[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING 19TH CENTURY AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEGISLATORS OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize and voice my support for a new monument that will be unveiled 
at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas, on March 30, 2010, to 
commemorate the state's African-American legislators of the 19th 
century.
  This monument will serve as a reminder to all Texans of the role that 
African Americans have played in Texas political history and give 
credence to the first steps that these legislators made for the black 
community in the state. There were 52 African-American men who served 
in either the Texas legislature or were Constitutional Convention 
delegates during the last half of the 19th century, and while their 
time in office may have been short, their impacts can still be felt 
today.
  I often reflect on the endurance and tenacity of these men who served 
a disenfranchised community during a politically volatile time in Texas 
history. They truly were political pioneers entering a system of 
government for the first time and working diligently to ensure a future 
for all African Americans and Texans. This work is not lightly 
forgotten, and that is why this monument is so important for people 
across the state and all Americans.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me today in 
remembering the 19th century African-American legislators of Texas and 
to honor them by supporting this monument that will help Texans 
understand the work and sacrifices of these great legislators.

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