[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 1046, ``Recognizing the significance of Black History Month'' 
and for other purposes, introduced by my distinguished colleague from 
Texas, Representative Green. ``Black History Month,'' recognizes, 
reflects, and honors the many contributions, achievements and works of 
African-Americans who have influenced American history through their 
selflessness and sacrifices. The origins of ``Black History Month'' 
derived from Negro History Week, in efforts to enhance the knowledge of 
Black history started through the Journal of Negro History, published 
by Dr. Carter G. Woodson's Association for the Study of African-
American Life and History. The birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln 
and abolitionist Frederick Douglass inspired the creation of Negro 
History Week.
  Negro History Week is the precursor to Black History Month, and the 
month of February has been celebrated as Black History Month since 1926 
when a special period of time was set aside to recognize and celebrate 
the heritage and achievements of African-Americans. Whereas the first 
African-Americans were brought involuntarily to the shores of the 
America as early as the 17th century and despite being held in slavery, 
African-Americans in all walks of life have made significant 
contributions throughout the history of the United States. Significant 
contributions made by African-Americans include 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;
  (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.
  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, and Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr. lived and died to make real these noble ideas. He is most 
known for his ``I Have A Dream'' speech.
  The Honorable Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th President of 
the United States, making him the first African-American Chief 
Executive. President Obama's election to the U.S. Presidency broke one 
of the last racial barriers in politics in this country. President 
Obama has inspired hopes in the lives of many Americans across the 
country and to people across the globe.
  Black History Month is an important time that we recognize the 
contributions of African-Americans in the Nation's history and 
encourages the continued celebration of February 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 helped 
shape the Nation.

                          ____________________