[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL 7TH GRADERS, TEACHERS AND 
         THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2021

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, February is Black History month. This 
month, and every month, let us celebrate the Black Americans who built 
this nation, amplify the voices of those who continue to fight for a 
more just society, and recommit to taking real action. We must remember 
that Black History is American History as we reflect on the people who 
have strengthened our nation.
  This past year, the fight for racial justice was especially important 
in wake of unspeakable tragedies like the murders of George Floyd and 
Breonna Taylor. People of all ages protested from coast to coast, 
calling for justice, saying enough is enough, and demanding change. I 
was particularly inspired by a group of young students led by Social 
Studies Teacher Nicole Clark, English Language Arts Teacher Monica 
Powell, and Inclusion Specialist Courtney Legg at Two Rivers Public 
Charter School in Washington, D.C. During their recent school showcase 
they presented their ``resistance poems'' which I have shared with my 
colleagues in an e-booklet and posted to my website at: https://
delauro.house.gov/sites/delauro.house.gov/files/documents/
TwoRiversPoems.pdf.
  As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ``our lives begin to end the day we 
become silent about things that matter.'' During these unprecedented 
times, where we are also struggling to combat a pandemic that is 
disproportionately affecting communities of color, we must have the 
courage to make meaningful change. It is clear that the young authors 
of these poems certainly have that courage. I was particularly inspired 
by their words, and I am confident that my colleagues in the Congress 
were as well.
  It is through their dedication and commitment of young people--and 
that of so many others before them--we are able to continue this fight 
for equality, justice and opportunity today and for many years to come.

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