[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Pages 1454-1455]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, it was 80 years ago when we first 
recognized February as Black History Month. Today, I am pleased to rise 
to add my voice to those honoring African Americans.
  African Americans have both a tragic and vibrant history in the 
United States. This month is an opportunity to reflect upon their 
struggles, perseverance, and triumphs. African Americans have 
contributed to every segment of our community, ranging from politics 
and sports to medicine and business--and have greatly impacted the 
music industry. Our society continues to benefit from their service as 
national leaders, role models, athletes, scholars, and much more.
  As you know, we cannot reflect on the achievements of our friends 
without remembering the civil rights movement. I vividly remember the 
movement's powerful call for nonviolent change. In 1963, my brother, 
Rev. Abraham Akaka, joined Dr. King for the famous March on Washington 
to help show Hawaii's support for the movement. Since 1926, Americans 
have dedicated the month to honoring the African American legacy. As a 
staunch supporter of civil rights, I am proud of the many ways that our 
country has evolved into a more fair and just nation since the 
movement.
  Earlier this week, we bid a fond farewell to Coretta Scott King, who, 
along with her husband Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., carried the torch 
against discrimination and bigotry everywhere. As a nation, we are 
indebted to the

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Kings and their life's work, and the work of countless other civil 
rights leaders. However, it is an unfortunate reality that, despite all 
of this progress, inequities remain. To properly pay tribute to their 
legacy, I believe that it is important that we use this month not just 
as a time for reflection, but also as a springboard for action.
  In looking back at the progress of African Americans throughout the 
years and how it has changed the face of our Nation, it is clear that 
Black history is American history. As a nation, we must work together 
to close the gap on these important issues. Where possible, we must 
work in our communities on a local level, to ensure that all members of 
our society have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
  This is also a national problem that requires a refocusing of 
national legislative priorities. Earlier this week, President Bush 
released his budget for fiscal year 2007, and I was disappointed that 
he did not devote the proper resources to these fundamental issues. 
President Bush's budget once again underfunds important health care and 
education priorities. It saddens me that so many people will be 
negatively affected by the President's proposals. Unfortunately, the 
administration has again demonstrated a disregard for domestic programs 
to improve the lives of working people at the expense of tax cuts for 
the wealthiest.
  The administration needs to refocus its priorities. There are a 
variety of legislative initiatives that have been introduced this 
Congress which will address the shortcomings in education and health 
care for minorities, including African Americans. Earlier this year, I 
introduced S. 1580--the Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act--
which establishes programs designed to improve the quality of and 
access to health care for minorities, while also improving health 
workforce accountability. My bill also includes a comprehensive 
diabetes education program. Diabetes is a disease that 
disproportionately impacts African Americans and other minorities such 
as native Hawaiians.
  As a former teacher, I have seen the ways that education can open 
doors for people from all walks of life. For that reason, I also 
introduced S. 1521, the Teacher Acculturation Act of 2005. This bill 
recognizes that cultural incongruence along racial, socioeconomic, and 
ethnic vectors impedes learning in our classrooms. Too often, this 
makes it difficult for knowledge that needs to be transmitted between 
students aiming to learn and teachers seeking to teach. My bill helps 
teachers implement strategies to create a healthy learning environment 
for all students.
  I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in support of my bills, 
which address significant gaps in services for minorities and African 
Americans. I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in working 
to support and empower African Americans in addressing important issues 
like education, health care, and the economy. As we move through the 
month of February, I am hopeful that we can work together to make 
America a better place for all Americans.

                          ____________________