[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 105]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL BLACK HISTORY TOUR GROUP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
Jackson High School Black History Tour Group, a unique student 
organization started 10 years ago in my district that endeavors to 
share Black history and culture with the State of Michigan and the 
entire Nation.
  In 1994, Jackson High School teacher Shirley Pitts recognized a 
desire among her students to learn and actively teach others about 
Black history. Though it began as a humble, once-a-year school program, 
her idea quickly grew into a year-round celebration of heritage and 
culture.
  The Black History Tour Group is comprised of more than 30 students 
who travel to different schools, community organizations, and events. 
These students perform in a variety of artistic media including songs, 
poetry, dramatic readings, and theatrical sketches. They are some of 
the brightest, most talented members of their class, and they all share 
a deeply founded interest in Black history. Group members devote a 
great deal of their time and effort to their rehearsals and 
performances, but they are also active in many other ways at school and 
throughout their community.
  Since its inception, the Black History Tour Group has been gaining 
both popularity and recognition. Among its distinguished highlights, 
the Group performed before the Michigan State Senate in 1997, in the 
East Room in the White House in 1998, and at the Presidential 
Inauguration in 2001, as one of only 3 groups to represent the State of 
Michigan.
  On behalf of the United States Congress, I am very pleased to 
recognize the Jackson High School Black History Group for its first 10 
years of excellence in the promotion of Black culture and heritage. We 
praise you for your dedication and hard work.

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