[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 1, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2017

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise 
today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2017 theme--The Crisis 
in Black Education. This year's theme reflects on the crucial role of 
education in the past, present, and future of the African American 
community. As Americans, we come together to commend the many 
educators, writers, and mentors who have worked so diligently to 
improve educational opportunities for African American students 
throughout the country, but we must acknowledge that there is still 
much more progress to be made.
   Throughout American history, the unfortunate reality is that there 
have been racial barriers to equal education. The crisis in black 
education began during the era of slavery when it was against the law 
for slaves to learn how to read and write. Before the Civil War, free 
blacks in northern cities had to walk long distances to attend the one 
school regulated solely for African American students, while this 
limitation did not exist for white children. By 1910, segregation was 
established throughout the south. African American schools were of 
lower quality and received less government funding per student than in 
white schools. During the Civil Rights Movement, significant steps 
toward positive change were made, including the Supreme Court case of 
Brown vs. Board of Education, which outlawed segregated school 
facilities for black and white students at the state level. The Civil 
Rights Act of 1964 ended state and local laws requiring segregation.
   Today, many African American youth remain exposed to public school 
systems where resources are limited, overcrowding occurs, and a glaring 
racial achievement gap is evident, especially in urban areas. As 
Americans, we must continue to work together to resolve the crisis in 
black education as it is, without a doubt, one of the most critical 
issues facing our communities.
   This month and always, it is important that we honor and celebrate 
America's greatest advocates for equal rights and civil liberties. 
Along with this month's theme, we honor those who have fought for equal 
educational opportunities for African Americans, including Booker T. 
Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Cornell West, Maxine Smith, Carlotta Walls 
LaNier, Joe Lewis Clark, Fannie Jackson Coppin, and Alexander Crummell, 
among many others. As we pay tribute to these heroes of American 
history, let us remember their profound perseverance, sacrifice, and 
struggle in the fight for freedom and equality, and the remarkable 
impact their contributions have had in shaping our great nation.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in celebrating Black History Month and honoring those who fought, and 
continue to fight, for civil rights and justice. We honor the African 
American educators, scholars, and supporters of educational equality, 
who have played such a critical role in changing the landscape of 
American society for the better. As we reflect on the state of black 
education, let us never forget the struggle of our predecessors while 
remembering that there is still much work to be done.

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