[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere 
admiration that I rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2012 
theme--Black Women in American Culture and History. This year's theme 
offers us the opportunity to reflect on the outstanding accomplishments 
of African American women who often faced not only racial 
discrimination, but gender discrimination as well.
  The innumerable contributions made by African American women 
throughout history have played a major role in shaping our great 
nation. From historical heroes, such as the leader of the Underground 
Railroad, Harriet Tubman, and the courageous civil rights activist, 
Rosa Parks, to modern leaders, including First Lady Michelle Obama, and 
locally, the Honorable Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of the City of Gary, 
Indiana, the American people have been blessed and inspired by 
extraordinary African American women who have at many times, against 
all odds, strengthened our union.
  As the Representative of the First Congressional District of Indiana, 
I have had the opportunity and pleasure to know and work with Mayor 
Freeman-Wilson. Mayor Freeman-Wilson's first term began this year, and 
her victory is an extraordinary example of how far our nation has come. 
With her recent election, Mayor Freeman-Wilson became the first female 
mayor of the city of Gary and the first African American female mayor 
in the State of Indiana.
  Standing on the shoulders of the brave African American women who 
fought so hard for their rights, Mayor Freeman-Wilson continues to 
inspire and is a role model for women of all races. Mayor Freeman-
Wilson grew up in Gary and was taught by her parents the importance of 
hard work and public service at an early age. She eventually graduated 
from Harvard Law School but quickly realized her calling was to be a 
public servant. She has held many prestigious positions throughout her 
career including: presiding judge for the Gary City Court, Attorney 
General for the State of Indiana, Executive Director of the National 
Drug Court Institute, and Director of the Indiana Civil Rights 
Commission. She is also active in numerous organizations and charitable 
groups aimed at protecting human rights, promoting the quality of life, 
and combating substance abuse. In particular, Mayor Freeman-Wilson's 
work with the Second Chance Foundation, an organization she helped 
found to fight substance abuse, is truly admirable.
  It is leaders like Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson who become an 
inspiration for future generations. We honor her, along with all of the 
courageous African American women, past and present and across the 
nation, for their courage and tenacity to help create better 
communities and a better nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in remembering the many strong African American women who have 
left their mark in history and have fought for equality for all races 
and genders. They are worthy of the highest praise. Through the efforts 
of these honorable individuals, we are reminded of how far we have come 
as a nation, while recognizing that there is still much progress to be 
made.

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