[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, this is Black History Month. This is a 
moment to recount the journey of African Americans in America.
  I rise today to speak about H.R. 40, the Commission to Study Slavery 
and Develop Reparation Proposals introduced by John Conyers almost 40 
years ago. I was honored and privileged on his retirement for him 
giving me the honor of carrying this legislation.
  For many in this body, one would wonder why we need to retrace that 
history of slavery. It is an amazing and powerful history. It is an 
amazing history of unselfishness, but at the same time the dividing of 
families, the blocking of learning to read, and the violence of the 
whole condition of slavery.
  Again, it is a time in America's history that we must review and 
understand.
  As a Member of the United States Congress, I have introduced this 
legislation and look forward to its passage by executive order. At the 
same time, I want my colleagues to come join me, to walk the 
Emancipation Trail, which I have introduced and it has passed in this 
House. That is the trail that slaves took in 1865 after General Granger 
came and indicated that slaves west of the Mississippi were free.
  That trail has not yet been finalized, but, Mr. Speaker, this will be 
a major part of America's history. Join me in supporting the 
Emancipation Trail.

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