[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E181-E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST WINNER SHEA DOWLING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2021

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the exemplary work of Shea Dowling, an 8th grade student at 
Albert Hill Middle School in Richmond, Virginia, and the middle school 
winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this 
month. Mr. Dowling wrote a superb essay on the presidency of Barack 
Obama and the positive impact it has left on African-Americans. I am 
inspired by the words of Mr. Dowling, and I encourage young people 
across our country to reflect on what this month means to them.
  Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has 
been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of 
the African-American community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Shea 
Dowling's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.

       As the first Black President, Barack Obama is an important 
     figure in Black history. His 2008 election set the record for 
     the most votes ever cast, recently surpassed by Biden in this 
     election. He was a good President in the eyes of many during 
     his two terms. He fought the 2008 recession and helped pass 
     the Affordable Care Act. He also repealed Don't Ask Don't 
     Tell which allowed the LGBTQ+ community serve openly in the 
     military. He set in motion the opportunity for gays to marry. 
     Obama also signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which 
     helped lessen the wage gap between genders.
       Throughout Obama's campaign and presidency, he faced 
     discrimination and people calling him and his family names. 
     People did different things, such as they called his wife, 
     Michelle Obama, a man. The birther movement started, where 
     people questioned the legitimacy of Obama's birth 
     certificate.
       A number of Black leaders inspired our country and paved 
     the way for Obama's success; including MLK, Jesse Jackson, 
     John Lewis, and Shirley Chisholm. However, seeing a Black 
     President for eight years, the majority of my childhood has 
     shown my classmates that they, too, can be anything they 
     want--even President. Obama's presidency has ushered in the 
     success of other Black leaders nationally including Kamala 
     Harris, Kwanza Hall, and Jamaal Bowman.
       Electing a Black leader to the highest position of power in 
     our country is a step in the right direction, but we have a 
     long ways to go to become a truly equal nation with equal 
     rights and equal opportunities for all. We have to stand 
     together, united against racism and discrimination. We have 
     to continue

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     teaching both the good and the ugly of history, we have to 
     look beyond mean words and ways to divide us. We need to 
     teach people to stop looking at one another as strangers, but 
     instead, to look at them as friends and get to know what is 
     inside of others. Together, we can carry Obama's legacy 
     forward, continue to elevate Black voices and Black leaders, 
     and move forward as a country that knows our differences--the 
     many voices we bring to the table--is what makes us unique as 
     a country.