[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  (Mrs. BEATTY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Black History 
Month.
  Black History Month is an opportunity for our Nation to honor the 
contributions and accomplishments that African Americans and civil 
rights organizations like the NAACP have etched in the cornerstone of 
this America they helped change.
  The NAACP is the Nation's oldest and preeminent civil rights 
organization. Established in 1909 to curb the rampant discrimination 
plaguing our country, today's NAACP envisions an America not defined by 
color.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to ask Congress to help make the 
NAACP's dream a reality. Let's restore the full protection of the 
Voting Rights Act, fix our broken criminal justice system, and end the 
school-to-prison pipeline.
  We must continue to move forward to ensure equality of opportunity 
for all Americans, not just the privileged few.
  During Black History Month, Mr. Speaker, and every month, let us 
recommit ourselves to ending the journey and having a more just and 
perfect union.
  Lastly, I salute the NAACP and its chairperson, Rosalyn Brock, and my 
Columbus chapter NAACP chair, Nana Jones.

                          ____________________