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Home , Ben Jealous, Mary White Ovington

February 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1111 social and political justice. I embrace this op- A century earlier, the issue of race and servative. That is a mighty transformation portunity to look back at the men and the equality tore the United States apart. Presi- since the racial turmoil in Birmingham. movement which pressed this nation forward dent , whose 200th birthday We were united in celebration of the hope in its journey towards the fulfillment of our we celebrate this year, prophetically said, ‘‘I and promise that is America. Hope and faith is founders’ creed, and look forward as the believe this government cannot endure perma- what inspired Dr. King during his mission and march toward opportunity, justice, and free- nently half-slave and half-free.’’ Unable to re- it is what brings us together today. dom for all continues. solve this fundamental issue of human rights Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I When Dr. King left for India in February either politically or peacefully, the United yield back the balance of my time. 1959, he was just beginning to make his mark States descended into an awful Civil War. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- as a leader of the national movement for civil After four bitter and bloody years, slavery was er, I yield back the balance of my time rights. He had organized the successful boy- abolished and America’s soul saved, but the as well. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cott of Montgomery, Alabama’s public trans- undressed wounds of injustice and intolerance question is on the motion offered by portation system in 1955, and founded the were deep and raw. the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. JOHN- Southern Christian Leadership Conference two Several lifetimes later, amid a crescendo for SON) that the House suspend the rules years later. His burgeoning success had pro- full civil rights from millions still denied, lead- vided his non-violent movement with the mo- and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 134. ers like Dr. King faced a choice. Was the way The question was taken. mentum and potential to become a truly pow- again through armed conflict, with all of its suf- erful force in the pursuit of equal rights for all The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the fering, or through nonviolent resistance relying opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Americans. This momentum became en- on the power of morality over mortar? trenched during Dr. King’s trip to India, where in the affirmative, the ayes have it. The principles of Gandhi helped show the Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- his immersion in the world of Mahatma way. Gandhi’s own non-violent success led King to er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. We know that Dr. King’s gracious welcome The yeas and nays were ordered. commit himself in his philosophical entirety to and textured experiences in India served to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the principle of meeting hate and injustice with guide him more surely down the path he had ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the persistent non-violence. chosen for his people and country. He said, Chair’s prior announcement, further Though Gandhi had passed away eleven ‘‘Since being in India, I am more convinced proceedings on this motion will be years prior to Dr. King’s journey, King was no than ever before that the method of nonviolent less attentive to the followers of the great postponed. resistance is the most potent weapon avail- f shanti sena—the ‘‘non-violent army’’ that Gan- able to oppressed people in their struggle for dhi led in his successful effort to free his coun- justice and human dignity.’’ HONORING THE NAACP ON ITS try from the grasp of colonialism. He encoun- Those beliefs would be put to the test dur- 100TH ANNIVERSARY tered those who had stood with Gandhi ing the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, in- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- through the long, arduous struggle for India’s cluding in my home state in Alabama. Some- er, I move to suspend the rules and sovereignty, and came to deeply understand times, the challenges were visible and shock- agree to the concurrent resolution (H. the necessary commitment and purpose of ing, as they were with the church bombings in Con. Res. 35) honoring and praising the which believers in non-violence must never Birmingham and beatings at the Pettus Bridge National Association for the Advance- lose sight. Dr. King came to believe that if in Selma. More often, there were the subtle ment of Colored People, NAACP, on the India can assert its independence from the slights born of fear and prejudice. occasion of its 100th anniversary. bonds of the British Empire without violence, But whatever the indignity or assault suf- The Clerk read the title of the con- then the United States of America can achieve fered, the response was never hate. In his current resolution. racial equality with the same approach. He Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Dr. King set the The text of the concurrent resolution took the lessons of a people half a world away direction: ‘‘I have consistently preached that is as follows: and applied them to the struggle of his own nonviolence demands that the means we use H. CON. RES. 35 nation, illustrating that a righteous cause pur- must be as pure as the ends we seek.’’ Whereas the National Association for the sued by means which justify its ends holds It is now 2009, 50 years since Dr. King’s Advancement of Colored People (referred to universal promise. Perhaps it is best articu- visit to India. I believe the U.S. has come far- in this resolution as the ‘‘NAACP’’), origi- lated by Dr. King himself: ‘‘As I delved deeper ther in these last 50 years than in the pre- nally known as the National Negro Com- into the philosophy of Gandhi, my skepticism ceding 100 years. mittee, was founded in on concerning the power of love gradually dimin- February 12, 1909, the centennial of Abraham Providing all of our citizens with true equal ished, and I came to see for the first time its Lincoln’s birth, by a multiracial group of ac- protection under the law has made us a bet- potency in the area of social reform.’’ tivists who met in a national conference to Now, with the passage of five decades, let ter, stronger nation. We will recognize the last- discuss the civil and political rights of Afri- us commemorate this historic journey of our ing legacy of the movement for nonviolent can-Americans; beloved Dr. King, focusing on the lessons it change next month when the Faith and Poli- Whereas the NAACP was founded by a dis- tinguished group of leaders in the struggle taught him and the strength it provided him as tics Institute holds its biennial Civil Rights Pil- grimage to Alabama. It has been my privilege for civil and political liberty, including Ida he met the challenges of his day. Let us not Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry only remember the past, but rather carry its to be associated with the Institute and this event, which brings citizens of all ages and Moscowitz, , Oswald lessons into a brighter future of promise and Garrison Villard, and William English freedom. I once again express my heartfelt races together to reflect on the lessons of the Walling; appreciation for Congressman LEWIS, a man civil rights movement and retrace the steps of Whereas the NAACP is the oldest and larg- whose own journey and career follow closely its courageous pioneers. est civil rights organization in the United the principles and vision laid out by these two One mark of how far we’ve come is the cre- States; men, and urge all my colleagues to take this ation of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Whereas the mission of the NAACP is to which overlooks the same park where fire ensure the political, educational, social, and opportunity to honor those who refuse to allow economic equality of rights of all persons the forces of hate and oppression to provoke hoses and police dogs were unleashed against peaceful citizens in 1963. and to eliminate racial hatred and racial dis- them to lose sight of their vision for justice by crimination; embracing the nonviolent path. But what will be remembered in American Whereas the NAACP is committed to Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support history for all time is the inauguration of Presi- achieving its goals through nonviolence; of House Resolution 134, which recognizes dent Barack Obama. There is a small vignette Whereas the NAACP advances its mission the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, from that day that perfectly illustrates the heal- through reliance upon the press, the peti- Jr.’s visit to India. ing that has transpired in America and gives tion, the ballot, and the courts, and has been It will be my honor to co-chair a delegation hope for the future. About 30 constituents from persistent in the use of legal and moral per- suasion, even in the face of overt and violent led by Congressman JOHN LEWIS, a colleague Congressman DANNY DAVIS’s Chicago District was in the hallway where my office is located, racial hostility; of Dr. King and true hero of the civil rights Whereas the NAACP has used political movement, that is going to New Delhi to com- unable to squeeze into a hearing room to view pressure, marches, demonstrations, and ef- memorate his historic trip. the President’s speech on television. My staff fective lobbying to serve as the voice, as well The lessons that Dr. King drew from Ma- invited them in and they all watched the as the shield, for minority Americans; hatma Gandhi’s teachings of nonviolence speech together, a group of African-American Whereas after years of fighting segregation came at a pivotal time in American history. constituents in the office of a Southern con- in public schools, the NAACP, under the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:51 Feb 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.022 H10FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H1112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2009 leadership of Special Counsel Thurgood Mar- The NAACP, founded on February 12, 100th anniversary of the NAACP. For a shall, won one of its greatest legal victories 1909, by Ida Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. century now, the NAACP has fought to in the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. DuBois, Henry Moscowitz, Mary White bring justice and racial equality to all Board of Education, 374 U.S. 483 (1954); Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villiard and of America. Whereas in 1955, NAACP member Rosa In 1917, the NAACP won a legal vic- Parks was arrested and fined for refusing to was indeed a give up her seat on a segregated bus in Mont- labor of diversity. tory in the Supreme Court which held gomery, Alabama—an act of courage that Since its inception, the NAACP has that States could not restrict and offi- would serve as the catalyst for the largest united students, laborers, profes- cially segregate black Americans into grassroots civil rights movement in the his- sionals, scholars, officials and others of residential districts. The same year the tory of the United States; all races to advance its vision of a soci- NAACP fought for the right of black Whereas the NAACP was prominent in lob- ety in which all individuals have equal Americans to be commissioned as offi- bying for the passage of the Civil Rights rights and there is no racial hatred or cers in World War I. Acts of 1957, 1960, and 1964, the Voting Rights racial discrimination. In 1935, NAACP lawyers Charles Act of 1965, the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Houston and Thurgood Marshall won a Parks, Coretta Scott King, Ce´sar E. Cha´ vez, Historically, the NAACP may be best Barbara C. Jordan, William C. Vela´ squez, known for Thurgood Marshall’s suc- legal battle to admit a black student to and Dr. Hector P. Garcia Voting Rights Act cessful advocacy leading to the water- the University of . Reauthorization and Amendments Act of shed 1954 Brown v. Board of Education During World War II, the NAACP led 2006, and the Fair Housing Act, laws that en- decision, in which the Supreme Court the effort that resulted in President sured Government protection for legal vic- held that separate educational facili- Franklin Roosevelt’s ordering a non- tories achieved; ties are inherently unequal. discrimination policy in war-related Whereas in 2005, the NAACP launched the The NAACP is also known for the industries and Federal employment. Disaster Relief Fund to help survivors in And in 1948, the NAACP convinced Louisiana, , Texas, Florida, and work of its chief advocate for more than 30 years, Clarence Mitchell, who President Harry Truman to sign an ex- Alabama to rebuild their lives; ecutive order banning discrimination Whereas in the 110th Congress, the NAACP worked to secure the 1957, 1960 and 1964 was prominent in lobbying for the passage of Civil Rights Acts, as well as the 1965 by the Federal Government. H. Res. 826, whose resolved clause expresses Voting Rights Act and the 1968 Fair In 1954, under the leadership of Spe- that: (1) the hanging of nooses is a horrible Housing Act. cial Counsel Thurgood Marshall, the act when used for the purpose of intimida- But we salute the NAACP not only NAACP won one of its greatest legal tion and which under certain circumstances for these better-known accomplish- victories in Brown v. Board of Edu- can be criminal; (2) this conduct should be ments, but for all of its efforts to pro- cation, which found segregated schools investigated thoroughly by Federal authori- and other educational facilities in the ties; and (3) any criminal violations should mote justice and equality for every American, throughout the past 100 United States to be unlawful. be vigorously prosecuted; and In 1960, in Greensboro, North Caro- years. Whereas in 2008 the NAACP vigorously sup- lina, members of the NAACP Youth ported the passage of the Emmett Till Un- And the NAACP spoke out against solved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007 (28 lynching, challenged racially biased Council launched a series of nonviolent U.S.C. 509 note), a law that puts additional Supreme Court justice nominees as sit-ins at segregated lunch counters. Federal resources into solving the heinous early as 1930, and pursued non- The segregation ended. The history of America’s modern crimes that occurred in the early days of the discrimination policies in the military, civil rights struggle that remain unsolved struggle to live up to our constitu- in war-related industries, and the rest and bringing those who perpetrated such tional principles includes a major role of the Federal Government during the crimes to justice: Now, therefore, be it by the NAACP, and it continues to world wars. At the height of the Civil Resolved by the House of Representatives (the champion the cause of social justice Senate concurring), That the Congress— Rights era, NAACP fought battles ev- today. (1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the erywhere, on the ground, in the court- historic founding of the National Association It is with pleasure that I join in sup- room, and in the United States Con- porting this concurrent resolution, for the Advancement of Colored People; and gress. (2) honors and praises the National Asso- which I hope raises even greater aware- Finally, in commemorating the 100th ciation for the Advancement of Colored Peo- ness of this organization’s historic con- ple on the occasion of its anniversary for its anniversary of the NAACP, we draw in- tributions to the cause of civil rights. work to ensure the political, educational, so- spiration as we look to the continued Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- cial, and economic equality of all persons. work that lies ahead. From Dr. King sent to yield the balance of my time to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and Coretta Scott King, from Rosa the gentleman from Texas (Mr. POE), ant to the rule, the gentleman from Parks, from and Merlie also a member of the Judiciary Com- Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON) and the gen- Evers-Williams, from , mittee. tleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) each from and from so many The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without will control 20 minutes. others who have gone before, and from objection, the gentleman from Texas The Chair recognizes the gentleman the current leadership of President will control the balance of the time. from Georgia. Benjamin Todd Jealous, Washington There was no objection. GENERAL LEAVE Bureau Directory, Hilary Shelton, and Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Legal Defense Fund President John er, I yield as much time as he may con- er, I ask unanimous consent that all Payton, through whom the NAACP has sume to the gentleman from Texas, Members have 5 legislative days to re- been promoting African American Congressman AL GREEN. vise and extend their remarks and in- graduation and college readiness, pro- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- clude extraneous material on the reso- tecting and advancing voting rights er, in the inner sanctum of my soul, I lution under consideration. and identifying solutions to our cur- believe that although the arc of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there rent fiscal crisis. moral universe is long, as Dr. King put objection to the request of the gen- As we celebrate the NAACP’s centen- it, it bends toward justice. However, I tleman from Georgia? nial anniversary, I am confident that must confess that in the cognitive con- There was no objection. the organization will remain an inte- fines of my cranium, I know that it Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- gral part of our Nation’s efforts to pro- does so because of organizations like er, I yield myself such time as I may tect and promote civil rights for all the NAACP. consume. Americans. For 100 years, the NAACP has been Mr. Speaker, today we honor the Na- I urge my colleagues to support H. there bending the arc of the moral uni- tional Association for the Advance- Con. Res. 35. verse toward justice for all. From anti- ment of Colored People, the Nation’s I reserve the balance of my time. lynching legislation to Brown v. Board oldest and largest civil rights organiza- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I of Education, to the election of the tion, on the occasion of its 100th anni- yield myself such time as I may con- 44th President of this Nation, the versary, for a century of unwavering sume. NAACP has been there. commitment to justice and equality Mr. Speaker, I support House Concur- For 100 years, it’s been there because for all. rent Resolution 35 which recognizes the of brave and noble Americans who

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:57 Feb 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.026 H10FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE February 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1113 made great sacrifice that all may have Clenard Childress of LEARN Northeast; abortion. That is an astonishing re- a better life. Brave and noble Ameri- Catherine Davis with the Georgia ality that I cannot find the words to cans like NAACPer Rosa Parks, who Right to Life; Lawson Lipford-Cruz, describe. I just want to thank those took a stand by taking a seat and ig- the president of Black Students for courageous members of the NAACP for nited a spark as a result that enhanced Life; and David Owens, among many, their fight against this unspeakable the Civil Rights Movement; brave and many others. Their goal was simply to tragedy. We must all open our eyes to noble Americans like NAACPer Medgar fulfill the mission of the NAACP, and the racist history of abortion-on-de- Evers, who sacrificed his life in an ef- that is to ensure equality and, most mand movements in this country and fort to bring justice to all; brave and importantly, equal protection of the its devastating impact on black Amer- noble Americans like white NAACPer law for all. ica. It is past time to defund such a John Shalady, who was beaten by a Mr. Speaker, I want to quote Dr. movement in this country. mob and eventually died in his effort to Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin To that end, I will also be reintro- secure rights for blacks. Luther King, who helped lead the rally ducing the PreNDA bill, the Prenatal For 100 years, it’s been there dem- outside the NAACP conference. Nondiscrimination Act, to end sex-se- onstrating at the White House, negoti- ‘‘Racism lives at Planned Parent- lection abortion and race-selection ating and litigating at the courthouse. hood. I say to my fellow NAACP mem- abortion in this country. It is the duty Hence, it is indeed most appropriate bers: It’s time to tell the government of all of us to come together and to that the Congress of the United States to stop funding racism. Planned Par- eliminate this deadly form of discrimi- of America honor the NAACP on this, enthood will gladly accept donations nation in this generation. its 100th anniversary. for the specific purpose of aborting Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- To this end, Mr. Speaker, I thank only black babies,’’ King said. ‘‘It lo- er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee—the Chair of the Com- Chairman CONYERS and Ranking Mem- cates its clinics in or near minority mercial and Administrative Law Sub- ber LAMAR SMITH, subcommittee chair neighborhoods. It has led the way in committee of the Judiciary Com- BOBBY SCOTT, floor leader HANK JOHN- eliminating to the mittee, my good friend, Mr. STEVE SON, and also now floor leader Judge point where one quarter of the black COHEN. TED POE. I also thank the 105 U.S. population is now missing because of Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I am a life House cosponsors of this legislation. I abortion.’’ member of the NAACP. In my lifetime, thank Senator DODD and his 20 cospon- King called on the Nation’s oldest in the city of Memphis, there have been sors of the companion legislation in civil rights organization to remember its mission statement: ‘‘To ensure the all kinds of activists involved in civil the U.S. Senate. rights work or in political work, and And, in closing, at the risk of being political, educational, social, and eco- the people who have always stood out nomic equality of rights of all persons both redundant and superfluous, I beg, as the champions have been the mem- and to eliminate racial hatred and ra- beseech and entreat my colleagues to bers of the NAACP. They have been the cial discrimination.’’ support this resolution because, in so people who have been involved in look- doing, you are voting for liberty and Day Gardner, the president of the Na- tional Black Pro-Life Union, said, ‘‘As ing out for human rights, voting rights, justice for all, as pronounced in the and civil rights for people, regardless a child, I thought the NAACP to be a Pledge of Allegiance. In so doing, you of their color, because it was the right superhero organization, an organiza- are voting for government of the people thing to do and not because of any po- tion that would fight racism right by the people for the people, as pro- litical advantage to themselves. claimed in the Constitution. In so down to its very core.’’ She stressed For those particular individuals of doing, you are voting for the equality that the NAACP leaders need to have which Maxine Vasco Smith, Russell of all, as promulgated in the Declara- their eyes opened to the agenda of gov- Sugarman, A.W. Willis, Jesse Turner, tion of Independence. By voting for ernment-supported abortion providers and others have been leaders, I com- this resolution, you are continuing to and to what she believes is their stra- mend them and thank them for their bend the arc of the moral universe to- tegic marketing to the black commu- efforts before me. ward justice. nity. This is the 100th anniversary of the Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I According to reported statistics, Mr. NAACP. In the African American com- yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Speaker, a black child is nearly five munity, there are only two other orga- Arizona (Mr. FRANKS). times more likely to be aborted than a nizations that are renowned and that Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speak- white child. have celebrated 100 years of existence. er, today I stand here to honor the Gardner continued. ‘‘We are here to The others are the Alphas, a distin- NAACP. We all honor the NAACP in rally the NAACP, to make our voices guished fraternity; Alpha Phi Alpha; this House. It has been at the forefront heard as we shout in unison ‘all across and the AKA sorority, Alpha Kappa of the civil rights struggle in this coun- this great Nation the struggle is not Alpha. Each has celebrated its 100th try for 100 years, and though 100 years yet over. The evil hand of racism is anniversaries most recently. have passed since the founding of the still at work.’ ’’ The NAACP today is headed up by NAACP, there still remains great work Gardner also spoke about the Federal Julian Bond, one of the heroes of the to be done. tax dollars that go to Planned Parent- Civil Rights Movement. He is a distin- Mr. Speaker, last summer dozens of hood. She said it was time for Congress guished gentleman who has done a phe- black pastors and black mothers at- to end that funding. She asked, ‘‘Why nomenal job for 50 years in leading peo- tended the 99th annual NAACP con- are we forced to pay well over $300 mil- ple toward the rights of free conscience ference in Cincinnati to call on the lion to an organization that is overtly as well as civil rights and other rights. NAACP to help expose one of the least racist? We are calling on the NAACP to Those are the types of activities that known and yet one of the most perva- stand boldly with us to defund Planned the NAACP has been involved in. sive forms of racism at work still in Parenthood and even lead the way in It was started 100 years ago by a bira- this country, the targeting of the black this, the greatest struggle for civil cial group of people who thought it was community by abortion providers. rights.’’ time that America lived up to its Many of these advocates who gathered Mr. Speaker, I just want to echo and promise. It had been approximately 40- at the NAACP I have the privilege to agree with the words of Dr. King and of some-odd years since the end of the call precious friends. Dr. Alveda King, Day Gardner, that for the NAACP to Civil War, and yet we still had Jim who leads King for America, is the fully advance the cause of the black Crow laws. This country had not ad- niece of Dr. Martin Luther King. community, it must take a stand and vanced greatly from the time of the fight on behalf of the most helpless, Civil War. We had the period of recon- b 1745 voiceless, politically unempowered struction, and then after that there Bishop Harry Jackson; Reverend members of the black community— was a step back in civil rights. These Johnny Hunter, the founder of LEARN, those being the unborn. people decided there should be a America’s largest African American Today, one out of every two black ba- change, and they have worked assidu- pro-life organization; the Reverend bies conceived in this country is lost to ously to see that that happens. They

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:57 Feb 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.070 H10FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H1114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2009 are often known or thought about with president and his family as he leads us member of the group. I have had the Thurgood Marshall and the work done into the next century of fighting for honor of being Virginia’s first indi- for the Brown versus Board of Edu- human and civil rights. We congratu- vidual Golden Heritage Life Member cation in 1954 in bringing about that late you on this historic day. and Virginia’s first Diamond Life Mem- landmark decision. The NAACP Legal I’m a proud lifelong member of the NAACP, ber, the organization’s highest indi- Defense Fund, which does so much, is a and today I join my colleagues in celebrating vidual membership level. In addition, I separate arm from the NAACP, but it its 100th anniversary. have had the honor of serving as presi- was founded by it, and their activities I am especially proud of my local Monterey dent of the Newport News, Virginia in the courts have yielded great bene- County Branch of the NAACP, where our branch of the NAACP. fits to Americans throughout the chapter was created in 1932. My chapter The NAACP is an organization that years. ranks as one of the largest per capita has made a difference from the very be- When it comes to hate crimes, the branches in the United States and has been ginning. In 1909, 60 prominent Ameri- NAACP has been on the front lines. active in education and law—and we’re all bet- cans, including Ida B. Wells-Barnett With voting rights, they’re on the front ter for it. and W.E.B. Du Bois, met on the occa- lines. So those leaders, such as Dr. The Fort Ord Army training base in Seaside, sion of the 100th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Coretta Scott Calif., was the first military base in the United birth of Abraham Lincoln to discuss ra- King, Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers, States to be integrated in 1947. It was one of cial violence and social justice. Out of Myrlie Evers-Williams, Benjamin the largest bases in the United States to con- that meeting, the NAACP was born Hooks from my hometown of Memphis, duct training for Korea, Vietnam and many with the goal of securing rights, lib- Jesse Turner, Jr., from my hometown other conflicts. Now that base is closed, it’s erties and protections for all Ameri- of Memphis, who served as national site is home to the newest campus of the Cali- cans as guaranteed by the Constitu- treasurer of the late Jesse Turner, Sr., fornia State University system—due in part to tion. and others have fought the good fight the fine work of the NAACP. Since its inception, the NAACP has for the NAACP, and they continue to And our chapter’s proudest member is Ben worked tirelessly to continuing look- do so as the moral conscience of this Jealous, now the youngest—and in my opinion ing for ways to improve the democratic Congress in lobbying for legislation the most dynamic—national president of the process and by seeking the enactment that this Congress needs to pass. NAACP. and the enforcement of Federal, State They published a report card on the As we recognize the great achievements of and local laws that secure civil rights. work of this Congress, and it does hold one of America’s best organizations, let us not The NAACP furthers its mission by people up to account for the works that forget that the struggle continues. We still making the public aware of adverse ef- they have done in these years. They have discrimination in our communities, in our fects of racial discrimination and by helped me in passing a policy for slav- schools and in the workplace. It’s a struggle seeking its elimination. The NAACP ery in Jim Crow. I appreciate their that requires continuing education and legal also seeks to educate the public about work. I am proud, and I ask my col- action. their constitutional rights, and it goes leagues to join with me in voting for Luckily, we have the rich history of the to court to enforce those rights when the resolution. NAACP that offers us so many examples of necessary. Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to re- how to proceed. One of the best is the group The NAACP has a long and impres- serve the balance of my time. of individuals who founded the group. It shows sive history of activism. It has contrib- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- us how such a diverse group can accomplish uted greatly to shaping America as we er, I would yield 2 minutes to the gen- so much. know it today. One of its first legisla- tleman from (Mr. FARR). Along with a life of activism, W. E. B. Du tive initiatives was anti-lynching legis- Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud Bois was a noted professor and writer. Archi- lation in the early 1990s. In the 1940s, lifelong member of the NAACP, and bald Grimke´, the son of a slave owner and the NAACP was influential in Presi- today, I join my colleagues in cele- slave, was a journalist and lawyer. Henry dent Roosevelt’s decision to issue an brating this 100th anniversary. I am es- Moskowitz was a Jewish physician. Mary executive order prohibiting discrimina- pecially proud of my local moderate White Ovington and tion in contracts with the Department county branch of the NAACP where our spent their lives writing. William English of Defense. The NAACP was very in- chapter was created in 1932, and I be- Walling, born into a former slaveholding fam- strumental in President Truman’s deci- lieve this chapter ranks as one of the ily, once served as a factory inspector. And sion to issue an executive order ending largest per capita branches in the Ida B. Wells was also a noted women’s rights all discrimination in the military. In United States, and has been active in activist. 1946, the NAACP won the Morgan v. education and law for all of these many America is the country where dreams come Virginia case where the Supreme Court years. I can tell you we are all better true. Certainly the world has seen such with banned States from having segregated off for it. the election of Barack Obama. But the work facilities on buses and trains that Our chapter’s proudest member is will never end until peace and justice are crossed State borders. In 1948, the , now the youngest and, in available to everyone. NAACP pressured President Truman my opinion, the most dynamic presi- I want to thank the NAACP for 100 years of into signing an executive order ban- dent of the NAACP. As we recognize hard work. You’ve made America a stronger ning all discrimination in the Armed the great achievements of one of Amer- and better nation. Forces. In 1954, the NAACP won its ica’s best organizations, let us not for- And your work continues. God bless your landmark case of Brown v. Board of get that the struggle continues. We president, Ben Jealous, as he leads us into Education, declaring separate but still face discrimination in our commu- the next century of fighting for human and civil equal unconstitutional. nities, in our schools and in the work- rights. We congratulate you on this historic The NAACP is what the late Bishop place. It is a struggle that requires day. Stephen Gill Spotswood, the former na- continuing education and legal action. Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to re- tional board chairman, has called ‘‘the The NAACP offers us many examples serve the balance of my time. oldest, largest, most effective, most as we continue on our path towards Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- consulted, most militant, most feared, solving our racial troubles. Even the er, I would yield 4 minutes to the hon- and most loved of all civil rights orga- founders of the NAACP offer an impor- orable gentleman from the great State nizations in the world.’’ Bishop tant lesson on how such a diverse group of Virginia, Mr. BOBBY SCOTT, who is Spotswood’s statement remains true can accomplish so much. The men and also the Chair of the Crime Sub- today. women—black and white, from dif- committee of the Judiciary Com- Even in the 21st century, the NAACP ferent backgrounds and from different mittee. continues to be a strong advocate for careers and from different religions— Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, fairness and equality. Recently, the these people came together to create a I am delighted to recognize the NAACP NAACP was deeply involved in pro- force for good. on its 100th anniversary. The NAACP testing the Jena 6 controversy where I want to thank the NAACP for 100 holds a very special meaning to me be- the efforts of the NAACP and others years of hard work. God bless your cause I have been a long-time active provided justice for the students in

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:57 Feb 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.071 H10FEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE February 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1115 that case. The NAACP continues their rights, I congratulate the NAACP on tion though, as long as there is an N.A.A.C.P., work on eliminating racial injustice. It this landmark year in its history and all Americans will continue to have a powerful continues to act as a watchdog to pro- extend our deep appreciation for vic- advocate for fairness, equality, and justice. tect the civil rights of all people, and it tories won and those that remain be- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, educates the public about civil rights fore us. I rise today to support H. Con. Res 35 ‘‘Hon- so that future generations will know Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I oring and praising the National Association for that tolerance and equality are the continue to reserve the balance of my the Advancement of Colored People on the norm rather than the exception. time. occasion of its 100th anniversary.’’ Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res 35 recognizes the NAACP and its people on 100 years of er, we have no additional speakers at 100th anniversary of the historic founding of service to our great country, and I wish this time, and if the gentleman yields the National Association for the Advancement them another successful century of back the balance of his time, I will do of Colored People (NAACP) and honors and service. the same. praises the National Association for the Ad- Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to re- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I vancement of Colored People on the occasion serve the balance of my time. want to congratulate my good friend of its anniversary for its work to ensure the po- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- and fellow judge from Texas (Mr. litical, educational, social, and economic tleman from Texas has 13 minutes re- GREEN) for introducing this legislation, equality of all persons. I urge my colleagues to maining. The gentleman from Georgia an individual I’ve known for now over join me in supporting H. Con. Res 35 because has 41⁄2 minutes remaining. 30 years and have been through a lot of the impact that the NAACP has had on me Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- together back in the State of Texas and other minorities across this great nation. er, I will yield 1 minute to the gen- and proud to see that he has introduced First organized in 1905, the group came to tleman from Illinois, the honorable this legislation. be known as the when it DANNY DAVIS. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back began meeting at hotel situated on the Cana- the balance of my time. dian side of the Niagara Falls. The group first b 1800 Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- met in Canada because the U.S. hotels were Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I er, I, too, would like to commend Con- segregated. Under the leadership of Harvard want to thank the gentleman from gressman GREEN for his efforts in in- scholar W.E.B. DuBois, the group later went Georgia for yielding, and I also want to troducing this legislation, and I look on to become known as the National Negro commend the gentleman from Texas, forward to its passage. Committee. It was not the date of the organi- Representative GREEN, for his intro- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, this zation’s second conference in 1910 that it for- duction of this resolution. historic year marks both the inauguration of mally adopted the name the National Associa- I rise to be in agreement with all of this country’s first African-American president, tion for the Advancement of Colored People. those who have edified the examples of Barack Obama, and the National Association The mission of the association was clearly tremendous leadership provided by the for the Advancement of Colored People’s delineated in its charter: NAACP. (N.A.A.C.P.) 100th anniversary. February 12, To promote equality of rights and to eradi- On a personal note, though, I want to 1909 was chosen as the founding date of the cate caste or race prejudice among the citi- commend my wife, Vera, who is the N.A.A.C.P. to commemorate President Abra- zens of the United States; to advance the in- chairman of our local Westside Branch ham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, with the hopes terest of colored citizens; to secure for them NAACP, and Mr. Karl Brinson, who is of realizing his vision of a unified nation over- impartial suffrage; and to increase their oppor- the president. They do outstanding coming racial and ethnic hatred and discrimi- tunities for securing justice in the courts, edu- work and have continued to do so. I nation. cation for the children, employment according also want to commend Hilary Shelton The following decades have seen the emer- to their ability and complete equality before for the tremendous job that he has gence of new challenges along America’s jour- law. done over the years keeping us in- ney towards equality. Yet the N.A.A.C.P. has Since its inception, the National Association formed. persisted and has overcome these obstacles. for the Advancement of Colored People And so I commend the NAACP on its It currently bears witness to numerous ad- (NAACP) has upheld its mission to fight social 100th anniversary. vancements that may have never taken place injustice and give a voice to the voiceless. The Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I had it not been for the collective will of the NAACP is among the largest and most promi- continue to reserve the balance of my many N.A.A.C.P. members who were willing to nent mass-membership, civil rights organiza- time. fight for what they believed was right. tions in America. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Without the N.A.A.C.P., it is hard to say Founded with a mandate to secure equal er, I would yield 1 minute at this time where this country would be if it never fought political, economic and social rights for African to the honorable gentleman from the for African-Americans to have increased ac- Americans, the NAACP has been in the fore- State of Virginia, Mr. TOM PERRIELLO. cess to the ballot box. front of every major civil rights struggle of the Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise Without the N.A.A.C.P., it is hard to say twentieth century. Using a combination of tac- today to recognize the 100th anniver- where this country would be if it never fought tics including legal challenges, demonstrations sary of the NAACP as it celebrates its against discrimination—from schooling to and economic boycotts, the NAACP played an centennial. housing, and from marriage to employment. important role in helping end segregation in Since its founding in 1909, the After all, the NAACP’s Legal department, the United States. NAACP has been a tireless crusader headed by Charles Hamilton Houston and The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational against racial discrimination, and it Thurgood Marshall, undertook a campaign Fund, Inc., (NAACP LDF) a leading civil rights has continuously called our great Na- spanning several decades to bring about the organization based in New York City, began tion towards an ever-expanding horizon reversal of the ‘‘separate but equal’’ doctrine as the legal wing of the NAACP under the of liberty and justice for all. enshrined in the Supreme Court’s decision in leadership of Charles Hamilton Houston, a Often with support and protection Plessy v. Ferguson. former professor at Law from the NAACP, countless brave citi- Without the N.A.A.C.P., it is hard to say School. In 1938, Thurgood Marshall, Hous- zens of my district joined the great where this great country would be if it were ton’s student and future Supreme Court jus- American struggle for civil rights. not for the courageous men and women who tice, succeeded him as NAACP LDF counsel. From slavery and segregation, through risked their lives and livelihoods in order to Marshall further developed the strategies massive resistance and Bloody Monday promote the rights of everyone, regardless of and goals of the legal department, establishing marches, our area has passed through the color of their skin. the Legal Defense Fund as an organization to- dark nights always to emerge at the In fact, it is hard to imagine such an Amer- tally independent of the NAACP. dawn of a new era of equality. ica without the N.A.A.C.P. My life and the life Among its most significant achievements I thank the NAACP, its staff, and its of this nation would be much different if it was the NAACP LDF’s challenge to end seg- members for remaining true to our Na- were not for the organization’s efforts to tear regation in public schools. In the landmark Su- tion’s highest ideals. As it embarks on down the barriers of racial discrimination and preme Court case Brown v. Board of Edu- its second century with new leadership hatred. The N.A.A.C.P.’s work, however, is not cation (1954), the Justices unanimously ruled and a renewed commitment to human yet finished. If the last century is any indica- that separate educational facilities for black

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[P]resident, 100 years after Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell worked at the That ruling and the Court’s subsequent order the founding of the NAACP, I will stand up for firm Anderson, Anderson, and Walker while that public schools be desegregated with ‘‘all you the same way that earlier generations of in law school; deliberate speed’’ touched off a firestorm of Americans stood up for me—by fighting to en- Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell, while still a law student, passed the Georgia bar exam- protest in the South and contributed substan- sure that every single one of us has the ination and was appointed city attorney of tially to the growth of the modern-day civil chance to make it if we try.’’ Warner Robins, Georgia; rights movement. Today, the NAACP has over I thank my colleague, Representative AL Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell, after grad- 500,000 members standing in unity with all GREEN, of Texas, for introducing this important uating Mercer University law school with who support protecting our constitutionally legislation, to ensure that we celebrate, treas- honors in 1948, practiced law in Savannah, guaranteed civil rights against all who would ure and recognize the African American spir- Georgia, and Rome, Georgia; oppose protecting these freedoms. itual as a national treasure and I urge my col- Whereas in 1953, Griffin Boyette Bell ac- Even in my district in Houston, the NAACP leagues to join me in supporting this resolu- cepted an offer to join the Atlanta law firm seeks to be a voice against injustice for all mi- tion. of Spalding Sibley Troutman and Kelley, norities. The NAACP Houston Branch has a Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield later renamed King and Spalding; back the balance of my time. Whereas in 1958, Griffin Boyette Bell was long and rich history championing civil rights in appointed chief of staff to Governor Ernest Houston on vital issues such as the desegre- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by Vandiver and while serving in that capacity gation of Houston schools, combating the was influential in organizing the Sibley the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. JOHN- spread of HIV/AIDS, and improved access to Commission, which mapped Georgia’s ap- education and information technology. SON) that the House suspend the rules proach to school desegregation; The NAACP Houston Branch has played an and agree to the resolution, H. Con. Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell, while as instrumental role in breaking new ground on Res. 35. chief of staff to Governor Ernest Vandiver, the path to freedom and equality for Houston’s The question was taken. also helped moderate State policy con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the minority community. The branch has been ex- cerning civil rights and was instrumental in opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being keeping Georgia’s schools open during that periencing tremendous growth in recent years in the affirmative, the ayes have it. turbulent period; while serving the Harris County area through Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Whereas in 1961, Griffin Boyette Bell was its programs and myriad committees made up er, I object to the vote on the ground appointed by President Kennedy to the 5th of its dedicated staff and volunteer members. that a quorum is not present and make U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals where he Led by an Executive Committee of approxi- the point of order that a quorum is not served for 14 years and often played an in- strumental role in mediating disputes during mately 25 volunteers, there are approximately present. 800 members in the Houston Branch. the peak of the United States Civil Rights The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Movement; Some of the Houston Branch’s programs in- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the clude collaborations with the City of Houston Whereas in 1976, President Jimmy Carter Chair’s prior announcement, further nominated Griffin Boyette Bell to be the Health Department in STD prevention and proceedings on this motion will be 72nd Attorney General of the United States awareness programs, legal assistance in the postponed. and he was confirmed to that position on form of legal consultation and educational The point of no quorum is considered January 25, 1977; seminars, a year-long enrichment program de- withdrawn. Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell brought inde- signed to recruit, stimulate, improve and en- pendence and professionalism to the Depart- f courage high academic and cultural achieve- ment of Justice during his tenure as Attor- ment among African American high school HONORING GRIFFIN BELL ney General by daily posting of his third- students, and other programs beneficial to mi- party contacts, including meetings and calls Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- with the White House, Members of Congress, norities across the city of Houston. er, I move to suspend the rules and or other non-Justice Department individ- As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I agree to the resolution (H. Res. 71) ac- uals; truly appreciate the support from the NAACP knowledging the lifelong service of Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell in his capac- in fighting for the reauthorization of the Voting Griffin Boyette Bell to the State of ity as Attorney General, advised the Carter Rights Act. We all know that without the reau- Georgia and the United States as a administration and helped to increase the thorization of the Voting Rights Act, the voting legal icon. number of women and minorities serving on rights of many U.S. citizens would be in jeop- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- the Federal bench by recruiting Wade ardy. When I authored H.R. 745 in the 110th tion. McCree, an African-American Eighth Circuit The text of the resolution is as fol- judge, to serve as Solicitor General of the Congress, I am proud to say that with the United States and Drew S. Days III, an Afri- NAACP’s support, my colleagues and I were lows: can-American lawyer for the NAACP Legal able to rename the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa H. RES. 71 Defense Fund, to head the Civil Rights Divi- Parks, Cesar E. Chavez, Barbara C. Jordan, Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell was born on sion of the Department of Justice; William C. Velasquez, and Dr. Hector P. Gar- October 31, 1918, in Americus, Georgia, to Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell also led nego- cia Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Thelma Leola Pilcher and Adlai Cleveland tiations to divide his former appellate court, Amendments Act of 2006. This bill renamed Bell, a cotton farmer; the 5th Circuit spanning from Georgia to the Voting Rights Act to demonstrate the Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell died on Janu- Texas, into two courts: a new 5th Circuit ary, 5, 2009, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, based in New Orleans and an 11th Circuit many faces of the Civil Rights Movement. The Georgia, after enduring long-term kidney based in Atlanta; bill was renamed to recognize the Hispanics disease and a battle with pancreatic cancer; Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell, upon res- and other persons of color who labored in the Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell was raised in ignation as Attorney General in August 1979, vineyards to insure that all receive equal treat- the Shiloh community outside of Americus was appointed by President Carter as the ment in the United States. until his family moved into Americus to es- Special Ambassador to the Helsinki Conven- Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res 35 provides for a tablish a tire retail store; tion; tribute to celebrate the impact and achieve- Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell proved him- Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell served as a ments of the National Association for the Ad- self a superior student in the Americus pub- member of the Secretary of State’s Advisory vancement of Colored People in their efforts to lic schools and later at Georgia South- Committee on South Africa from 1985 to 1987; western College also in Americus; Whereas in 1989, Griffin Boyette Bell was better the lives of minorities and the commu- Whereas in 1942, Griffin Boyette Bell was appointed Vice Chairman of President nity. There is still a need for justice and equal drafted into the Army, where he served in George H. W. Bush’s Commission on Federal treatment for minorities in our country. I am the Quatermaster Corps and Transportation Ethics Law Reform; grateful for the many fights for equality that he Corps; Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell served as organization has won, and thankful that the Whereas Griffin Boyette Bell, while sta- counsel to President George H. W. Bush dur- NAACP will be there in the future to champion tioned at Fort Lee, Virginia, met and mar- ing the Iran Contra Affair investigation; the cause of justice wherever and whenever it ried Mary Powell, who also had family ties Whereas in September of 2004, Griffin needs a spokesman. in Americus, Georgia, and they later had one Boyette Bell was appointed the Chief Judge son, Griffin Jr; of the United States Court of Military Com- The struggles of the NACCP have helped Whereas in 1946, Griffin Boyette Bell, after mission Review; and pave the way for the election this country’s being discharged from active duty in the Whereas during Griffin Boyette Bell’s ca- first African-American President Barack Army with the rank of Major, enrolled in the reer as a lawyer, he specialized in corporate Obama. During a speech celebrating the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer internal investigations, and many that were NAACP, President Obama declared that University in Macon, Georgia; high profile, including E.F. Hutton following

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