[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1915
                       RECOGNIZING CLARENCE FORT

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
Black History Month. This month is designed to celebrate the 
achievements of African Americans and the significant role that they 
have played in our Nation's history.
  The State of Florida is home to one such leader, Hillsborough 
County's Clarence Fort. Mr. Fort organized and participated in Tampa's 
first lunch counter sit-in in the downtown Woolworth's department 
store. After a week of nonviolent sit-ins, Tampa's mayor appointed a 
biracial committee to discuss segregation. By September 1960, the 
city's lunch counters were integrated.
  Mr. Fort also led the initiative to integrate the workforce of Tampa 
Transit Lines and later went on to serve 20 years as a Hillsborough 
County sheriff's deputy.
  Strong men and women like Clarence Fort persevered during some of 
America's most divided periods. His strength and courage are part of 
what makes our Nation great.
  Madam Speaker, I thank all the brave African Americans whose positive 
influence and impact inspire us this month and every month of the year.

                          ____________________