[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 1462-1467]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 942) recognizing the significance of Black History 
Month.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 942

       Whereas the first Africans were brought involuntarily to 
     the shores of America as early as the 17th century;
       Whereas these Africans in America and their descendents are 
     now known as African-Americans;
       Whereas African-Americans suffered involuntary servitude 
     and subsequently faced the injustices of lynch mobs, 
     segregation, and denial of basic, fundamental rights;
       Whereas despite involuntary servitude, African-Americans 
     have made significant contributions to the economic, 
     educational, political, artistic, literary, religious, 
     scientific, and technological advancement of the Americas;
       Whereas in the face of injustices, United States citizens 
     of good will and of all races distinguished themselves with 
     their commitment to the noble ideals upon which the United 
     States was founded and courageously fought for the rights and 
     freedom of African-Americans;
       Whereas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and died to make 
     real these noble ideals;
       Whereas the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick 
     Douglass inspired the creation of Negro History Week, the 
     precursor to Black History Month;
       Whereas Negro History Week represented the culmination of 
     Dr. Carter G Woodson's efforts to enhance knowledge of black 
     history started through the Journal of Negro History, 
     published by Woodson's Association for the Study of African-
     American Life and History; and
       Whereas the month of February is officially celebrated as 
     Black History Month, which dates back to 1926, when Dr. 
     Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in 
     February to recognize the heritage and achievement of Black 
     Americans: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the significance of Black History Month as 
     an important time to recognize the contributions of African-
     Americans in the Nation's history, and encourages the 
     continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity 
     for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the 
     past and to better understand the experiences that have 
     shaped the Nation; and
       (2) recognizes that the ethnic and racial diversity of the 
     United States enriches and strengthens the Nation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Hampshire.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Hampshire?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the 
consideration

[[Page 1463]]

of H. Res. 942 which calls for Congress to recognize the significance 
of February as Black History Month.
  H. Res. 942 was introduced by Representative Al Green of Texas on 
January 28, 2008, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight 
Committee on January 29, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the 
support and cosponsorship of 55 Members of Congress, yet gives us all 
an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions African 
Americans have made to America's growth, development, and rich history.
  As we are aware, February marks the beginning of Black History Month, 
which was first celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. 
Woodson, a noted African American author and scholar, but has since 
become a month-long commemorative celebration as a way of recognizing 
and highlighting the role black Americans have played in America since 
the existence of our country and the role they continue to play on a 
daily basis.
  Across our great land, Black History Month is marked by the offering 
of educational and cultural programs, heightened media coverage and 
special celebrations and events, all designed to share with the world 
the strength, ingenuity, and accomplishments of our fellow American 
citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month and this 
year's theme of ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism 
in America,'' let's all recall the experiences and valuable 
contributions of African Americans to our fine country. Let us not 
forget that black history is truly American history.
  And with that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of H. Res. 942.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. 
I'm honored to speak today in support of H. Res. 942, recognizing the 
significance of Black History Month, sponsored by my distinguished 
colleague from Texas (Mr. Al Green).
  Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the life and accomplishments of 
one great man, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and today we pay tribute 
to the contributions all African Americans have made to this great 
country.
  Each February we express our appreciation of the struggles, 
determination, and perseverance of the African American community of 
the past and present. Nothing serves as a better example of this than 
the civil rights movement itself.
  Rev. King would tell you that it was not the sole efforts of one man 
but the collective work of many that achieved so much. Without the 
civil rights movement, our Nation would not have the strong diversity 
of which it is so proud.
  Beyond this, February is also a time to recognize the contributions 
of African Americans that have enriched our culture and our heritage. 
We must continue to learn the historical struggles of African American 
citizens in order to better understand the experiences that have shaped 
this Nation.
  There have been great activists, politicians, artists, writers, 
poets, scientists, economists, athletes, entertainers, and musicians 
that have all bettered our way of life. The achievements of so many 
have encouraged today's youth to strive for a more equal and free 
country.
  It is impossible to celebrate Black History Month without mentioning 
such noted leaders as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, 
Thurgood Marshall, and, once again, Dr. King himself. Their historic 
efforts inspired a Nation and brought past injustices to light, 
bringing forth beginning to an end of racial inequality.
  When Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson had the idea to create a 
week-long celebration of black history back in 1926, his goal was to 
``make the world see the Negro as a participant, rather than as a lay 
figure in history.''
  Over time, it has become the month-long commemoration that it is 
today, and it is with great pleasure that I speak today in support of 
H. Res. 942.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to my distinguished 
colleague from Texas (Mr. Al Green) and, in doing so, commend him for 
his extraordinary leadership in introducing this resolution and his 
service to the United States.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his 
very kind words and compliment him on the outstanding job that he is 
doing in the United States Congress, and I'm always honored to have the 
opportunity to serve and work with the gentleman.
  I also thank my colleague on the other side of the aisle who has 
graciously helped us with this resolution and helped us bring it to the 
floor.
  This resolution has received bipartisan support. I can say with a 
great degree of sincerity that not one Member that I approached about 
signing on to this resolution had any reservation, hesitation, or 
consternation. Every Member saw this as a worthwhile resolution, and I 
want to thank all of the Members who are now supporting it and who will 
vote for it.
  I also am honored to make this expression of appreciation on behalf 
of the millions of Africans who are in America and who are known as 
African Americans. They cherish this day. This day means something to 
persons in the African American community. So they, too, would express 
appreciation, and I do so as one of their representatives in the United 
States Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution gives us an opportunity to tell a 
portion of the greatest story never told. One of the great stories in 
world history is the story of Africans in the Americas and, more 
specifically, Africans in America today. This month allows us, and 
through this resolution we are allowed, to talk about some of the great 
accomplishments of African Americans, and Mr. Feeney has been so 
generous with his compliments and the persons that he has named. My 
colleague has been very generous with his compliments as well.

                              {time}  1445

  But I want to name just a few more, because at a time like this, on 
occasions like this, we want to make sure that we say as much as we 
can, understanding that we cannot say enough.
  So on occasions such as this, we'd like to at least mention the 
prolific poetry of Phyllis Wheatley. We want to say that there was the 
scientific genius of Benjamin Banneker, who, by the way, was self-
educated, a self-educated scientist, astronomer and inventor. We'd like 
to mention the legal brilliance of Macon B. Allen, who became the first 
African American admitted to the bar in the United States in 1845.
  We should mention the colossal courage of Harriet Tubman, who, with 
her Underground Railroad, took persons from slavery to freedom. And we 
have to mention that she didn't do it alone. African Americans are not 
free because they were able to extricate themselves from slavery; they 
are free because they had help along the way from persons of good will 
of all ethnicities and races, all genders. People of good will have 
been of service in this fight for freedom for African Americans, and we 
should never have this kind of celebration and not mention the fact 
that we are here because there were many others who made it possible 
for us to have the opportunities we have. Many lived and died, and they 
were not all African Americans.
  On occasions such as this, we mention the political prowess of P.B.S. 
Pinchback, who was the first African American elected Governor to 
become Governor of a State; he became Governor of the State of 
Louisiana in 1872.
  These are some of the notables that we mention. But we should also 
mention that African Americans answered the clarion call to serve the 
Nation in times of war. They were there at the Boston Massacre. You 
will recall that Crispus Attucks was the first person killed, an 
African American. They were there at the Revolutionary War. Five 
thousand slaves and freedmen fought in the Revolutionary War, with the 
Continental Army, with the Navy, and with the militia in the 
Revolutionary War.
  They were there in World War I; 350,000 African Americans were there 
in World War I to serve our country. In

[[Page 1464]]

World War II, 2.5 million registered, and approximately 1 million 
served. And, of course, we can never forget the Tuskegee Airmen. They 
were not only there but they were so outstanding that the President of 
the United States came to these Halls and presented them a 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  America is not a perfect Nation, but it does provide the means by 
which we can strive for perfection. And I am so honored that by passing 
this resolution, we continue to reach for the ultimate perfection in 
the United States of America.
  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am proud to yield 7 minutes 
to my distinguished colleague, Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton, 
who has represented the City of Washington, DC for many years and is 
known universally as a passionate advocate for truth and justice.
  Ms. NORTON. I thank the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) for 
that generous introduction. And I thank my good friend, Mr. Feeney from 
Florida, for also coming forward and robustly leading this bill forward 
today. We all owe thanks to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green), 
from whom we've just heard, who is the sponsor of this particular 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor to make, perhaps, an unusual point. 
During Black History Month, we should remember that black history is 
still being made. The best evidence, of course, is that an African 
American is close to, perhaps, getting the Democratic nomination for 
President. This breakthrough is not surprising when you consider that 
we are still living in a period for black history-making because the 
shackles of segregation and of nationwide discrimination were removed 
only about 40 years ago. So you will hear many firsts, many record-
breakers continue to come forward for years to come.
  We don't really have to go to the history books in the 19th century, 
and earlier, to find history makers who should be revered this month. 
We are literally still surrounded by living black history on which 
history has spoken. Now, mind you I say ``on which history has 
spoken,'' I mean you don't have the verdict of history until you can 
stand back from it. And, therefore, I want to make a few remarks about 
living history from the Congress of the United States.
  It is probably the case that most Americans do not recognize that the 
first African American elected by popular vote to the United States 
Senate was Senator Edward Brooke, who served from 1967 to 1979. This is 
real living history, my friends. Now a robust 87, Senator Brooke broke 
more records than anybody I know. He became a Senator, '67 to '79, at a 
time when breakthroughs hadn't begun to occur. And he became a Senator 
from an overwhelmingly white State that was also overwhelmingly 
Democratic, and he was a Republican, a life-long Republican. Before 
that, he had become the State's first black attorney general.
  I know Senator Brooke for reasons that are close to home. If you grew 
up in Washington, you will know him because, in studying black history, 
we studied this living history in our midst. He is a native 
Washingtonian. He graduated from Dunbar High School, the same high 
school I attended; served in World War II in the segregated 366th; went 
to Howard University and Howard law school, lived a segregated life his 
whole life. Then when he got out of the Army and got out of law school, 
he went to seek his fortune, not in his hometown, but in Massachusetts, 
where he practiced law and then had the audacity to run for office in a 
State where his party was pitifully outnumbered and in a State where he 
had to risk race when few had done so.
  He tells the fascinating story of his life in his own autobiography 
called ``Bridging the Divide.'' It was published in 2006. And that's 
exactly what Senator Brooke did. He bridged the divide, brought 
Democrats and Republicans together, brought blacks and whites together, 
and became a history maker of the first order and one who served in the 
Congress of the United States.
  I must say that the President has already understood his significance 
in American history because a few years ago, President Bush awarded 
Senator Brooke the highest national honor, the Presidential Medal of 
Honor. And, once more, the Senate has the jump on us. Of course, Edward 
Brooke was a Member of the Senate, but the Senate has unanimously voted 
that Senator Brooke should receive the highest congressional honor, the 
Congressional Gold Medal. These are the highest honors that each branch 
of government can offer.
  I can think of no better way for the Congress to celebrate Black 
History Month, not in talking about black history that was made long 
ago, but looking inside our own ranks and finding a true historic 
figure, one that Democrats can be proud of, that Republicans are surely 
proud of, one who epitomizes exactly what everybody says our country 
needs today to bring us together, and one who served in our own ranks.
  Many in the Congress on both sides of the aisle have already signed 
on to H.R. 1000, which is the bill necessary to award the Congressional 
Medal. That requires two-thirds of the House to sign on. Many have, 
once this was brought to their attention, signed on. We're going to 
send it again, of course, to Members, as we try to do something that I 
think will be history-making this very month, and that is to have the 
Congress of the United States, this month, this Black History Month, 
vote to give the Congressional Gold Medal to one of our own former 
colleagues, a former Member of the Senate, Senator Edward Brooke, the 
first African American to serve by popular vote in that body.
  I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. FEENEY. I have no further speakers, Mr. Speaker, and I yield 
myself 1 minute.
  Mr. Speaker, there are many reasons to celebrate Black History Month, 
and one is that it would take more than a month for even the best 
student of history to appreciate all of the great things that African 
Americans have contributed to America. I would note that later this 
afternoon the House will be considering House Resolution 943, which is 
the 22nd anniversary of the Challenger disaster. And among the American 
heroes that perished that day was astronaut Ronald McNair, who, in 
fact, was an African American.
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 942, a 
resolution recognizing the significance of Black History Month.
  It is a time to reflect on and honor the important contributions 
African-Americans have made to our Nation. We should especially take 
note of the extraordinary people who continue to help build our great 
Nation.
  Of the thousands of African-Americans in my District, I have the 
privilege of representing two individuals and an outstanding group: 
Marguerita Washington and Rudy Smith, both of Omaha, and the Alfonza W. 
Davis chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, based in Omaha.
  Dr. Marguerita Washington is the editor of the Omaha Star newspaper 
in Omaha. The paper has been in existence for more than 69 years and is 
Nebraska's largest African-American newspaper. The policy of the Omaha 
Star has been to print only positive news and to be a vigilant champion 
for African-American progress. The paper is located in the heart of 
Omaha's African-American community.
  The Omaha Star was founded by the late Mildred D. Brown in 1938. She 
is believed to be the first female, certainly the first African-
American woman, to have founded a newspaper in the Nation's history. 
When Mrs. Brown expired unexpectedly in 1989, the paper was then placed 
in the very capable hands of Dr. Marguerita Washington, her niece, who 
now heads the newspaper.
  Dr. Washington and the Omaha Star work for equal rights for all; the 
paper was on the forefront, leading the charge to open public 
accommodations to African-Americans, including hotels, restaurants, 
theaters and taverns. The paper was instrumental in working with Omaha 
Public Schools to ensure that black teachers had equal participation. 
Dr. Washington also worked hard to get the Omaha Star landmark status 
in the city of Omaha and the State of Nebraska.
  Rudy Smith has lived in Omaha since age 6 and has been an Omaha World 
Herald photographer and editor for more than 40 years. He is in the 
process of completing a book of his photographs, many of which have 
been exhibited at black colleges, universities and museums around the 
country. As a journalist

[[Page 1465]]

and photographer he has captured images of some of America's greatest 
heroes.
  Rudy was more than just a photographer; he was able to chronicle 
historic moments in Omaha. Every picture he takes is a moment; each 
special moment holds a lifetime of memories that lives on after the 
moment has passed. Each of his photographs is a window to a memory and 
has the ability to deeply connect you to the beauty of life itself. His 
talent is endless.
  Omaha native Alphonza Davis graduated from Omaha Tech High School and 
later Omaha University. He finished first in his class at Tuskegee and 
was chosen squadron leader. He was killed in combat in 1944 while over 
in Germany. The local Tuskegee Airmen chapter in Omaha is named after 
him.
  The chapter is one of 45 nationwide, and its membership includes four 
original Tuskegee Airmen. They are LTC (Ret) Paul Adams, LTC (Ret) 
Charles A. Lane, Jr., LTC (Ret) Harrison A. Tull, and Mr. Robert D. 
Holts. These members continue their service to our community by 
mentoring and working with youth through the local Civil Air Patrol.
  The Tuskegee Airmen and their record of success during the war are 
unmatched. Not a single American bomber protected by the Red Tails was 
ever shot down by enemy aircraft. By war's end, the Tuskegee Airmen had 
flown over 15,000 sorties, completed over 1,500 missions and destroyed 
more than 260 enemy aircraft.
  I join my colleagues in recognizing these and the millions of 
African-Americans in our country for their numerous achievements 
throughout history, today and the future. This designation is only a 
small token of the thanks they deserve for all of their contributions 
to our society. I urge the adoption of H. Res. 942.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to address the 
House for one minute.
  I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 942. This 
bipartisan resolution recognizes the significance of Black History 
Month.
  I want to thank my friend and colleague, Representative Al Green, for 
introducing this resolution.
  February is Black History Month, a time for all Americans to learn 
about and recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans.
  African Americans have made historic contributions to this Nation in 
all walks of life--from economics, to education, to politics and the 
arts.
  Sadly, African Americans have been victims of too much 
discrimination, segregation, and hatred in their history in the United 
States.
  That is why it is so fitting we stand here together today, one body 
in unity, to recognize the amazing accomplishments of our Nation's 
African Americans.
  We also stand here to recognize that the ethnic and racial diversity 
within the United States is a wonderful thing, which only serves to 
strengthen our great Nation.
  I urge my colleagues to embrace this diversity, to support Black 
History Month, and to cast a vote in favor of H. Res. 942.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 942, Recognizing the Significance of Black History Month, 
introduced by my distinguished colleague from Texas, Representative 
Green. This important legislation recognizes and celebrates the 
accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans in this Nation.
  The celebration of Black History Month began with Negro History Week 
in 1926, the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson, a noted 
African-American author and scholar recognized then, as we do today, 
that the achievements and contributions of African-Americans deserve 
not only to be acknowledged, but also to be celebrated by all 
Americans.
  Over the course of 50 years, Negro History gained momentum, 
culminating in its transcendence to Black History Month. Now each 
February we express our appreciation of the struggles, determination 
and perseverance of the African-American community of the past and 
present. February is a month to recognize the contributions of African-
Americans who have enriched our culture and our heritage.
  There have been great African-American activists, scientists, 
artists, poets, athletes, politicians, writers, economists, musicians, 
engineers, and entertainers who have all bettered our way of life. From 
Harriet Tubman to Barbara Jordan, Althea Gibson to Venus Williams, 
Marian Anderson to Ella Fitzgerald, Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther 
King, Jr., so many African-Americans have enriched this Nation that 
there are far too many to name them all.
  Unfortunately, the struggle for African-Americans to gain recognition 
and celebration in this Nation continues beyond Black History Month. 
While we can be proud of the many achievements of our past, events such 
as Hurricane Katrina and Jena 6, demonstrate that we still have much to 
achieve in the way of equal rights and justice for all.
  One of the great challenges facing the African-American community is 
the disproportionate rate at which our people are incarcerated.
  According to the Department of Justice more than 2.3 million people 
are incarcerated in this Nation's State and Federal prisons. As of 
December 2006, African-Americans made up 40.2 percent of Federal prison 
inmates, most of those being African-American men.
  When you compare these statistics with the fact that African-
Americans only make up approximately 12 percent of the total 
population, the disparity becomes more apparent. The human toll--the 
wasted lives, shattered families, and disturbed youth--are 
incalculable, as are the adverse social, economic and political 
consequences of weakened communities, diminished opportunities for 
economic mobility, and widespread disenfranchisement.
  In Jena, Louisiana, two African-American high school students sat 
under what some White students called the ``white'' tree on their 
campus. The White students responded by hanging nooses from the tree. 
When African-American students protested the light punishment for the 
students who hung the nooses, the District Attorney came to the school 
and told the students he could ``take their lives away with a stroke of 
his pen.'' Racial tensions continued to mount in Jena, and the District 
Attorney did nothing in response to several egregious cases of violence 
and threats against African-American students.
  But when a White student--who had been a vocal supporter of the 
students who hung the nooses--taunted African-American students, 
allegedly called several African-American students ``nigger'', and was 
beaten up by African-American students, the punishment was drastically 
different. Six African-American students were charged with second-
degree attempted murder. Mychal Bell was one of the students tried and 
convicted. He faced up to 22 years in prison for essentially a school 
fight.
  The African-American community came to the aid of these young men, as 
they have done in years past for other young men. While we take this 
month to celebrate the past and present African-American achievements 
and contributions, we must face the future with an understanding that 
there is more to be done and more to be achieved.
  As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, a Representative of 
the people of the United States, and an African-American woman, I am 
proud to cosponsor this legislation and I urge my colleagues to join me 
in supporting this legislation.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my full 
support for H. Res. 942, a resolution that recognizes Black History 
Month as a time to acknowledge the many contributions that African 
Americans have made in our Nation's history and as a time for all 
Americans to fully understand the events and struggles that shaped our 
great Nation.
  When Aristotle said, ``If you would understand anything, observe its 
beginning and its development,'' he suggested that we cannot fully know 
what something is if we do not know its past. This certainly holds true 
for our country. Knowing our Nation's history does more than tell us 
who we were; it tells us who we are. And if we look honestly at our 
past successes and mistakes, it tells us what we can become.
  Unfortunately, the long practice of omitting, abbreviating, and 
misrepresenting African Americans in American history has resulted in 
an incomplete and skewed story of our country's history. Fortunately, 
the social change of the civil rights movement inspired a change in the 
way that America told and understood its history. It became clear that 
American history--like America's schools and lunch counters--needed to 
be integrated.
  Over the years, Black History Month has become a chance to realize 
our rich diversity by studying the artistic, scientific, and political 
contributions that African Americans have made to the United States and 
the rest of the world. Realize Black history is American history, and 
February should not be the only time that we acknowledge the 
contributions of African American men, women, and children in U.S. 
history. African Americans have played a key role in just about every 
single moment in American history, and it is high time that our history 
books reflect that.
  Driven by my commitment to the human and civil rights of all, I have 
worked hard to ensure that all people--regardless of their nationality, 
sexual orientation, gender, or race--have access to their most basic 
rights. My experiences in and before I came to this body have taught me 
that all people have influenced our country's greatness. It is 
critically important

[[Page 1466]]

that these contributions are acknowledged and retold.
  Mr. Speaker, as we observe and celebrate the contributions of African 
Americans in America we must not forget that we are making history as 
we speak. We are living in an historical era in which extraordinary 
people from all walks of life are seeking opportunities that were 
previously not available to them. Outstanding Americans such as 
Barrington Irving, the youngest and first person of African descent to 
fly around the world, teach us that we can achieve great things in this 
land of opportunity as long as we have the will and drive. As we all 
know, for the first time in history, the two contending candidates for 
the Democratic nominee for President are a black man and a woman.
  As we reflect on the numerous contributions and experiences of 
African Americans in this country, we must be cognizant of how we as a 
modern multi-ethnic and multicultural nation deal with the issues of 
our time. How we do this will determine how future generations will 
view us in the history books. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on 
this important resolution.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you offering my 
generous support for the commemoration of H. Res. 942, recognizing the 
significance of Black History Month. This is a month to honor the 
tremendous strides and achievements made by numerous African-American 
leaders and activists, and to signify our continued celebration of 
diversity in the United States. I urge all Americans to use this month 
as an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments made by past 
African-American leaders while continuing to work for the advancement 
of racial equality.
  The enormous contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 
Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois and other notable leaders in the 
African-American community have championed improved race relations and 
equality. We must also highlight the achievements made by a host of 
prominent African-Americans in other fields such as the arts, 
athletics, politics, and academia.
  This year's theme, ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of 
Multiculturalism,'' honors the founder of Black History Month and 
applauds his commitment to the preservation of African-American 
history. Woodson was instrumental in popularizing the role the African-
American community has played in enriching the history of the United 
States. His mission and legacy is one our country must uphold while 
continuing to inspire future generations to embrace diversity and 
equality.
  Again, I would like to express my support for the significance of 
February 2008 as Black History Month. Let the following month serve as 
a reminder of our indebtedness to those leaders possessing the courage 
to combat injustice. They have completed the ultimate service not only 
for the African-American community in the United States but for all 
citizens.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of this 
most important month of February, deemed as Black History Month. Let us 
join with the rest of the Nation in highlighting the significant 
contributions that African Americans have made to our great Nation, 
while celebrating this year's theme of ``Carter G. Woodson and the 
Origin of Multiculturalism.''
  Throughout this noteworthy month, we all should take a moment to 
reflect on the fact that February was designated to make a national 
appeal to Americans to make note of the tremendous role that African 
Americans have played in the development and advancement of our 
country's rich history. February embraces the birthdays of two 
distinguished Americans--Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln--whose 
contributions to our society are immeasurable. Let us remember that not 
only are we honoring Black history; we are celebrating all of our 
history, American history.
  This month we should remember the legacy of the illustrious Harlem 
Renaissance and the contributions this period had in shaping America's 
cultural heritage. African American writers Langston Hughes, Richard 
Wright, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison have now become 
major voices in American Literature. Military achievements, not only by 
the Tuskegee Airmen, the 54th Regiment from Massachusetts, and the 29th 
Regiment from Connecticut, but by other courageous Black soldiers, have 
helped to create the gallant Armed Forces of this country. In this 
month, let us all work together to ensure a positive future for the 
40.2 million African Americans who contribute to this Nation on a daily 
basis.
  In my home State of Connecticut, we make note of Hartford's Black 
governors who oversaw the region from 1755 to 1800; fearless 
Connecticut abolitionists James Mars and J.W.C. Pennington who 
petitioned Connecticut's legislature regarding voting and social rights 
for blacks in the 1840s and 50s; and of course the survivors of the 
Amistad slave ship, who spent days seated in a Hartford courtroom 
awaiting their fate by a U.S. circuit court judge. Through relics such 
as the Old State House, Mark Twain House, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, 
the Connecticut freedom trails, and the Amistad Center for Arts and 
Culture, we are paying homage to the extraordinary African Americans 
who have resided in our State.
  Mr. Speaker, this year during Black History Month, I urge my 
colleagues and this Nation to remember all of the African Americans who 
have helped to weave the historical tapestry of America. I urge us all 
to realize the service, dedication and courage that have emerged 
throughout the decades. This year, let us truly celebrate Black History 
as a part of us all. Like our motto says, E Pluribus Unum, Out of many 
we are one. We are a great Nation formed by the contribution of many, 
and this month we celebrate one of those outstanding groups.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
strong support of Congressman Al Green's resolution to honor Black 
History Month.
  As the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, the celebration of the many 
contributions of African Americans to this Nation has evolved from its 
1926 inception as Negro History Week, to what we now know as Black 
History Month. As apparent by the change in titles, the mentality of 
our nation towards race and race relations has made significant 
improvements with each generation.
  Although African Americans were an integral part of the founding of 
this nation dating hack to at least to the colonial times, it was not 
until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the 
history books. Prior to Woodson's vehement efforts to write African 
Americans into the history of the Nation, books largely ignored the 
African American population except to mention them in the context of 
slavery. That is why it is so important that the full history of 
African Americans continue to he preserved and taught so that future 
generations of all Americans will know our abundant heritage.
  An ancient proverb states, ``Who has no past, has no future.'' 
African Americans have made significant contributions to this nation's 
history, and we continue to build that rich legacy today. Because of 
the continued efforts of those who educate our schoolchildren, future 
generations will know about how a race of oppressed people overcame the 
social and political obstacles of slavery and Jim Crow to become great 
innovators, scientists, novelists. musicians, philosophers, and 
political leaders.
  The inclusion of African Americans in academic curriculums ensures 
that children can continue to be inspired by Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm 
X, Mac Jamison, Benjamin Carson, Richard Wright, and Shirley Chisholm.
  Black History Month has not only set a precedent by honoring the 
achievements of African Americans, but it has paved the way for other 
nationwide celebrations of the contributions of other races and 
cultures. Therefore, by supporting Congressman Al Green's Resolution to 
honor Black History Month. I also support the American idea of 
diversity and multiculturalism.
  I commend Congressman Green for bringing this important resolution to 
the floor, and I strongly urge my colleagues' support.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 942.
  As an original co-sponsor of this resolution, I am proud to join my 
colleagues in recognizing the month of February as Black History Month. 
I would like to thank my friend and colleague from Texas, Congressman 
Al Green for introducing this very important resolution.
  As we recognize Black History Month, I would also like to note, that 
we feel the loss of our dear friends and CBC colleagues who passed away 
over the last year: Congresswomen Julia Carson, Juanita Millender 
McDonald and founding CBC member former Congressman `Gus' Hawkins. They 
always joined in on the celebrations. We truly miss them, but their 
accomplishments live on as a part of Black History and beyond.
  As First Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. I want to take 
a moment to commemorate Black History Month by advocating for a greater 
commitment to the domestic and global HIV/AIDS pandemic.
  Under funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative and with our domestic 
HIV/AIDS programs flat-lining, data shows communities of color are 
increasingly bearing the brunt of the disease. Over 188,000 African-
Americans were living with AIDS at the end of 2005, representing 44 
percent of all cases in the United States, according to the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention.
  In order to raise awareness. I introduced H. Con. Res. 280 to 
recognize and support the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS

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Awareness Day and encourages state and local governments, public health 
agencies and the media to emphasize and publicize the importance of 
this day among the African American community, and all communities. 
Celebrated each year on February 7th, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness 
Day encourages African Americans and all Americans to ``Get Educated, 
Get Involved, and Get Tested.''
  Though we recognize Black History Month this month, it is our duty to 
pursue policies of social justice that are fair, sustainable, and that 
help the most disadvantaged in our society. As an African American 
woman and legislator in this era of tremendous change, I am doubly 
aware of the obligations that we have as a community and as a country, 
and Black History Month and the celebration of African American 
involvement.
  Mr. Speaker, let me say that during this Black History Month, I will 
continue to work with the CBC and Congress to identify bipartisan 
solutions to eradicate HIV/AIDS in our nation and abroad.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Black History 
Month. The theme of this year's Black History Month is ``Carter G. 
Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.'' Dr. Carter Godwin 
Woodson was a brilliant African-American historian, educator, author, 
and publisher. Born in 1875 to former slaves, Dr. Woodson grew up 
working on railroads and mines in Virginia. At the age of 20, he had 
finally earned enough money to afford to attend high school. He went on 
to college, and became a teacher in the U.S. and Philippines. In 1912 
he graduated from Harvard, and after W.E.B. Du Bois, became the second 
African-American to receive a Ph.D.
  Dr. Woodson advocated for education reform to empower African-
Americans to unite around shared history. He wrote, ``Those who have no 
record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration 
which comes from the teaching of biography and history.'' Thanks to Dr. 
Woodson, we have a record of the accomplishments of our African-
American forebears, and we are continually inspired by our knowledge of 
their biographies and history.
  This month, we call to our memories the triumphs of Dr. Woodson 
himself, as the ``Father of Black History.'' His efforts to research, 
teach, and celebrate African-American history gave us our current 
celebration of Black History Month. In 1926, he established Negro 
History Week, held during the second week of February to honor the 
birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, this 
annual celebration expanded and became Black History Month.
  Celebrating Dr. Woodson's accomplishments inspires us to examine our 
present work toward racial justice and equal opportunity. Today, 
African-Americans serve our country in myriad ways. For example, 2.4 
million military veterans are black. The U.S. has about 1.2 million 
black-owned firms, generating around $88 billion annually. Paving the 
way for our future, 2.3 million college students are African-American, 
an increase of over 1 million students over the last 15 years.
  Congress must continue to work to improve the lives of all Americans. 
Last year, it took the important step of raising the federal minimum 
wage to $5.85/hour, which will increase this year to $6.55/hour and in 
2009 to $7.25/hour. Congress also strengthened the middle class by 
making college educations more affordable, such as by investing $510 
million over five years in minority-serving institutions, including 
Historically Black Colleges. The House introduced legislation to 
provide $410 billion in the federal marketplace to small businesses. By 
passing the Energy Security Bill, Congress lowered energy costs for 
consumers, reduced global warming, and created hundreds of thousands of 
new jobs. The Economic Stimulus Package, recently passed by the House, 
will put money back into the hands of 117 million American families to 
reinvigorate the economy. We have made great strides, but we must 
continue our commitment to serving the American people.
  Writing almost 100 years ago, Dr. Woodson possessed the insight to 
understand the immense benefits of nationally celebrating black 
history. The path he forged paved the way for our great African-
American leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, 
and Thurgood Marshall. As we celebrate all African-Americans this 
month, let us specially recognize Dr. Woodson. May his memory inspire 
us to continue our work to achieve racial justice and to ensure 
equality of opportunity for all Americans.
  Mr. FEENEY. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 942.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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