[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 86 (Friday, June 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1030-E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE CAPE VERDEAN HISTORICAL TRUST AND ITS SO SABI! 
                                EXHIBIT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2012

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cape Verdean 
Historical Trust, its members and the upcoming So Sabi! exhibit. On 
June 16th, So Sabi! will open its doors and invite the public to 
explore Cape Verdean music, art and literature and the influence of the 
oldest Creole culture in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  So Sabi! allows all residents of Massachusetts--those of Cape Verdean 
descent and those not--to learn and appreciate the impact those first 
immigrants have had on shaping the modern culture and economy of our 
Commonwealth, where nearly 300,000 descendents of Cape Verdean 
immigrants make their home. My district, which includes Cape Cod, the 
Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the towns of 
Southeastern Massachusetts, is home to the fastest growing Cape Verdean 
populations in the United States. This comes as no surprise, given the 
stark similarities in lifestyle and resources between the Commonwealth 
and this island community.

[[Page E1031]]

  In the mid 19th century, Cape Verdean migrants flocked to New England 
ports on whaling vessels in pursuit of prosperity and opportunity. 
Today, many of Massachusetts' fishermen still bear the names of their 
Cape Verdean grandparents. These settlers easily transitioned into the 
fishing and agricultural sectors--helping the early whaling, commercial 
fishing and cranberry industries blossom with their sailing and 
harvesting expertise. In fact, several Cape Verdean publications and 
journals live on in Southeastern Massachusetts--allowing Cape Verdean-
Americans to keep their culture's stories and traditions alive.
  It brings me great pride to note that the opening of So Sabi! 
coincides with the second Millennium Challenge Corporation compact 
awarded to the nation of Cape Verde. This historic award marks the 
first time that the Millennium Challenge Corporation has approved a 
second compact for any country. This decision was based on Cape Verde's 
remarkable achievements in reducing poverty through sustainable 
economic growth and domestic efforts that the nation has made as a 
result of its first grant. I was proud to support Cape Verde's 
endorsement for a second compact, and prouder still to recognize the 
magnitude of Cape Verde's accomplishments in my capacity as a member of 
the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Cape Verdean Historical Trust proudly unveils its 
So Sabi! exhibit in honor of Massachusetts' Cape Verdean culture and 
the nation of Cape Verde welcomes its second compact from the 
Millennium Challenge Corporation, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the historical and educational significance of the June 
16th event.

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