[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 4827]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  (Mr. SARBANES asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Black 
History Month. This gives us an opportunity to acknowledge how far we 
have come as a society, and to recognize the strides and extraordinary 
contributions that African Americans have made throughout our history.
  Today our cultural diversity is a source of strength and enrichment 
for our Nation, and is a particular source of pride for the State of 
Maryland. But Black History Month also serves as a time for us to 
reflect upon the progress that still needs to be made.
  Thirty-eight years ago, Shirley Chisholm became the first African 
American woman elected to Congress. Earlier this month we saw the 
appointment of Lorraine Miller as the first female African American 
Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Madam Speaker, as long as there are still firsts to be achieved, we 
must be tireless in promoting the ideals and values of the civil rights 
movement and its leaders.
  Unfortunately, our Nation's history is one that includes harsh 
divisions along racial lines and, in many cases, deeply 
institutionalized racism throughout society. As a result of strong 
leadership, vision and tremendous sacrifice on the part of many, we 
have made significant progress over time and African Americans have 
made remarkable and enormous contributions to every sector of our 
society. Today, our cultural diversity is a source of strength and 
enrichment for our Nation and it is a particular source of pride for 
the state of Maryland.
  This month gives us an opportunity to acknowledge how far we have 
come--to recognize the strides and extraordinary contributions that 
African Americans have made throughout our history. It serves as a time 
where our museums, cinemas, schools and other community centers can 
showcase the work of African American artists, entrepreneurs, business 
leaders, scientists, public officials, teachers, and the like.
  But Black History Month also serves a time for us to reflect upon the 
progress that needs to be made. It is a time to consider the range of 
experiences within African American heritage and to redouble our 
commitment to equality for all. Some 38 years ago, the first female 
African American U.S. Representative, Shirley Chisholm, was elected to 
this Congress. Earlier this month, we in Congress saw the appointment 
of Lorraine Miller, the first female African American Clerk of the U.S. 
House of Representatives. As long as there are still firsts to be 
achieved, there remains a reason to promote the ideals and values of 
the civil rights movement and its leaders. Indeed, the movement 
continues to represent a beacon for social justice in all of America's 
communities.
  So as we remember the struggle of Dr. King and of the many others who 
were with him, as well as those who came before and after him, we honor 
those like Lorraine Miller who are still blazing trails. We honor the 
special contribution African Americans have made to the greatness of 
our Nation, reflecting on how far this country has come and reminding 
ourselves of how far we have to go.

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