[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 110 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          400 YEARS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY COMMISSION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 5, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4539, 
the ``400 Years of African-American History Commission Act,'' which 
will develop and carry out activities that commemorate the arrival of 
Africans in English colonies in 1619 at Point Comfort, Virginia.
  Mr. Speaker, today it is difficult to imagine there once was a time 
in our country when African-Americans were owned, disrespected, and 
treated as less than second-class citizens for hundreds of years.
  However, since the 1960's we have witnessed social and economic 
revolutions that have transformed our country for the better and 
brought about the greatest reduction in economic and social inequality 
among Americans in history.
  H.R. 4539 will create programs that highlight the undeniable impact 
that slavery, de jure segregation, Jim Crow Laws, and the Black Codes 
had in creating and mandating systemic racism and inequality.
  The Commission will plan programs that acknowledge the impacts that 
marred the social, political, and economic progress of African-
Americans in the United States.
  The Commission encourages the collaboration of organizations that 
honor the great contributions of African-American activists, leaders, 
writers, and artists.
  H.R. 4539 encourages the collaboration and participation of civic, 
economic, historical, educational, patriotic, artistic, and religious 
organizations to come together to celebrate anniversary activities.
  The contributions of African-Americans to our great nation is an 
essential part of our history and should be celebrated.
  Tribute must be paid to the trailblazers, pioneers, heroes, and 
leaders, the countless number of well-known and unsung heroes whose 
contributions have helped our nation become a more perfect union
  The African-American History Commission will help us honor those who 
have come before us, and pay forward to future generations by 
addressing what is the number one issue for all American families 
today: preserving the American promise of economic opportunity for all.
  To accomplish this, the Commission will assist non-profit 
organizations, localities, and states to further the commemoration of 
the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in English colonies by 
allowing grant funding for the development of programs
  The Commission is also authorized to provide funding for research and 
academic and public policy organizations to publish and distribute 
information about the arrival of Africans in the United States and 
their contribution to this country.
  It took hard work, courage, patience, determination, and most of all, 
an unwavering faith that America could live up to the true meaning of 
its creed.
  Mr. Speaker, enacting H.R. 4539 and establishing the African-American 
History Commission will lay the foundation for the next generation of 
groundbreaking activists, leaders, scientists, writers and artists to 
continue contributing to the greatness of America.
  Social progress and justice does not always come easy or overnight 
but with commitment, determination, and perseverance, progress can be 
made and barriers can be broken.
  It is through our work in creating possibilities and programs for 
today and future generations that we best honor the accomplishments and 
legacy of our predecessors.
  Through the establishment of the 400 Years of African-American 
History Commission, that is made possible.
  I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 4539.

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