[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 33 (Thursday, February 27, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2014 FLOOR SPEECH

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                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2014

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the unique 
history, terrible sacrifices, and remarkable contributions that African 
Americans have made to build our great nation.
  Black History Month calls out to all Americans to join together as we 
advance the unfinished march towards greater diversity and full 
equality for all.
  151 years ago, the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order 
issued by President Abraham Lincoln, freed the slaves in all states 
that were in rebellion against the Union, and established a broad legal 
framework for the future.
  And just like present day executive orders issued by this 
administration . . . President Lincoln's action set off a fire storm of 
criticism from those who hated him, and thought he had acted beyond his 
constitutional powers.
  But President Lincoln was not deterred by the vicious and vile uproar 
from his political opponents. Like all great leaders at pivotal moments 
in our Nation's history, President Lincoln ignored the politics of the 
moment and followed the moral compass of history.
  He chose the path of courage, he chose the path not taken, in order 
to advance the cause of freedom.
  51 years ago, hundreds of thousands of Americans, both black and 
white, joined together for the historic March on Washington. As Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in the shadow of the Great Emancipator, 
he declared in his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech--``We have come to 
this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.''
  Tonight, we should hear those words again. Absorb them. Live them.
  As we look back on the accomplishments of the past, let us remember 
that the fierce urgency of now still calls us to act boldly . . . with 
courage.
  Equality is not to be put on hold. And the hopes of millions who have 
been left out of the American dream, must not be delayed or denied.
  46 years ago, my father, former Congressman Bill Clay, was elected as 
the first African-American U.S. Representative from Missouri.
  He used his experience as a civil rights activist who had been 
wrongly incarcerated for fighting for his beliefs--to provide a strong 
voice for his constituents for more than three decades, and he was one 
of the original 13 cofounders of the Congressional Black Caucus.
  One of the St. Louis's first legendary black entrepreneurs, Miss 
Annie Malone, the daughter of escaped slaves, inspired people around 
the world as she became a black beauty product millionaire. She was a 
noted inventor, educator and businesswoman. And she became one of 
America's first prominent black philanthropists.
  As we praise the achievements of these great American heroes, we are 
reminded of the obligation to honor all of the brave souls who have 
come before us . . . and to rededicate ourselves to bring honor to 
their memories by the quality and conduct of our own lives. We learn 
from and continue to be inspired by our compelling history.
  But the past does not limit us. It compels us to continue the long 
journey towards a most just, more equal society.
  That is a Black History Month lesson that everyone across the great 
country, and in this historic Chamber, should embrace.

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