[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 114 (Monday, June 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF RALPH BUNCHE HIGH SCHOOL

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 2020

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the great 
history of Ralph Bunche High School in King George County, Virginia. As 
one of the first African-American schools to receive equitable 
contributions in its funding, Ralph Bunche High set the standard for 
our nation in addressing racial inequality.
  At the time of Ralph Bunche High School's inception, America was 
still under the wing of the discriminatory Jim Crow laws. It was a 
somber period where African-Americans were treated unjustly and were 
not afforded equitable opportunities. Moreover, school segregation made 
it such that African-American students were not sufficiently supported 
in terms of decent provisions in technology, infrastructure, and even 
quality of education.
  Finally, on July 29, 1948, Civil Action 631 set the stage for the 
construction of Ralph Bunche High School and provided much-needed 
relief for the students that attended the school. Just like other 
prominent civil rights leaders, the plaintiffs for this case faced the 
same dangers from radical segregationists. Nevertheless, the brave 
plaintiffs, composed of pupils and concerned parents, persevered and 
provided a great service to their community by advocating for equal 
financial distribution for African-American students.
  The construction of Ralph Bunche High School was a landmark event for 
King George County. The school's namesake has a noteworthy history in 
serving both his community and country. For instance, his steadfast 
efforts in achieving the 1949 Armistice Agreements between the Arab 
states and Israel culminated in his award for the Nobel Peace Prize in 
1950. In addition, during the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Bunche played 
a significant role by participating in iconic events, like the 1963 
March on Washington.
  To sum up, the legacy of Ralph Bunche High School lives as strong 
today as it did in 1949. Among the first cases to be brought forward, 
Civil Action 631 begun a series of cases that ultimately led to the 
integration of African-American students nationwide and mandated that 
the latter receive equitable educational support. Having the school 
named after Dr. Bunche proved highly commendable and the school's 
designation as a State and National Historic Landmark was well-
deserved.
  Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you rise with me in remembering 
the history of Ralph Bunche High School, the heroes that participated 
in its birth and those who continue the legacy to preserve educational 
equality.

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