African Americans in America. And 
today, I speak in support of H. Res. 1046.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I welcome and appreciate the kind remarks 
of the lady from North Carolina.
  In closing, I simply ask all Members to support Representative Al 
Green of Texas, who is the lead sponsor of this resolution. I urge all 
members to vote ``yes'' on House Resolution 1046.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
support of House Resolution 1046 to recognize the significance of Black 
History Month.
  In February of every year, people across the country cast their 
thoughts on the long and unique history of African-Americans. It is 
particularly important to do so to both celebrate the accomplishments 
and remember the lengthy struggle that the African-American community 
has endured in this country. We have benefitted immensely from notables 
such as Booker T. Washington, Duke Ellington, Althea Gibson, George 
Washington Carver, and Zora Neale Hurston in addition to political and 
civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr, Shirley Chisholm, 
Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and Sojourner Truth.

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  I am proud of how far we have come as a community, but as we look to 
the future, I am also reminded of the challenges that the 21st century 
is presenting to us. African-American ingenuity has been key in 
developing many of our modern technologies and high-tech devices. 
However, as the world becomes a more interconnected and technological 
place, there is an increased need for experts in science, technology, 
engineering, and math (STEM) professions. This trend makes it 
remarkably important to nurture and attract America's minority youth, 
the fastest growing college-eligible population, to the sciences. For 
this reason, I am introducing a resolution during Black History Month 
to recognize the importance of African-American contributions to 
scientific innovation, and I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me 
in supporting it.
  Madam Speaker, Black History Month is not only a time to look to the 
past, but also to reflect on the present and prepare for the future. 
The African-American community has overcome many obstacles throughout 
our country's history, and as we continue down a path toward 
prosperity, I know that this community will play an integral role in 
the years ahead. I encourage my fellow colleagues to support this 
resolution and join me in recognizing Black History Month.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that 
I rise today in strong support of this resolution recognizing the 
importance of Black History Month. Each February we come together to 
commemorate the trials, tribulations, achievements and accomplishments 
of African Americans throughout history. I applaud the actions of 
Representative Al Green from Texas for bringing this resolution 
forward.
  Recognizing the importance of African-American heritage, Carter G. 
Woodson, Harvard University's second African-American graduate, in 
conjunction with Omega Psi Phi fraternity, created Negro History and 
Literature Week to honor the births of Fredrick Douglass and President 
Abraham Lincoln. Although the name was eventually changed to Negro 
History Week in 1926, Americans trace the origins of the month long 
celebration of African-American history to Woodson's efforts.
  Highlighting the historical contributions of numerous African-
American luminaries including Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington 
Carver, and Booker T. Washington, Black History Month celebrates the 
unique individuals and events that have shaped the African-American 
diaspora for centuries. From the detested years of enslavement, the 
passage of the Emancipation Proclamation, the social inequities of Jim 
Crow laws, the famed artistic ingenuity of the Harlem Renaissance, the 
social evolution of the civil rights movement, and the notable election 
of Barack Obama, the first African-American President, Black History 
Month serves as a reminder of the great strides that African Americans 
have made and the inherent promise of generations to come.
  Madam Speaker, the 4th District of Georgia is home to several sites 
of historical significance among African Americans. Flat Rock, one of 
the few African-American communities to survive the pre-Civil War era, 
is the embodiment of what Black History Month promotes--honoring those 
who have come before us to shape the present. By preserving the 
legacies of the slaves who founded this community, Flat Rock serves as 
a lasting piece of black history.
  Madam Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.
  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, every year in February, America 
pauses to honor the rich heritage and tremendous contributions of 
African Americans past and present. Black History Month is a time to 
recognize and pay tribute to the many trials and triumphs of African 
Americans, which are intricately woven into the fabric of our nation. 
Simply put, Black history is American history.
  The theme of Black History Month this year, ``The History of Black 
Economic Employment,'' could not be more fitting as our nation 
continues on the road to full economic recovery. The current economic 
crisis has impacted all Americans, but communities of color, 
particularly African Americans, have been among the hardest hit. The 
evidence is clear--glaring disparities between African Americans and 
others can be found in every economic indicator and they must not be 
ignored.
  The Congressional Black Caucus has long championed the elimination of 
disparities wherever they exist. Where there is a major disparity 
between rich and poor or between one race or gender and another, there 
is a moral gap. The job of the Congressional Black Caucus is to help 
fill in the moral gaps. For 40 years, the Congressional Black Caucus 
has sought moral equality, for Black Americans and ultimately all 
Americans.
  As we take this time to acknowledge Black History month we must all 
recommit ourselves to fulfilling the bedrock principles of our nation: 
liberty, equality, and opportunity for all. To fill in these gaps for 
African Americans is to fill them in for all Americans.
  Tonight, in particular we pay tribute to unsung heroes who contribute 
greatly to make our communities better and stronger.
  In my district, the Ninth Congressional District of California I'd 
like to honor some individuals who don't always receive the recognition 
they deserve.
  I will start with Nicole Taylor.
  Ms. Taylor is president and CEO of the East Bay Community Foundation 
and she has been a trailblazer for this philanthropic organization 
since joining the foundation in 2007.
  The East Bay Community Foundation is a leading resource for 
mobilizing financial resources and community leadership to transform 
the lives of people in the East Bay. Ms. Taylor and the East Bay 
Community Foundation have identified two interrelated issues that they 
believe can lead to this transformation: Support for young children to 
succeed with a focus on the critical period of birth to third grade, 
and enhancing economic opportunities for adults and families, 
particularly those with significant barriers to achieving employment 
and financial stability. Ms. Taylor has also worked with my district 
office to develop a Website that was designed to make it easier for 
non-profits and faith-based organizations to gain access to Recovery 
funds.
  Under her watch, the East Bay Community Foundation managed about $285 
million in charitable funds and made grants over $34 million in the 
most recent fiscal year.
  Art Shanks, the executive director of the Cypress Mandela Training 
Center. For the past 17 years, Mr. Shanks has been pioneer in using the 
development of green jobs to not only to address environment and create 
green jobs that can serve as a pathway out of poverty.
  The Cypress Mandela Training Center is the community resource 
committed to enhancing the viability of the construction trades 
industry through quality life skills and technical training in directed 
pre-apprentice programs. These programs promote positive life change 
and teach multi-trade expertise that serve as a bridge for empowering a 
diverse socio-economic community at large
  Mr. Shanks joined the Cypress Mandela Training Center in Oakland, CA 
since its inception in 1993. Two years later, Mr. Shanks was elevated 
to Project Director responsible for the overall operation of the 
training center, including its economic stability and the development 
of the curriculum.
  As a result of Mr. Shanks' efforts, the Cypress Mandela Training 
Center has evolved into a nationally acclaimed pre-apprenticeship 
program. Mr. Shanks has been recognized by the Building Trades for 
placing well over 1,700 disenfranchised, and under-represented men and 
women of color into union apprenticeship programs.
  Margaret Gordon, commissioner for the Port of Oakland.
  Over the last decade, Margaret Gordon has been respected locally as a 
strong voice of reason and intellect not only in her West Oakland 
community, but regionally as well. The longtime health and 
environmental advocate has earned statewide respect on Port issues.
  A recipient of the 2007 Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame award, 
Ms. Gordon is one of the founding members of both the West Oakland 
Environmental Indicators Project and the Alameda County Stakeholder 
Project for the Environmental Health Tracking Project. In 2006, Ms. 
Gordon was a presenter at a Port-related conference concerned with 
trucking, shipping and logistics sponsored by the Intermodal Maritime 
Association, while also contributing to the development of two 
community-based participatory research reports and the publications, 
``Neighborhood Knowledge for Change'' and ``Reducing Diesel Pollution 
in West Oakland''. Moreover, during this period she was instrumental in 
the design of the 7th St/McClymonds Corridor Neighborhood Improvement 
Initiative and was co-chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee, the 
group assembled to oversee replacement of the Cypress freeway following 
the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.
  In 2001, Ms. Gordon and the Pacific Institute, an environmental 
research and policy group based in the city of Oakland, launched the 
West Oakland Environmental Indicators project. The study concluded that 
diesel emissions in West Oakland were five times higher than the rest 
of the city. That study promoted the several local efforts to remediate 
contamination at the Port of Oakland and to increase efforts to reduce 
diesel emissions.
  Most recently, Ms. Gordon co-wrote ``Healthy Home Indoor Air Quality 
Project,'' a report proposing ways to reduce diesel emissions in the 
community. The document has been submitted to local and federal 
environmental health agencies for review.
  I will conclude with my good friend Keith Carson, Alameda County 
Supervisor.
  Keith Carson was elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, 
Fifth District in 1992 on a platform dedicated to inclusive and 
accessible government.
  As a native of Berkeley California, Keith has longstanding roots in 
the progressive community, yet clearly understands the role business

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must play in the development of thriving communities. Supervisor Carson 
has been the Chair of the Alameda County Budget Workgroup for over 10 
years and in that time the County has been forced to cut over $2 
Billion out of their budget. Supervisor Carson has brought together 
County Department Heads, unions, civic leaders to devise yearly 
formulas for balancing the ever declining budget. The County is the 
safety net for residents and through this process will continue to 
struggle to provide much needed life supporting services.
  Years before California beget a process of dumping state prisoners in 
local government through their early release program, Supervisor Carson 
had been attempting to reconnect those who are returning from jail or 
prison in a way that would allow them to become productive citizens.
  Supervisor Carson and I have worked closely with other local elected 
officials to organize a yearly event allowing people to have their 
records cleared when appropriate, and provide information about other 
key services hoping to curb the rate of recidivism. While his work 
speaks volumes, it is his compassion for people that drives his 
success. Alameda County is a microcosm of America's ethnic and business 
diversity. He uses Alameda County's diversity to its fullest in 
attempting to bring all voices to the decisionmaking process. As he 
often says ``the only way one of us survives is if we all work 
together''.
  These are just a few examples of African-American in my district who 
go to work everyday determined to improve the lives of those who reside 
in their communities. And today, I salute them.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening in 
commemoration of Black History Month as we celebrate and honor the 
tremendous achievements of African Americans.
  At no time in history has there been a greater need to rethink the 
role of government given the current socio-economic conditions of 
African Americans residing within disinvested communities wrought with:
  Poor performing schools that fail to provide African American 
children the math, science, and reading skills vital to securing jobs 
in today's global economy;
  Lack of access to sustainable and gainful employment to become 
productive members of society; and lastly,
  Lack of self-sufficiency of income and wealth to ensure the well-
being of our children and our nation.
  In celebration of the resiliency of African Americans past and 
present, as the Chair of the Child Welfare Brain Trust, I am hosting a 
forum tomorrow examining the pathways out of poverty.
  This forum will introduce a platform to assess the efficacy of human 
service programs in light of current socio-economic and budgetary 
constraints at this crucial time in history. As policymakers, we must 
decide how to address the needs of all American families living at and 
below the poverty line, of which Black families constitute a 
disproportionate share.
  We will also examine ways in which select federal programs can be 
realigned to create more interagency cooperation and collaboration, 
especially in light of current budgetary constraints. Our nation's 
future depends on it.
  As we celebrate Black History Month, we celebrate with a forward 
focus in addressing the holistic needs of all Americans.
  Mr. LYNCH. 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. 1046.
  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. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  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.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________