[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Pages 1078-1079]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. President, I rise in celebration of Black 
History Month and to acknowledge the unique contributions of Colorado's 
African-American communities to my home State and our Nation.
  The history of Colorado's African-American communities is long, rich 
and diverse; it spans from our earliest days as a territory to modern 
times. I think it safe to say that all Coloradans have benefited 
tremendously from African-American communities' hard work and 
dedication to continuously making Colorado a better place to live.
  Last year in my remarks on Black History Month, I made special note 
of the diversity of settlers who moved west during the expansion of the 
United States. Like other settlers, African Americans moved west in 
search of new opportunity--some to be free, others to become 
entrepreneurs, traders, and leaders, but all played an active role in 
the formation of Colorado as a territory and then a State.
  A watercolor painting hangs in my Senate office to remind me of the 
early presence of African-American westerners. The painting ``One of 
the First'' by noted African-American artist and Coloradan James Wider 
depicts a Buffalo soldier during a snowstorm, reminiscent of a time of 
great hardship in our State's early history. For me, this image 
portrays the struggles and determination of all the people who shaped 
the West we know today. I am appreciative to the artist, as well as Dr. 
Anthony Young, the vice chairman of the Black American West Museum & 
Heritage Center, for allowing me the privilege to temporarily hang the 
painting in my office.
  While this painting highlights the early presence of African-
Americans in the West, it also reminds me of the countless individuals 
in Colorado's Black community who have served and continue to serve 
their communities, our State and our Nation in more contemporary times. 
I would like to highlight two Coloradans who reflect this influence: 
Dr. Evie Dennis and Rev. Milton Proby.
  Dr. Evie Dennis rose in her career as a teacher to become the 
superintendent of Denver public schools from 1990 to 1994, when she 
worked to improve the education of all of Denver's schoolchildren. In 
2008, Dr. Dennis was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, 
and she continues to work in support of communities across the State.
  Rev. Milton Proby was a prominent figure during his 47 years in 
southern Colorado, where he proudly faced adversity in championing 
against inequality and injustice. The reverend served under three 
Colorado Governors and helped to establish Colorado's Civil Rights 
Commission, among many other notable achievements and awards.
  People like Dr. Dennis and Reverend Proby have overcome struggle to 
serve--and lead--our State. Their contributions remind us of how vital 
African-American communities have been

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to our State's history, and I have no doubt that the same communities 
will continue to be a driving force toward a better future.
  Mr. President, Black History Month is a time for all Coloradans and 
Americans to reflect on the contributions of African Americans to our 
State and throughout our great Nation. I encourage my fellow Coloradans 
to celebrate these contributions not only during this month but 
throughout the entire year.

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