[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 28, 2011

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the Congresswoman for 18th 
Congressional District of Texas, I rise with great pride to commemorate 
this recognition of Black History Month. African Americans from Texas 
like the pugilist Jack Johnson, the pioneer Bessie Coleman, 
Congresswoman Barbara C. Jordan, Congressman Mickey Leland, and African 
Americans from all across this nation have contributed greatly to the 
rich history of the United States; a country we love so dearly.
  I am especially grateful to be among my colleagues in the 
Congressional Black Caucus as we do our best to honor those who came 
before us and strive to make this country a better place for all 
Americans through our work here in Congress, back home in our districts 
and all across this great nation. As we do so, we must remember that we 
are part of the great diversity of citizens that make up the fabric of 
this nation and we must, as African Americans, remember to reach out to 
all Americans from every race, creed, and color for the common purpose 
of leaving our country better than we found it for our children and 
their children's children.
  This morning I had the privilege of speaking in Austin, Texas, before 
the Texas Legislative Black Caucus at its Legislative Summit. Being 
there in the Capitol built by slaves and speaking before that audience 
made me realize that we have a reason to celebrate our heritage and our 
contributions to this great nation. My speech was about African 
Americans remaining relevant in these changing times. Today as we bring 
Black History Month to a close, I would like to reflect on the many 
reasons to celebrate and I issue a call for all of my colleagues to be 
their best for our country as we continue our legislative work in this 
chamber.
  We have reason to celebrate our heritage: We are relevant.
  Barbara C. Jordan knew the importance of remaining relevant when she 
recited from the preamble to the Constitution and said: `` `We the 
people.' It is a very eloquent beginning. But when the document was 
completed . . . I was not included in `We the People.' I felt somehow 
for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton just left 
me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation 
and court decision I have finally been included in ``We, the people.' 
''

  As redistricting hits full stride this year and the Texas legislature 
conducts the redrawing of congressional districts, we the people, Black 
and Brown Texans alike, must stand together and be represented! Our 
vote must count. Our candidates must be elected. For our cause is the 
same. A defeat for African Americans is a defeat for Hispanics and a 
defeat for Hispanics is a defeat for African Americans. This is a 
unique moment in time to make sure our voices are heard, that our votes 
count, and that we as African Americans and Hispanics remain relevant.
  As a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Immigration 
Policy and Enforcement Subcommittee, I see a barrage of immigration 
hearings that embody a shameless attempt to pit Hispanics against 
African Americans. This is an outrage! We must not take the bait. The 
vast majority of economists, and all of the most recent research in the 
area, confirm that immigrants actually improve the job prospects of 
U.S. workers. The truth is that, in general, African-Americans and 
other minorities actually benefit from Immigration. Comprehensive 
immigration reform that provides a fair path to citizenship combined 
with investments in our businesses, and investment in our education and 
job training programs are the only solution. Draconian spending cuts to 
these programs and dredging up racial scapegoats are not the solution.
  As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I take pride in my 
work with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serve as an 
enthusiastic liaison between the two caucuses. As I do so, I am 
reminded of how my predecessor Congressman Mickey Leland reached out to 
work with Cesar Chavez as he struggled for better working conditions 
and dignity for Hispanic workers. He saw the importance of our 
communities working together in his day and I see it now in mine. 
African Americans endured the injustice of slavery and servitude and we 
must remember that history repeats; sometimes it just visits another 
community in the process. We must cast our fate together.
  To remain relevant, we must commit right here and right now to 
embracing and working with our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Truth be 
told, our plight is the same and shared progress is our common cause. 
As Malcolm X said ``We are not fighting for integration, nor are we 
fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as human 
beings. We are fighting for human rights.''
  In closing, I invoke the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., truly 
spoke of remaining relevant when he said ``I have a dream that my four 
little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be 
judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their 
character.'' Today, we are closer to achieving that dream. We are 
relevant. We are ``pertinent to the matter at hand.'' And it is by 
working together with our Hispanic brothers and sisters that we will 
remain relevant.

                          ____________________