[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1237]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS ``50 YEARS OF PROGRESS AND OPPORTUNITY''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 6, 2004

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University 
of North Texas for celebrating 50 years of desegregation on their 
campus. In the summer of 1954 the University of North Texas accepted 
doctoral student A. Tennyson Miller as the first African-American 
student admitted into the university.
  Since 1954 African-American students have been scholars, athletes, 
both homecoming kings and queens, and most importantly leaders. They 
have shaped and molded the identity and character of the University of 
North Texas. The excellence of UNT today is directly linked to the 
diversity of its students.
  The year of 1954 was a turning point for civil rights and in 
particular, for the African-American community. Literally, the doors of 
opportunity began to open up in America's history. The landmark Supreme 
Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education sent public institutions 
in an uproar when it aimed to desegregate public schools.
  Within this tumultuous and controversial time, of the beginning of 
the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s, the University of North Texas 
took a giant step forward by opening its doors to African-American 
students. And it is only appropriate, that during February, Black 
History Month, that UNT celebrates their own turning point in history 
with the 50 Years of Progress and Opportunity, 1954-2004 culminating in 
a celebration on Saturday, February 14, 2004.
  In 2004, the UNT is commemorating its desegregation as well as the 
incredible progress made in during those 50 years. I congratulate the 
African-Americans who overcame barriers to pave the way for others at 
the University of North Texas. I also applaud the university's former 
and current African-American students, faculty and staff for their 
continued dedication to the Mean Green of UNT.

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