[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 26, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
(Mr. SMUCKER asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, as you know, this month is Black History
Month, and I am taking some time to remember African Americans who have
made a difference in the community where I live.
I rise today to honor one of my community's civil rights and
community leaders, Mr. Nelson Polite, Sr., of Lancaster. Mr. Polite was
one of the early leaders in the civil rights movement in Lancaster in
the 1960s. He was a fierce advocate who worked hard to change the
unjust policies of segregation.
Mr. Polite devoted his life to the ideals of fairness and justice for
everyone, regardless of their skin color. He organized protests against
Whites-only admittance at Rocky Springs pool and followed in the
footsteps of his father, who helped found the Lancaster NAACP.
Mr. Polite led by example and represented the goodness of our
community. He was active in his church and worked to ensure that
residents had job opportunities, housing, and overall quality of life.
He served as a Lancaster councilman for 12 years. This month, Black
History Month, marks 3 years since he passed away, but the evidence of
the change that he fought for is evident in our community. I was proud
to count him as a personal friend, and it is my honor to remember him
today and, this month, highlight the work that he did.
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