[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I rise in honor of Black History Month and its 2016 theme--
Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories. This year's theme 
reflects on locations across the United States that are remembered for 
the important role each has played in pursuit of civil rights and 
justice.
   As Americans, it is important that we honor and celebrate our 
nation's greatest advocates for freedom and equal rights for all. 
During this month and always, we pay tribute to the heroes of American 
history as we recall the tremendous sacrifice and the immense struggle 
of those who fought, and continue to fight, for equality, and the 
remarkable impact their contributions have had in shaping our great 
nation.
   From generation to generation, from those who have experienced or 
witnessed events that have led to change to the young children who 
listen to stories of their grandparents or the lessons taught in 
school, locations, much like the names of those who have toiled in 
hopes of a better society, are forever engrained in the hearts and 
minds of the American people. From the birthplaces of our greatest 
African American leaders to stops along the Underground Railroad, from 
sites of tragic events that brought about change to the churches that 
have inspired hope among communities for generations, each is a 
reminder of the past and the progress we have made, while recognizing 
there is much more work to be done.
   As a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, born and raised in 
Gary, Indiana, I had the opportunity to witness a truly historic 
moment. In November 1967, residents of Gary went to the polls and 
elected Richard Gordon Hatcher, a civil rights leader who spoke 
alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., mayor of the city. His election, 
along with the election of Carl Burton Stokes of Cleveland, Ohio, 
marked the first time in our nation's history that American cities with 
more than 100,000 residents would be led by African American mayors. In 
January 1968, Mayor Hatcher was sworn into office, a position in which 
he proudly served for the next twenty years.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in celebrating Black History Month and honoring those who persevered in 
the name of equality and social justice. As we reflect on the many 
historic sites throughout America that have played such a critical role 
in changing our nation's landscape, let us never forget the struggle of 
our predecessors while continuing the pursuit of the betterment of 
society for all.

                          ____________________