[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 31 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  (Mr. DOLD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DOLD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and in 
celebration of Black History Month.
  This month is a reminder of both the incredible sacrifices and the 
remarkable contributions that African Americans have made during our 
Nation's history.
  153 years ago Illinois' own Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation 
Proclamation. For 153 years since then, our Nation has struggled to 
overcome bigotry and achieve equality for all.
  Countless courageous leaders have taken up the cause of justice, 
including former Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen and our own colleague 
here in the United States Congress, Congressman John Lewis.
  Walking on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma with Congressman Lewis 
for the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches is one of 
the highlights of my tenure in the United States Congress.
  As we look back on the accomplishments of the past, we cannot lose 
sight of the urgency with which we must address inequality in our 
society today.
  African Americans today face an unacceptable likelihood of being 
incarcerated, a poverty rate that our Nation's leaders should be 
ashamed of, and everyday discrimination that flies in the face of 
everything our Nation stands for.
  In memory of the heroes who have fought for equality throughout our 
Nation's history, we are compelled to act. I am committed to fighting 
for a more just and equal society. I implore my colleagues to do the 
same.

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