[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 4] [House] [Pages 5402-5406] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 83) recognizing the significance of Black History Month. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: [[Page 5403]] H. Res. 83 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 descendants 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 greatness of the United States is reflected in the historic election of Barack Obama, an American of African ancestry, to the Office of the President of the United States of America; 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 Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts. General Leave Mr. LYNCH. 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 Massachusetts? There was no objection. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume. As a Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and Chair of the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, I'm pleased to stand in full support and consideration of House Resolution 83, which calls for Congress to recognize the significance of Black History Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February. House Resolution 83 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Al Green of Texas, on January 23, 2009, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on February 11, 2009, by a voice vote. The measure has strong support and cosponsorship of over 70 Members of Congress. Yet today's floor consideration of the bill gives Members of this body an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions that African Americans have made to America's growth department 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 it has since become a month-long commemorative celebration as a way of recognizing and highlighting the role that black Americans have played in America since its existence, and the role they continue to play in the country on a daily basis. From the story of Crispus Attucks, a black man from my home State of Massachusetts, who became the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War during the Boston Massacre, to such powerful individuals as Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker, General Colin Powell, to the thousands of military service men and women who have bravely served our nation, to the Members of our own Congressional Black Caucus and, of course, to our now 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, who will speak to this body this evening. The contributions that black Americans have made to this great Nation are intricately woven into who we are as a people and as a country. And it is not just the pioneers or the leaders that have made a difference, but importantly, it is the everyday citizen that's serving as a teacher, a mentor, a pastor, a doctor, a first responder, a public servant, or a parent who continues to impact our country's history in such a powerful and positive way. Across our great land, Black History Month is marked by the offerings of educational and cultural programs, heightened media coverage and special celebrations and events designed to share with the world the strength, the ingenuity, and accomplishments of our fellow American citizens. Mr. Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month and this year's educational theme of ``The quest for black citizenship in the Americas,'' let us all recall the experience and valuable contributions of African Americans to the United States of America. Moreover, let us not forget that black history is truly American history. And with that, I urge the swift passage of House Resolution 83. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am honored to speak today in support of H. Res. 83, which has been sponsored by my distinguished colleague from Texas, Mr. Al Green, to recognize Black History Month. Each February during Black History Month, we express our appreciation for the determination and perseverance of the African American community, as well as remember the struggles they have endured. This resolution is a fitting tribute as we just last month celebrated both the life of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and the historic inauguration of the first African American President of the United States, Barack Obama. This resolution seeks to do several things. First, it memorializes the great costs African Americans have paid for injustices of the past and present. The Civil Rights Movement and the events that led up to it were a pivotal point in our history. Martin Luther King, Jr., led the charge to right the wrongs of discrimination and strove to create a nation where all men and women are truly equal. This resolution also seeks to honor the many contributions African Americans have made to all facets of our lives. We recognize scientists, such as George Washington Carver, who have changed our daily lives; politicians, religious figures, and activists who have helped shape our Nation, and the artists, entertainers, and sports heroes who continue to make our daily lives more enjoyable. The collective contributions of the African American community has touched every one of our lives in a positive way. I reserve the balance of our time. {time} 1300 Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to recognize the chief sponsor of this resolution, my friend from Texas (Mr. Al Green), for 4 minutes. Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Towns, Ranking Member Issa, Subcommittee Chair Lynch, the manager of the resolution on the floor from Ohio, Congressman Jordan, and I also thank the many cosponsors of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, how appropriate it is that this resolution would come to the floor of the House of Representatives [[Page 5404]] on the day that the newly elected President of the United States of America would address a joint session of Congress. How appropriate it is because the newly elected President of the United States of America is a significant manifestation of how important black history is in the United States of America. It is on this day that he will address this joint session of Congress, and he is a person of African ancestry. While it is true that we should remember the horrors of history, it is equally as true that we should celebrate the successes of history. And I believe that this resolution is a means by which we can engage in the celebration of good deeds accomplished and great things done that can engender the inspiration to do that which must be done. So let us today celebrate the fact that African Americans were able to overcome involuntary servitude with the help of Americans of good will of all hues, of all colors. And because they were helped and they were able to overcome involuntary servitude, we should allow this to engender the inspiration necessary to go forward and deal with some of the problems that African Americans are confronting today, the problems of housing that finds African Americans without homes many times and being evicted from homes on too many occasions. Let's celebrate the many successes in the area of education, from Phillis Wheatley, to many other great educators, Dr. Benjamin Mays, for example. And as we celebrate their successes, let this engender within us the inspiration to deal with the dropout rates around this country that can be in excess of 50 percent in some quarters of the African American community. Let's celebrate the successes in the civil rights movement that enabled us to overcome the indignation and humiliation of segregation. But as we celebrate this, let it engender within us the inspiration to help the many who are still suffering around the world, who have not had their human rights and human dignity respected by their governments. Let us celebrate the many political accomplishments that we have right here in the House of Congress. We have Member Charlie Rangel, who happens to chair Ways and Means; Member Bennie Thompson, African American, who happens to chair Homeland Security; Member Maxine Waters, African American, who happens to chair the Housing Subcommittee of Financial Services. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman's time has expired. Mr. LYNCH. I yield the gentleman 1 more minute. Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. And as we celebrate the accomplishments of these great and noble Americans here in the House of Representatives, let it provide the inspiration for us to understand that we are here not because of our color, not because we are of African ancestry, we are here because the people of America expect us to do the great work that has to be done. So this is a time for celebration that engenders inspiration, and I am honored to be inspired to move forward and support this resolution. And I beg that all of my colleagues would vote for it. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am pleased to recognize the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for 2 minutes. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 83, commemorating the annual celebration of Black History Month. As our Nation celebrates Black History Month this February, we are fortunate to also mark a unique milestone with the election that was mentioned before by my colleague of the first African American President. How proud we all are that this day has come. While it can be said that this extraordinary achievement has brought about a new era in our history, it is important that we take time to remember all of those who made great sacrifices to help make the dream of equality in our Nation a reality. Black History Month gives all Americans a chance to mark how far our Nation has come, and serves as a useful reminder of the struggle and efforts of those Americans who fought for freedom for all citizens in our Nation. I am blessed that I have many African Americans in my community that certainly went through the struggle of the civil rights, and the stories they tell and how they come into the schools and continue to tell the stories. And I think it's important that our young people know the struggles to get to where we have a President, so they can lift up their heads and say, ``I can be President of the United States.'' While Black History Month was originally created in February to mark the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, both of whom had enormous impacts on the lives of African Americans, it was developed into an opportunity to celebrate lives and works of the many ordinary African Americans who have helped to enrich our society and improve our Nation. In the case of the civil rights movement, as it is so often the case in American history, it was the everyday Americans that had the greatest role in making the change that brought equality to our Nation. The struggle for equal rights and the civil rights movement are defining points in our Nation's history and serve as proof that our greatest adversities can come from our greatest achievements. I urge my colleagues to vote for H. Res. 83. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for 3 minutes. Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on February 12, 1909, exactly 100 years ago this month, a group of 60 persons came together as a result of a race riot in Springfield, Illinois, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln; very ironic, the emancipator of this Nation. It is very important for us to recognize that these groups of people came together, 60 in number, to make amends and to address the racial conditions in the United States at the turn of the century and as a result of this riot in Springfield, Illinois. But it's also important to note that of these 60 individuals, 53 were white people and seven were black people, headed up by W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida Wells Bennett, strong Americans who rose to the occasion. You know, one of the great NAACP writers, Langston Hughes, put it best when he was describing the condition of the African American people when he wrote that, ``Life for me (African Americans) ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it and splinters, and boards torn up, no carpet on the floor, bare. But all the while I've been a climbin' on and reaching landings and turnin' corners, and sometimes going in the dark where there ain't been no light.'' But in February of 1909, there came a light, and that light was the NAACP. What an extraordinary story. And no greater testimony can be given to the NAACP than to recognize that on this very evening, for the first time in American history, an African American, the President of the United States, will address a joint session of Congress. What an extraordinary tribute on the very time that we are here to celebrate 100 years of the NAACP founding. So on this occasion we say, happy birthday, NAACP, and thank you. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would be honored to recognize Representative Donald Payne from New Jersey for 2 minutes. Mr. PAYNE. Thank you for allowing me to participate in this very important recognition of Black History Month. And let me thank Congressman Al Green in particular for bringing H.R. 83, which recognizes the significance of Black History Month, to the House floor. Over 80 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the men of Omega Psi Phi created Negro History and Literature Week, which called upon the black community to study black history and literature as well as raise awareness about our community's contributions to American history. At that time, the seed was planted. The movement that grew out of the black churches, colleges, schools and community centers [[Page 5405]] flowered in the designation by President Jimmy Carter of February as Black History Month. For over 30 years, the Nation, and particularly the black community, has used February as a time to shine a light on the achievements that African Americans at every level have made to our community, our Nation, and to the world. The contributions that African Americans have made to the creation and evolution of our Nation, while sometimes glossed over, are so intricately interwoven in the American fabric. To know American history, one must know black history; they go hand in hand. Far too often black history has been watered down to disconnected factoids and pieces of trivia or quick mentions in our schools' history books. We, as a Nation, lost sight of the fact that the accomplishments of African Americans are not ones of disjointed milestones, but ones that have been innumerable, continuous, enduring and diversified. Dr. John Hope Franklin once recalled a conversation he had with Dr. Woodson where the latter wished for a time---- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman's time has expired. Mr. LYNCH. I would like to recognize the gentleman for 1 additional minute. Mr. PAYNE. Where the history of African Americans would be made an integral part of American history. Well, let me conclude by saying that, in New Jersey, we have been able to have legislation called the Amistad bill, A1301, that incorporates the history of African Americans into the history books and has a commission--it was a bill that was introduced by Senator Bill Payne in 2002--and the history of African Americans is now to be interwoven into the regular history of our Nation. And that's where we should strive for the day where we will not have a separate African American history month, but that the accomplishments of African Americans would be interwoven into our history books. Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, before urging passage of the resolution, let me just say I think it's a testimony of the greatness of this country that both the two major political parties today have an African American as their leader, with both Michael Steele, and of course our President, Barack Obama. I urge the passage of this important resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. LYNCH. I thank the gentleman from Ohio. Mr. Speaker, again I want to urge my colleagues to join myself, Representative Al Green--who is the chief sponsor of this resolution-- Mr. Payne, and others who have spoken here today in supporting and recognizing the significance of Black History Month by voting in favor of House Resolution 83. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 83, Recognizing the Significance of Black History Month and am proud to be an original cosponsor of this measure. Some have asked if our country still needs to formally recognize Black History Month? My answer is absolutely, yes! Just as students are taught about American and World History throughout their school years, the contributions of African American to this great nation and to the world still need to be taught and re-taught. In fact, the recent and historic inauguration of President Barack Obama as our country's first African American President of the United States of America underscores the continued need to celebrate Black History Month. While most Americans now know President Barack Obama's story, too many Americans still do not know or understand that he stands on the shoulders of many brave African American men and women. In fact, just a few years ago, most of my colleagues here in the House had never beard of a young leader named Barack Obama. Black History Month gives us a wonderful opportunity to share a better understanding of their stories of hardship and inspiration with new generations of Americans. While many people may have held about Malcom X or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Rosa Parks, far too many young people don't know about Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to serve in this House of Representatives and to run for President of the United States. Too many young people still have no idea about the work of Fannie Lou Hammer to ensure that African Americans in Mississippi could actually exercise the right to vote and not just point to the words printed on paper. We have come an incredibly long way from the struggles that Dr. Carter G. Woodson faced in 1926 to set aside one week in February to recognize the contributions of African Americans to this country. It seems so fitting that we are now able to devote the entire month of February for this important recognition, in the month that we also celebrate the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. For all the problems faced by America during the lifetimes of Lincoln and Douglass, including the barbaric but legal institution of slavery, and a civil war that almost destroyed the union, by studying the contributions of these great leaders, the country made itself better. That is why we must continue our celebrations of Black History Month--so we can learn more about the contributions of unsung leaders as well as those whose name we already know. In recognizing Black History Month, we continue the work necessary to make a more perfect union. Black History Month is not simply a time for ceremony, it is a time to live up to our promise by making equality, freedom and justice our national reality. Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, once again the month of February is upon us and we take a moment to look back. We look back and remember the fighters, the marchers, and the dreamers. We look back and remember those who marched on when they were told to stand down, and who remained seated when they were told to get up. We pay tribute to those heroes whose voices are heard across the generations, and to those heroes whose defiant silence rings louder than any word can be spoken. It is Black History Month. It is a month of solemn remembrance; and a month of exuberant hope. So let us look back to remember and to honor those who refused to allow the status quo to hold this nation back from the fulfillment of its promise. Let us honor the ordinary slave, who embraced extraordinary courage to flee his oppressors and help maintain our union; the airman who fought and died for a country whose promise was not yet his, but who refused to stop believing what it could become; the preacher's son from Georgia, who dared to march and dared to dream; and the funny-named son of a Kenyan man and a Kansas woman who asked a nation what it wanted to become. Let us take this opportunity to remember these people, and the countless others who struggled by their side, honoring them with humility and gratitude. Yet, also as we celebrate this month of remembrance, there is a principle that must not be forgotten: let us look back in order to honor the struggles and celebrate the triumphs of African-Americans throughout our history, but let us not forget that those struggles were endured and those triumphs attained so that we may look forward. These heroes of the past fought for that right. That right to look forward towards a future brighter than the past, filled with the opportunities that give our nation so much promise. If we wish to continue the progress towards our forebears' vision we must never forget this crucial principle. Furthermore, it is this principle of looking forward which makes this Black History Month so different from the rest. This Black History Month we see, for the first time, the unequivocal results of more than two hundred years of looking forward, of more than two hundred years of fighting for the hope of tomorrow, and of struggling for the promise of the future. We see this in our new president, who embodies not only everything so many before him have struggled for, but everything we continue to strive for. As President Obama himself has said, ``What we have already achieved gives us hope--the audacity to hope--for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.'' Thus, Mr. Speaker I would like to leave my colleagues and the American people with what I believe to be the fundamental purpose of Black History Month: to look back, to the heroes and happenings of the past, so that we and our children may look forward to a future of greater promise, greater justice, and greater opportunity than has ever been previously imagined. Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, each February we celebrate Black History Month. This year, with the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the centennial of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, our celebration of the unique contributions of African Americans to our communities and our Nation is particularly meaningful. Black History Month gives us a chance to reflect on those individuals who have changed the course of American history. We remember political leaders, such as Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther [[Page 5406]] King Jr. who fought valiantly to bring civil rights and social equality to African Americans. We honor athletic heroes, such as Jackie Robinson and Willie Thrower, gifted artists such as Louis Armstrong and Ray Charles, and scientists and inventors such as George Washington Carver and Benjamin Banneker, who for decades showed African Americans that they could make a mark in the world. Race relations in our Nation have come a long way since the days of its founding, and even since the 1960's when equal rights were equal on paper only in many places. Last month, amid adoring cries and astronomical crowds, Americans inaugurated their first African American President: President Barack Obama. In years past, we have been able to read our children stories of great accomplishments made by African Americans. We have been able to encourage our children, showing them by example that they can achieve anything they set their hearts to. This year, parents and teachers around the country will read to their children not only the stories of Douglass, of Parks, and of Booker T. Washington, but also the story of an African American boy who grew up to become the President of the United States. The story of the Black people in America continues to develop with each passing year, and this year proved a climactic chapter, full of hope and opportunity for the future. As the proud founder and chairman of the Congressional Ethiopia and Ethiopian American Caucus, one of my goals is to increase awareness around the United States of the important contributions that members of the Ethiopian American community have made to our society. I am truly grateful for the diverse contributions of African Americans to our Nation and I encourage everyone to take time to learn more about their achievements during Black History Month. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 83, which recognizes the significance of Black History Month, and I thank my friend Representative Al Green for introducing the resolution. Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a strong supporter and cosponsor of H. Res. 83. 73 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson strove to highlight the significant contributions of African-Americans to United States of America. Throughout this nation's history, African-Americans have played an enormous role in shaping our political, cultural, and intellectual identity. I am especially proud to recognize this year's Black History Month under the leadership of our first African-American President, Barack Obama. Last week, as I celebrated becoming the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, I was able to reflect on the highlights of my tenure. One of my proudest moments was voting for the 1957 Civil Rights Act, a vote that almost cost me my seat. I later had the similar honor of voting the 1964 and 1965 Civil Rights Acts. Today, with the passage of this resolution, we recognize great civil rights pioneers like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Representative John Lewis, and Jesse Jackson. Mr. Speaker, I again rise to support this important month for America and the many contributions of African-Americans throughout U.S. history, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on H. Res. 83. Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, as an original co-sponsor I proudly rise in strong support of H. Res. 83, which recognizes the significance of Black History Month. Since 1926, the contributions of African Americans have been recognized and celebrated each February. It comes as no surprise that this year Black History Month is especially significant with the inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation's 44th President. I thank my colleague and friend from Texas, Congressman Al Green, for introducing this very important resolution. The joy we all feel on this occasion is tempered by the grief that still lingers over the sudden loss last year of our dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio. For more than 400 years and despite tremendous hardships such as slavery, segregation, and legalized injustice, African Americans have made significant contributions to the economic, educational, political, artistic, literary, religious, scientific, and technological life in the United States. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, let me say that it is altogether fitting and proper that we set aside the month of February to remember and honor the achievements and contributions of American heroes like George Washington Carver, Dr. Charles Drew, Justice Thurgood Marshall, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Jackie Robinson, Crispus Attucks, Tiger Woods, Benjamin Banneker, and Guion Bluford, Jr. But Mr. Speaker, nothing wilts so fast as laurels that are rested upon. Time marches on and history unfolds daily. The greatest contributions to the American experience are yet to be made. The challenges facing our country are great but not as great as our will to overcome them. We have an economy to rebuild, an environment to protect, a generation to educate, diseases to cure, and lives to reclaim. We will succeed. And when the history of this period is written, I have no doubt that it will record the tremendous accomplishments made by Americans, including African Americans. We will rebuild our economy, preserve the environment and protect the planet, end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other scourges; provide a world class education to the next generation; and demonstrate to the world not only that it is possible but desirable for people of different races, creeds, and religions to live and work together in peace and harmony. As members of the greatest legislative body in the world it remains our duty this month and every month of every year to pursue policies that promote social and economic justice. As an African American woman and legislator who has been benefited from the pioneering work of others, I am committed to doing all that I can to ensure that the doors of opportunity are opened even wider and that all persons in our country have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and realize their dreams. I urge all Members to joining me in voting to support this resolution. Mr. LYNCH. 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 Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 83. 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. LYNCH. 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. ____________________