[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 79 (Monday, May 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ARTUR DAVIS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 2010

  Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as a recipient of the prestigious 
Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad Award for 2009-2011.
  Fewer than ten museums in the United States are selected for the 
Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad Award and I am delighted 
and proud that the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located in the 
Seventh Congressional District, is among the chosen. This honor is both 
an outstanding achievement and a source of great pride for the 
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Birmingham community.
  Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad, which is administered by 
the American Association of Museums (AAM) and receives financial 
support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, connects U.S. communities with communities abroad 
through innovative, museum-based projects that reflect each museum's 
unique collections, capabilities, and expertise. Museums and Community 
Collaborations Abroad increases the cultural competency of two 
communities and also helps museums connect with local underserved 
populations.
  The Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad Award will enable the 
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to partner with the Mandela House 
Museum in Soweto, South Africa in the development of a joint project of 
cultural significance. The obvious parallels between the U.S. and South 
Africa related to their historic struggles against malevolent systems 
of racial segregation and oppression make this a natural partnership.
  Through this collaboration, not only will the communities of 
Birmingham and Soweto be united, but cultural diplomacy as a whole 
between the U.S. and South Africa will be strengthened. It is an honor 
to recognize the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for this outstanding 
accomplishment. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for this significant achievement.

                          ____________________