[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 91 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          400 YEARS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY COMMISSION ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2017

  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1242 
entitled, ``400 Years of African-American History Commission Act.'' As 
a co-sponsor of this legislation, I worked with my colleagues to pass 
this act in the House and look forward to the Senate also passing this 
bill. I believe it is important for all citizens of the United States 
to recognize the unique history, sacrifices, and remarkable 
contributions that African Americans have made to build our great 
nation.
  I am invigorated by this legislative intention to identify and 
educate the public on the arrival of Africans and their role in 
building this great country. It is equally important to understand the 
generational impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial 
discrimination had on the United States. While there have been many 
successful and inspirational African Americans with enumerable 
contributions, we must address ongoing racial disparities in employment 
and education by focusing on achieving six universal milestones for 
success.
  These six universal milestones include:
  1. Entering school ready to learn;
  2. Reading at grade level by third grade;
  3. Graduating from high school ready for college or career;
  4. Completing post-secondary education or training;
  5. Successfully entering the workforce; and
  6. Reducing violence and providing a second chance for returning 
citizens.
  I applaud the many organizations actively working to address 
persistent opportunity gaps faced by African Americans. In my community 
of the 2nd Congressional District of Nebraska, I appreciate the efforts 
of Willie Hamilton, president and founder of Black Men United. He is a 
true grass roots leader. In addition, I want to highlight some other 
organizations, and work ongoing in the district I serve to implement a 
coherent cradle-to-college-and-career strategy for improving the life 
outcomes of all young people. These organizations include Urban League 
of Nebraska, The START Center, the Omaha Empowerment Network 
coordinated by Willie Barney, Eastern Nebraska Community Action 
Partnership, 100 Black Men of Omaha, Malcom X Foundation, Operation 
Youth Success, Members of the Midlands Mentoring Partnership, the 
efforts by the City of Omaha through the Black Male Achievement program 
previously coordinated by Cameron Gales. Like all complicated issues 
facing Americans, we need this type of strong community support along 
with smart bipartisan legislation to address any problem.
  As the African-American History Commission develops programs, I hope 
they will consider inspiring communities to continue building 
partnerships between local organizations, government, businesses and 
foundations. This will connect young African American men and women 
with support networks, mentoring programs, and the skills training they 
need to succeed in the classroom and in the workforce. While we learn 
from and celebrate the past, we must also look to a much brighter 
future for all Americans.

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