[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 22, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE EIGHTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILLION MAN MARCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 22, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I remember eighteen years ago today, 
watching hundreds of thousands of Black men flood the National Mall in 
Washington, DC to promote unity and family values that would instill a 
sense of pride and personal responsibility in the community. Since that 
uplifting day, I am pleased to say that the Black community has made 
great strides in achieving the goals of the Million Man March, and 
honor that effort as we continue to strive for social and economic 
progress for all.
  It was most inspiring to hear many prominent leaders encourage and 
empower husbands, fathers and sons all across the nation to ``go back 
home'' and reclaim prosperity and success for their lives, families and 
communities. Following the March, an impressive 1.7 million Black men 
registered to vote and many became more active in promoting civil 
rights. Since then, we have a larger middle class, more college 
graduates, and more Blacks are holding political offices. Our two-term 
President Barack Obama is a testament to how far we have come.
  While I am proud of what the Black community has accomplished, there 
is much more to be done. Blacks still face crippling obstacles that 
make it difficult for them to remain in or join the middle class. At 
12.6 percent, the unemployment rate for Black men and women is 
disproportionately higher than that of the overall population. In 
addition, the median wealth of Black households is 20 times less than 
that of non-Hispanic whites. Blacks are still trapped by poverty in 
urban neighborhoods plagued by drugs, crime and violence.
  As we commemorate the 18th Anniversary of the Million Man March, the 
words and ideas conveyed on October 16, 1995, must continue to resonate 
among leaders and activists today. As a nation we look not at our 
differences, but at what we can do to uplift our communities and come 
together to take pride in all we have accomplished as we improve income 
equality, equal opportunity and the realization of the American Dream 
for everyone.

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