February 29, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 1631 very well administered. It has acquired County, Minnesota v. Leech Lake Band of GENERAL LEAVE this land and feels that, in order to re- Chippewa Indians. The brief observed that Mr. SHERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I move a cloud from title, this act of ‘‘[i]n recent times, Congress and the Executive ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Congress is necessary. Branch have assumed that the INA requires bers may have 5 legislative days within I would like to suggest to the sub- congressional approval of sales of all tribally which to revise and extend their re- committee that it consider legislation owned lands, whether or not those lands are marks and include extraneous material that deals with this type of situation within a reservation’’. [Brief of the United on H.R. 1749, S. 613, and H.R. 2484, the because I expect that the Lower Sioux States as Amicus Curiae, supporting Re- three bills just debated. community is not the only Native spondent, Case No. 97–174 (January, 1998), The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there American group in the United States at 28 (footnote 13).] Congress repeatedly has objection to the request of the gen- that faces this type of obstacle, to the passed legislation allowing individual fee par- tleman from Pennsylvania? disposition of land, that it has pur- cels of tribal land to be sold. Congress has on There was no objection. chased which has not been in trust sta- several occasions in recent years adopted leg- tus which is off of its reservation area. islation similar to that which the Community f As we see here in the 21st century, we seeks. SPECIAL ORDERS For example, P.L. 86–505, § 1, 74 Stat. 199, have a number of Native American HERITAGE AND HORIZONS: THE authorizing the Navajo Tribe to dispose of its communities that are becoming more AFRICAN AMERICAN LEGACY prosperous. They are engaging in com- fee lands without federal approval; P.L. 101– 630, 104 Stat. 4531, authorizing the sale of a AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE merce. I think that it would certainly 21ST CENTURY facilitate the activities of these com- parcel of land owned in fee simple by the munities if, in these fairly well-defined Rumsey Indian Rancheria; P.L. 101–379, § 11, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under situations where there is not a concern 104 Stat. 473, authorizing the Eastern Band of the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- about any abuse in connection with the Cherokee Indians to convey a particular parcel uary 6, 1999, the gentlewoman from assets of the community, that they had of its fee land; P.L. 102–497, § 4, 106 Stat. Ohio (Mrs. JONES) is recognized for 60 the flexibility to, on their own, make 3255, authorizing the Mississippi Band of minutes as the designee of the minor- these transfers and not have the cloud Choctaw Indians to convey certain lands ity leader. on title that exists in situations such which it owned in fee. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- as this one. The Supreme Court has never ruled that the er, it is always a great opportunity for I have worked with the community wording of the INA does not apply to fee me to have opportunity to address the in crafting this legislation, with the lands. In fact, in a case decided just last year, Congress in a special order, particu- administration, and also with the com- the Court made a point of saying that the larly when the gentlewoman from Mis- mittee and subcommittee staff. I would question is open: ‘‘This Court has never deter- souri (Mrs. EMERSON) is the Speaker like to express my appreciation to the mined whether the Indian Nonintercourse Act pro tempore. staff, members of both the committee . . . applies to land that has been rendered Our theme today is Heritage and Ho- and the subcommittee. alienable. . . . Cass County v. Leech Lake rizons: The African American Legacy At the request of the Lower Sioux Indian Bank,’’ U.S., 118 S.Ct. 1904 (1998). The as- and the Challenges of the 21st Century. Community I have sponsored legislation that sumption has been, and still is, that the Act As we come to the close of the cele- would exempt land owned in fee by the Com- prevents the sale of fee land without congres- brated African American history munity from the effect of the Indian Noninter- sional approval. This is the legal position of month, it is a great opportunity for the course Act, 25 U.S.C. 177 (1994) (INA). In re- the United States, citing the amicus brief of Congressional Black Caucus to orga- cent years, the Community has acquired sev- the United States in the Cass County case. nize a special order to celebrate black eral parcels of property outside the boundaries And the Department of the Interior has taken history. I want to thank the gentleman of its Reservation. It is likely that not all of the position that it cannot not give the Lower from South Carolina (Chairman CLY- those parcels will not be needed for the devel- Sioux Community permission to sell fee land BURN) for designating me to organize opment which the Community contemplates. because Congress has not given the Depart- this special order. Therefore, the Community should have the ment that authority. I took up the mantle after my prede- Most importantly, purchasers assume that ability to dispose of any unneeded portions of cessor, the Congressman from the 11th the consent of Congress is required before fee land as and when appropriate purchasers Congressional District of Ohio, Con- tribal fee land can be sold. The effect of all may appear. At present it is unclear whether gressman Louis Stokes, who had this this is that the Lower Sioux Community is sty- responsibility for his 30 years in the INA prohibits such transactions absent an mied. The wording of the INA seems to say Act of Congress. It was this problem which Congress. that congressional permission is needed to The theme for this year’s Black His- prompted the Community to seek legislation sell fee land; the Justice Department acknowl- that will permit similar conveyances without re- tory Special Order is Heritage and Ho- edges that; the Department of the Interior ac- rizons: The African American Legacy sorting to the cumbersome and time-con- knowledges that; Congress has acknowledged and the Challenges of the 21st Century. suming legislative process each time an indi- that; and purchasers acknowledge that. This As we embark upon a new millen- vidual sale is agreed to. bill will solve that problem for the Lower Sioux nium, I believe it painful and powerful The terms of the INA does not distinguish Indian Community. This is a matter of fairness. between fee land and trust land. My bill states Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam that this theme allows us to pay trib- that ‘‘No conveyance of lands from any tribe of Speaker, I have no further speakers, ute to our past and allows us to make Indians shall be of any validity unless the and I yield back the balance of my plans for our future. The question is same be made by treaty or convention en- time. how do we plan for our future. One way tered into pursuant to the Constitution.’’ In the Mr. SHERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I is to plan for our future by giving trib- past, this has been interpreted to mean that yield back the balance of my time. ute to our past, learning the lessons of Congress must either give direct approval or The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. our past and paying tribute to our suc- must establish the process for giving such ap- EMERSON). The question is on the mo- cesses as a people. proval. Although Congress has allowed the tion offered by the gentleman from I believe the past can serve as a blue- Secretary of the Interior to approve the con- Pennsylvania (Mr. SHERWOOD) that the print for future generations on how to veyance of lands owned in trust for tribes by House suspend the rules and pass the get things done. the United States, Congress has never set up bill, H.R. 2484. There are many events that have any process for approving the conveyance of The question was taken; and (two- shaped and defined the African Amer- fee lands. thirds having voted in favor thereof) ican experience in America today that The ‘‘clouding’’ effect of the INA is illustrated the rules were suspended and the bill never should be forgotten. What should in a discussion contained in a brief filed with was passed. never be forgotten is the sacrifice that the United States Supreme Court by the A motion to reconsider was laid on others have made to ensure future gen- United States Department of Justice, in Cass the table. erations’ success.

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 1632 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 29, 2000 For that reason, I have chosen to tory in 1967 when he was elected mayor Intelligence. In the 99th Congress, Rep- highlight my predecessor, the former of Cleveland, serving with distinction resentative Stokes was elected chair- Representative, Congressman Louis as the first black mayor of a major man of the Subcommittee on Program Stokes. He retired from Congress on American city. Carl Stokes also en- and Budget Authorization for the com- January 2, 1999. He currently serves as joyed a career as an award-winning mittee. In January of 1987, the 100th senior counsel at Squire, Sanders and broadcaster and municipal court judge. Congress, House Speaker Jim Wright Dempsey, a worldwide law firm based In 1994, he was appointed by President appointed Congressman Stokes as in Washington, D.C. He is also a mem- Bill Clinton as U.S. Ambassador to the chairman of the Permanent Select ber of the faculty at Case-Western Re- Republic of Seychelles. Ambassador Committee on Intelligence. In the 100th serve University in Cleveland, Ohio, Stokes died in April 1996. Congress, Representative Stokes was where he is a senior visiting scholar at Louise Stokes, a proud mother who also appointed to serve on the House the Mandel School of Applied Social always encouraged her sons to get an Select Committee to Investigate Cov- Sciences. education, lived to witness many of her ert Arms Transactions with Iran, and On November 6, 1968, Louis Stokes sons’ historic achievements. Prior to the Pepper Commission on Comprehen- was elected to the United States Con- her death in 1978, she was the recipient sive Health Care. gress on his first bid for public office. of numerous awards, including Cleve- As a result of the 1990 census and the By virtue of his election, he became land’s ‘‘Woman of the Year’’ award in redistricting mandate in 1992, the 21st the first African American Member of 1968 and Ohio’s ‘‘Mother of the Year’’ Congressional District of Ohio was re- Congress from the State of Ohio. First award in 1969. designated as the 11th Congressional sworn in at the 91st Congress, Con- Let us talk a little bit about Con- District. In the 103rd Congress, which gressman Stokes served 15 consecutive gressman Louis Stokes’ congressional commenced in January of 1993, Con- terms in the United States House of career. In his first term in public of- gressman Stokes was elected to chair Representatives. When he retired at fice, he served as a member of the Com- the House Committee on Appropria- the end of the 105th Congress, he be- mittee on Education and Labor in the tions Subcommittee on VA, HUD and came the first African American in the House, Committee on un-American Ac- Independent Agencies. He also served history of the United States Congress tivities, later renamed the House Com- as a member of the Subcommittee on to retire having completed 30 years in mittee on Internal Security. Labor, Health and Human Services and office. In his second term, he was appointed Education, and the Subcommittee on In the 105th Congress, Representative the first African American to sit on the the District of Columbia. Stokes was a member of the Com- Committee on Appropriations in the Congressman Stokes is married to mittee on Appropriations where, by House. On February 8, 1972, Louis Jeanette (Jay) Stokes. He has children: virtue of his seniority, he was the Stokes was elected as the chairman of Shelley, Angela, Louis, and Lorene. third-ranking minority member of the the Congressional Black Caucus. He Angela is an elected official in Cleve- full committee and the ranking minor- served two consecutive terms. land in the Cleveland municipal court. ity member of the Subcommittee on In addition to his seat on the power- Shelley and Louis C. are both involved VA, HUD and Independent Agencies. In ful Committee on Appropriations, on in broadcasting, one in New York and addition, he served as a member of the February 5, 1975, he was elected by the the other in Michigan. Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Democratic Caucus to serve on the He has several grandchildren. He is Human Services and Education. newly formed House Committee on a graduate of the Cleveland public He was the ninth Ranking Demo- Budget. He was re-elected to the Com- schools, Case-Western Reserve Univer- cratic Member of Congress. By virtue mittee on Budget twice, serving a total sity, and Cleveland Marshall College of of his seniority, Congressman Stokes of 6 years. Law where he received his doctor of also served as the Dean of the Ohio On September 21, 1976, Representa- law. Congressional Delegation. He is also a tive Stokes was appointed by Speaker He has been given numerous designa- founding member of the Congressional Carl Albert to serve on the House Se- tions and honors, among them, the 100 Black Caucus and chaired the CBC lect Committee on Assassinations. The Most Influential Black Americans/ Health Braintrust. He was born February 23, 1925 in committee had a mandate to conduct Black Achievement Award. The Louis Cleveland, Ohio to the late Charles and an investigation and study of the cir- Stokes Bridge was named in his honor, Louise Stokes. His father died when he cumstances surrounding the deaths of which is a bridge over Lake Shore Bou- was a young boy and Louis and his President John F. Kennedy and Dr. levard over Euclid Creek; Louis Stokes brother, the late Ambassador Carl B. Martin Luther King, Jr. On March 8, Telecommunications Center/Cuyahoga Stokes, were reared by their young 1977, Speaker Thomas P. O’Neill ap- Community College; the Central High widowed mother. pointed Congressman Stokes as chair- School Hall of Fame; the Louis Stokes Stokes was educated in the Cleveland man of this committee. On December Community Center; the Louis Stokes public schools, graduating from Cen- 31, 1978, Congressman Stokes com- Wing of the Cleveland Public Library. tral High School. Following 3 years in pleted these historic investigations and A street is called Stokes Boulevard in the United States Army, from 1943 to filed with the House of Representatives the city of Cleveland named after him 1946, he returned to Cleveland and uti- 27 volumes of hearings, a final report, and his brother. There is a Louis lized the G.I. bill to attend Western Re- and recommendations for administra- Stokes Health Sciences Center at Case- serve University. He received his Doc- tive and legislative reform. Western Reserve University. There is a tor of Laws degree from Cleveland Mar- In February of 1980, in the 96th Con- Louis Stokes HUD Hall of Fame. He shall Law School in 1953. gress, Congressman Stokes was ap- has been given the award by the Na- Prior to his election to the United pointed by Speaker O’Neill to the tional Minority Transplant Hall of States Congress, Congressman Stokes House Committee on Standards of Offi- Fame. There is a Louis Stokes Head practiced law for 14 years in Cleveland. cial Conduct, also known as the Ethics Start Day Care Center. There is a He was chief trial counsel for the firm Committee. In the 97th, 98th, and 102nd Stokes Rapid Transit Station in of Stokes, Character, Terry, Perry, Congresses, he was elected chairman of Windermere. There is a Louis Stokes Whitehead, Young and Davidson. As a this committee. Also, in the 101st Con- Health Sciences Library at Howard practicing lawyer, Representative gress, Representative Stokes was ap- University. There is a Stokes Web site. Stokes participated in three cases in pointed by Speaker Wright to serve on There is a Stokes Family Library the United States Supreme Court, in- the Ethics Task Force. and Museum, which is housed at the cluding the landmark ‘‘stop and frisk’’ In February of 1983, the 98th Con- Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Au- case of Terry versus Ohio. gress, Representative Stokes was ap- thority in the area where Congressman Congressman Stokes’ younger broth- pointed by Speaker O’Neill to the Stokes grew up as a boy. There is a er, the late Carl B. Stokes, made his- House Permanent Select Committee on Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 February 29, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 1633 Veterans Affairs Medical Center. There Stokes was educated in the Cleveland Public mittee on Intelligence. In the 99th Congress, is a Louis Stokes building at the Na- Schools, graduating from Central High Representative Stokes was elected Chairman tional Institutes of Health. School. Following three years in the United of the Subcommittee on Program and Budget He has received more than 23 hon- States Army from 1943 to 1946, he returned to Authorization for the committee. In January orary degrees from colleges and univer- Cleveland and utilized the G.I. Bill to attend of 1987 (100th Congress), House Speaker Jim Western Reserve University. He received his Wright appointed Congressman Stokes as sities across this country. Doctor of Laws Degree from Cleveland Mar- Chairman of the Intelligence Committee. In I would like to particularly person- shall Law School in 1953. the 100th Congress, Representative Stokes ally pay tribute to Congressman Louis Prior to his election to the United States was also appointed to serve on the House Se- Stokes. It is through his support and Congress, Congressman Stokes practiced law lect Committee to Investigate Covert Arms encouragement that I stand here on for fourteen years in Cleveland. He was chief Transactions with Iran, and the Pepper Com- the floor of the House of Representa- trial counsel for the firm of Stokes, Char- mission on Comprehensive Health Care. tives today. I can only recall with acter, Terry, Perry, Whitehead, Young and As a result of the 1990 census and the redis- great admiration all of the wonderful Davidson. As a practicing lawyer, Represent- tricting mandate, in 1992 the 21st Congres- ative Stokes participated in three cases in sional District of Ohio was re-designated as things that he did on my behalf and on the United States Supreme Court, including behalf of the 11th Congressional Dis- the 11th Congressional District. In the 103rd the landmark ‘‘stop and frisk’’ case of Terry Congress, which commenced in January of trict. For me to be able to stand, the v. Ohio. 1993, Congressman Stokes was elected to daughter of a skycap for United Air- Congressman Stokes’ younger brother, the chair the House Appropriations Sub- lines and the daughter of a woman who late Carl B. Stokes, made history in 1967 committee on VA–HUD–Independent Agen- worked in a factory, standing here as a when he was elected Mayor of Cleveland, cies. He also served as a member of the Sub- Member of the House of Representa- serving with distinction as the first black committee on Labor-Health and Human mayor of a major American city. Carl Stokes tives, one of 39 African Americans who Services-Education and the Subcommittee also enjoyed a career as an award-winning on the District of Columbia. serve in the House of Representatives, broadcaster and municipal court judge. In and in fact the first African American 1994, he was appointed by President Bill Clin- PERSONAL INFORMATION woman to serve in the House of Rep- ton as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Birthdate: February 23, 1925. resentatives from the State of Ohio. Seychelles. Ambassador Stokes died in April It gives me great pleasure to be able 1996. Louise Stokes, a proud mother who al- Wife: Jeanette (Jay) Stokes. to recognize and give Congressman ways encouraged her sons to get an edu- Children: Shelley, Angela, Louis C. and Stokes his roses while he can still cation, lived to witness many of her sons’ Lorene. smell them on this February 29, the historic achievements. Prior to her death in Grandchildren: Brett S., Eric S., and Grant 1978, she was the recipient of numerous year 2000, as the CBC honors Black His- W. Hammond; Kelley C. and Kimberly L. awards including Cleveland’s ‘‘Woman of the Stokes; Alexandra F. and Nicolette S. tory Month. Year’’ award in 1968 and Ohio’s ‘‘Mother of Thompson. FORMER CONGRESSMAN LOUIS STOKES the Year’’ award in 1969. Education: Cleveland Public Schools Former Congressman Louis Stokes retired CONGRESSIONAL CAREER (Giddings and Central High School), Western from Congress on January 2, 1999. He is cur- During his first term in public office (91st Reserve University, Cleveland Marshall Law rently Senior Counsel at Squire, Sanders and Congress), Congressman Stokes served as a School (The Cleveland State University)— Dempsey L.L.P., a world-wide law firm based member of the Education and Labor Com- Doctor of Jurisprudence. in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of mittee and the House Un-American Activi- DESIGNATIONS AND HONORS the faculty at Case-Western Reserve Univer- ties Committee, later re-named the House sity, Cleveland, Ohio, where he is Senior Vis- Internal Security Committee. In his second Throughout his tenure in the United iting Scholar at the Mandel School of Ap- term in office (92nd Congress), he was ap- States Congress, Representatives Stokes has plied Social Sciences. pointed the first black Member ever to sit on played a pivotal role in the quest for civil On November 6, 1968, Louis Stokes was the Appropriations Committee of the House. rights, equality and social and economic jus- elected to the United States Congress on his On February 8, 1972, Louis Stokes was elect- tice. He is the recipient of countless awards first bid for public office. By virtue of his ed as Chairman of the Congressional Black and honors which recognize his strong lead- election, he became the first African Amer- Caucus. He served two consecutive terms in ership and commitment. ican Member of Congress from the State of this office. In addition to his seat on the Ohio. First sworn in at the 91st Congress, 100 Most Influential Black Americans/ powerful Appropriations Committee, on Feb- Black Achievement Award. Each year since Representative Stokes served fifteen con- ruary 5, 1975, he was elected by the Demo- secutive terms in the United States House of 1971, Congressman Stokes has been named by cratic Caucus to serve on the newly formed Ebony Magazine as one of the ‘‘100 Most In- Representatives. When he retired at the end Budget Committee of the House. He was re- of the 105th Congress, he became the first Af- fluential Black Americans.’’ In 1979, he was elected to the Budget Committee twice, serv- nominated by Ebony in three categories for rican American in the history of the U.S. ing a total of six years. Congress to retire having completed 30 years the Second Annual American Black Achieve- On September 21, 1976 (94th Congress) Rep- ment Awards. His nomination was based in office. resentative Stokes was appointed by Speaker In the 105th Congress, Representative upon his becoming the first African Amer- Carl Albert to serve on the House Select Stokes was a member of the Appropriations ican to head a major congressional inves- Committee on Assassinations. The Com- Committee where, by virtue of his seniority, tigation and to preside over nationally tele- mittee had a mandate to conduct an inves- he was the third ranking minority member vised hearings which revealed new facts on tigation and study of the circumstances sur- of the full committee, and the ranking mi- the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, rounding the deaths of President John F. nority member of the Subcommittee on Vet- Jr., and President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On erans Affairs-Housing and Urban Develop- March 8, 1977, Speaker Thomas P. O’Neill ap- William Dawson Award. Congressman ment-Independent Agencies. In addition, he pointed Congressman Stokes as Chairman of Stokes has twice received the Congressional served as a member of the Subcommittee on this committee. On December 31, 1978, Con- Black Caucus’ William L. Dawson Award. In Labor-Health and Human Services-Edu- gressman Stokes completed these historic 1980, Congressman Stokes was presented the cation. In the Congress, Representative investigations and filed with the House of prestigious award in recognition of his Stokes ranked eleventh overall in House se- Representatives 27 volumes of hearings, a ‘‘unique leadership in the development of niority. He was the ninth ranking Demo- Final Report and Recommendations for Ad- legislation.’’ In 1994, he received the second cratic Member of Congress. By virtue of his ministrative and Legislative Reform. Dawson Award for ‘‘significant research, or- seniority, Congressman Stokes also served as In February of 1980 (96th Congress), Con- ganizational and leadership contributions in Dean of the Ohio Congressional Delegation. gress Stokes was appointed by Speaker the development of legislation that address- He is also a founding member of the Congres- O’Neill to the House Committee on Stand- es the needs of minorities in the United sional Black Caucus (CBC) and chaired the ards of Official Conduct (Ethics Committee). States.’’ CBC Health Braintrust. In the 97th, 98th, and 102nd Congresses, he Louis Stokes Bridge. On June 24 1988, the BACKGROUND was elected Chairman of this committee. Board of County Commissioners Cuyahoga Congressman Stokes was born on February Also, in the 101st Congress, Representative County dedicated the Lake Shore Boulevard 23, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Stokes was appointed by Speaker Wright to Bridge over Euclid Creek as the ‘‘Louis Charles and Louise Stokes. His father died serve on the Ethics Task Force. Stokes Bridge,’’ in recognition of Congress- when he was a young boy and Louis and his In February of 1983 (98th Congress), Rep- man Stokes’ leadership in public service, and brother, the late Ambassador Carl B. Stokes, resentative Stokes was appointed by Speaker his support for federal funding to support were reared by their young widowed mother. O’Neill to the House Permanent Select Com- road and bridge improvement projects.

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 1634 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 29, 2000 Louis Stokes Telecommunications Center/ ‘‘Louis Stokes Station at Windermere’’ in sure that the Congressional Black Cau- Cuyahoga Community College. On Sep- honor of Congressman Stokes for his support cus is once again heard on this floor for tember 24, 1988, Cuyahoga Community Col- for public transit. Black History Month and all that it Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library/ lege designated the Louis Stokes Tele- stands for. communications Center in the Unified Tech- Howard University. Howard University voted nologies Center in honor of Congressman to recognize Congressman Stokes for his If I may say to the gentlewoman, I Stokes. strong leadership in the United States Con- would like to discuss two subjects this Central High School Hall of Fame. On gress. On August 11, 1998, Howard University afternoon related to black history. One March 30, 1990, Congressman Stokes’ alma paid tribute to ‘‘one of our nation’s most is some finished business that this mater, Central High School (now Central prolific Members of Congress’’ by naming House finished only this month, and Middle School) recognized his historic their new health sciences library ‘‘The Louis the other is tragically unfinished. achievements by presenting him with the Stokes Health Science Center.’’ school’s Alumnus Award and including him Stokes Web Site. On August 11, 1998, top The finished business has to do with into the school’s Hall of Fame. On that occa- executives from Cleveland’s business com- a bill that was passed on the floor on sion, the school also dedicated its audito- munity announced that a web site will be set February 16 that will allow the home of rium as the ‘‘Louis Stokes Auditorium.’’ up in Congressman Stokes’ name to inform Carter G. Woodson to become a na- Louis Stokes Community Center. On Sep- young people of internships, scholarships and tional historic site under the National tember 5, 1992, in recognition of the achieve- job training opportunities. The site will be Park Service. The reason that this was called the ‘‘Living Legacy Project: Aim ments of Ohio’s first and only African Amer- so important is that Carter G. Woodson ican to serve in the United States Congress, High.’’ Stokes was known for autographing the community center in Outhwaite Homes photos for young students with the phrase is the father of black history, the man was renamed as the ‘‘Louis Stokes Commu- ‘‘Aim High!’’ who discovered black historiography, nity Center’’ by the Cuyahoga Metropolitan The Stokes Family Library and Museum. the second black person to receive a Housing Authority. Unveiled during Cuyahoga Metropolitan Ph.D. from Harvard in the early part of Louis Stokes Wing/Cleveland Public Li- Housing Authority’s Louis Stokes Day 1998, this century, and yet his house, which brary. On January 19, 1994, the Cleveland on September 12, 1998, Congressman Stokes’ is a gorgeous Victorian house, stands Public Library Board of Trustees unani- boyhood home in the Outhwaite housing closed, virtually boarded up. mously adopted a resolution to name the projects will be transformed into the new Cleveland Public Library East Wing in ‘‘Stokes Family Library and Museum.’’ The So here we are celebrating Black His- honor of Congressman Stokes. The resolu- Library will serve as a home for many of the tory Month every year and right there tion stated that his career ‘‘has extended Congressman’s awards and memorabilia for in the Shaw district, a historic part of into areas of law, civil rights, support for organizations around the country. the district which was the virtual seat education and public libraries, and congres- Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of of black America, is the home of the sional, national and local leadership on a Veteran Affairs Medical Center. On October man who is responsible for what was, wide range of issues important to the Cleve- 6, 1998, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, Congressman when I was a child called Negro History land area and the nation.’’ Week and has developed into Black Stokes Boulevard—Cleveland, Ohio. To Stokes was honored with the naming of the mark Congressman Stokes’ historic achieve- Cleveland Department of Veteran Affairs History Month, closed. With the bill ments in the United States Congress, the Medical Center in his honor. The designation that the House passed just before we City of Cleveland voted on June 6, 1994 to recognizes a lawmaker who worked tirelessly recessed, Carter G. Woodson’s home designate East 107th Street and portion of on behalf of the nation’s veterans and other will be open to the public the way Fairhill Road as ‘‘Stokes Boulevard.’’ Appro- citizens throughout his 30-year career. Frederick Douglass’ home is open to priate signs mark this special salute to Con- Louis Stokes Building, National Institutes the public in this city and the way that gressman Stokes. of Health. On October 20, 1998, the House of Representatives voted for passage of an Om- Mary McLeod Bethune’s home is open Case Western Reserve University/Louis to the public, and will be kept open Stokes Health Sciences Center. Case Western nibus Appropriations Bill to fund the Depart- Reserve University honored Congressman ments of Labor-Health and Human Services- under the National Park Service, as it Stokes on June 24, 1994 with the dedication Education. The bill includes language desig- deserves. of the ‘‘Louis Stokes Health Science Cen- nating Building #50, the Consolidated Lab- This man was of immense impor- ter.’’ Congressman Stokes was lauded for his oratories Building on the campus of the Na- tance. Without uncovering black his- work ‘‘to improve the lives of all Americans tional Institutes of Health, in honor of Con- tory we could never have gotten to the and to ensure the full participation of mem- gressman Stokes. The renaming honors Con- gressman Stokes for his staunch leadership civil rights remedies, because the por- bers of minority groups in the many initia- trayals of African Americans were so tives in health, science, education, and pub- on the health front. lic welfare.’’ Honorary Degrees. Congressman Stokes is pervasively stereotyped and negative Louis Stokes HUD ‘‘Hall of Fame.’’ On the recipient of 23 honorary Degrees from after slavery, with Jim Crow and all April 5, 1995, the U.S. Department of Housing colleges and universities across the nation. that it stood for, that Carter G. and Urban Development inducted Congress- The degrees were conferred upon Congress- Woodson’s work looms much larger man Stokes into the nation’s first ‘‘Public man Stokes in recognition of his national than life. He started the Association Housing Hall of Fame.’’ Located in HUD’s leadership and strong commitment to public service. for the Study of Negro Life and His- Washington, D.C. Headquarters, the Hall of tory, which continues his work today. Madam Speaker, it gives me great Fame recognizes Congressman Stokes as a They would like to occupy this house strong advocate of safe and affordable hous- pleasure to yield to the gentlewoman when it is fully renovated. He used his ing for America’s families. from the District of Columbia (Ms. house not only to live but to train re- National Minority Transplant Hall of NORTON). searchers. It is a glorious history in Fame. On September 18, 1996, Congressman Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I and of itself. Stokes was chosen for inclusion in the first thank the gentlewoman from Ohio National Minority Transplant Hall of Fame. May I say to the gentlewoman, I The designation recognizes Stokes’ strong (Mrs. JONES) for yielding to me. Even more so, I thank her for the leadership would like to remark on some unfin- leadership in the area of organ transplant ished business having to do with Afri- education and awareness. she is showing in making sure that the Louis Stokes Head Start Day Care Center. month of February does not go by can Americans. This is a majority Dedicated during the weekend of June 20, without yet another black history cele- black city. Historically it was the cap- 1997, the ‘‘Louis Stokes Head Start Center’’ bration in the name of her predecessor, ital of black intellectual life because of was built specifically to serve the needs of I must say who was always in charge of Howard University and because freed pre-school children in the Metropolitan this particular feature on the House and runaway slaves often found their Cleveland Area. The Center was named for floor when he was here. way here. The Capitol where we now Congressman Stokes for his dedication in debate was built with the help of slave fighting for the rights of Cleveland’s dis- b 1445 labor. A glorious kind of intellectual advantaged. Stokes Rapid Transit Station/Windermere. And you follow in his footsteps in leadership emanated from this city. It On November 17, 1997, Cleveland’s Regional many ways, I say to the gentlewoman always had a large black population, Transit Authority designated the from Ohio, and this is a wonderful one probably because it was so close to the Windermere Rapid Transit Station as the which both honors him and to make South and, therefore, there was a large

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 February 29, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 1635 segment of freed slaves and a large seg- because of its large African American History Month. This year’s theme, Her- ment of runaway slaves, one of whom population. I am not so sure of that. itage and Horizons, the African Amer- was my great grandfather. Until the 1970s, this city was majority ican Legacy and the Challenges of the This city has been the home of Ben- white. The city, the Jim Crow-seg- 21st Century, is most appropriate to jamin Banneker, who of course helped regated city in which I grew up, the these Baltimorians who, by accepting design the city, and of many great Af- segregated schools that I went to, was the challenges and overcoming the ob- rican Americans; Charles Drew, who is in a majority white city, and this body stacles of their day, have prepared us responsible for the discovery of the was willing to deny those whites their to meet the challenges facing us in this blood bank and the use of stored blood; full rights in the House, the Senate, new millennium. Duke Ellington, whose 100th birthday and their full home rule as much as I cite Roberta B. Sheridan, the we celebrated last year; Frederick they are willing to deny it to blacks. daughter of a life-long resident of Bal- Douglass; Mary McLeod Bethune; Sen- And yet there may well be something timore and educated as a teacher. She ator Edward Brooke, who graduated to the notion that the city always had was dedicated to public education. from the same high school I graduated a large black population. If we look at Even though she was denied the oppor- from, Dunbar High School; and yet, the history books, that seems to have tunity to teach in the black public Madam Speaker, this is the only part influenced the way the Congress looked schools, because African Americans at of the United States where black and at the District of Columbia. Well, the that time were deemed unqualified, she white people do not enjoy the full Congress needs to take that taint off of persisted in her efforts. With the help privileges of citizenship. it. It needs to grant my white constitu- of the African American community, a This used to be the place where peo- ents and my black constituents the campaign was waged to allow African Americans to teach in black public ple from the South came escaping the same rights that their white constitu- schools. This campaign resulted in the harshness of segregation and terrible ents, their Hispanic constituents, and appointment of Roberta Sheridan in discrimination. We who live in the Dis- their black constituents have. 1888 as the first African American trict, particularly we who are native Until that happens, until that hap- teacher in a Baltimore City public Washingtonians, have seen the whole of pens I will not, I will not let an appro- school. Indeed, in the State of Mary- the South come into its own, with peo- priate opportunity go by to remind this land. ple able to vote, as models for self-gov- body that we have not lived up to our ernment throughout the South, and yet Her goal was to ensure that African stated ideals. One appropriate time to Americans received a quality edu- in this town, where the majority of the inject that reminder into the record is population is African American, there cation, and she sought to end the edu- during Black History Month, in a cational inadequacies fostered by white is still not the same basic rights that largely black city where black citizens blacks throughout the South have fi- teachers who dominated the education and white citizens and citizens of every nally been able to win. of blacks following the Civil War. background wait, no longer patiently, I am the only representative of the I also cite Harry S. Cummings, no re- District of Columbia. Although I won but wait for the same rights that many lation, from Baltimore’s ward 11, one of the right to vote on the House floor, other Americans have. the two first African American males Madam Speaker, I thank the gentle- that vote was taken from me when the to graduate from the University of woman for yielding to me. majority assumed power. We do not Maryland School of Law in 1889. Mr. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- have a full voting representative in Cummings’ career focused on the legal, er, as part of our special hour I would this House. We have no voting rep- educational, and political professions. now like to yield to the gentleman resentative in this House. Does this not He was known as the father of the Col- from Maryland (Mr. Cummings). sound like the Old South? This is the ored Polytechnic Institute because he Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I new capital. This is the capital of the introduced a measure for establishing want to thank the gentlewoman for United States I am talking about. this educational facility and other high There is rage in this town, particu- yielding to me, and I also want to schools for African Americans in this larly because more than 60 percent of thank the gentlewoman from Wash- area. the people are African Americans and ington, D.C. for her words. Politically he was successful in be- have seen their folks down home come There is absolutely no question that coming the first African American to be elected to the Baltimore City Coun- into full citizenship, while in this town she is absolutely right, and we in the cil in 1890. In 1904, he had the distinc- we still exist without the basic rights Congressional Black Caucus and many tion of seconding the nomination of that everybody else takes for granted. others in this great body stand with Theodore Roosevelt at the Republican We saw the Congressional Black Cau- her and behind her. And I want to com- National Convention in Chicago. He re- cus expanded by 50 percent, largely mend her for constantly keeping an ceived acclaim for his speech. In 1907, from people from the old Confederate issue that is so significant and very im- he was again elected to a 4-year term States, sent here by whites and African portant, and one that shows the con- to the Baltimore City Council, rep- Americans; and yet we cannot send a tradictions of this country and what we resenting the 17th ward. He served two full voting Member to this House, even are doing in this Congress, shows it up so clearly. I want to thank her for all additional terms in 1911 and 1915. As a though we pay full Federal income tax. fellow University of Maryland grad- What we have done is to sue in court. that she does every day to keep us aware of the situation that we find our- uate, I am pleased to honor him. And I say to my colleagues, every time I also cite Thurgood Marshall, lawyer an attempt is made to attach a rider to selves in in the very place where we write the laws. So I thank her. and product of a Baltimore black mid- the appropriation of the District of Co- dle class and the impetus for the Civil lumbia, consisting of our money not I want to go on to say, Madam Speaker, that this month, through a Rights movement in the United States. these other Members, democracy is de- Beginning his career, he served as series of Dear Colleague Letters, I sa- famed in the United States. And that is counsel to the Baltimore branch of the luted several famous African American why my colleagues will see me on this NAACP. He argued cases before the Marylanders, and today I rise again to floor and will always see me on this United States Supreme Court 32 times, recognize African Americans from my floor as long as I am a Member of this winning 29 cases. He is probably most House reminding my fellow colleagues home district of Baltimore, Maryland, famous for Brown versus Board of Edu- of that defamation of democracy. The for their significant contributions to cation, which we won in 1954. court suit we have brought intends to the American political and educational rectify this situation, since we have process, and for distinguishing them- b 1500 not been able to get it rectified in this selves as the first African Americans to With this success, doors were opened body. achieve in their chosen professions. ending segregated schools and edu- Some have said that the reason the The recognition of these individuals cational inequalities for African Amer- District has never had its full rights is comes as we nationally observe Black icans. Using the legal process,

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 1636 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 29, 2000 Thurgood Marshall’s legacy was to en- special order and certainly for giving Most recently, Quinn Chapel was one of sure that African Americans would no me the opportunity to share in it with the locations that hosted a regional longer be excluded from participating her and the gentlewoman from Wash- Congressional Black Caucus hearing on in the American fabric because of dis- ington, D.C. (Ms. NORTON) and the gen- law enforcement misconduct. crimination. tleman from Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS). Similarly, the First Baptist Con- When asked for a definition of Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join gregational Church, formally known as ‘‘equal,’’ Marshall stated, ‘‘Equal my colleagues in paying tribute to the the Union Park Congregational means getting the same thing at the rich legacy and heritage that our an- Church, was founded in 1851 under the same time in the same place.’’ cestors have contributed to American leadership of Philo Carpenter. Philo Thurgood Marshall’s achievements life. I want to use the few minutes that Carpenter and a group of 48 abolitionist culminated in his appointment as the I have to pay homage to the African members left the parent church, the Nation’s first African American Su- American church. Third Presbyterian, over the issue of preme Court justice on August 30, 1967. There are many outstanding reli- slavery. The departing members felt Because of his achievements, I have gious institutions in the district that I that the General Assembly had not urged adoption of my resolution urging live and represent, notwithstanding adopted a strong enough position the United States Postal Service to even the one that I hold membership against slavery. Ironically, the church issue a commemorative stamp in his in, the New Galilee Missionary Baptist also served as a stop along the Under- honor because he is immediately de- Church, under the leadership of the ground Railroad. serving of this recognition. Reverend Charlie Murray, where they Carpenter was Chicago’s first drug- Finally, I cite Parren J. Mitchell, a let me serve as a member of the deacon gist, opening a drugstore in a small log native Baltimorean, who represents board sometimes when I am there. home on the bank of the river at the several firsts. He was the first African But I really want to use the few min- point that is now Lake Street. In addi- American to graduate from the Univer- utes that I have to pay homage to two tion to meeting the congregants’ need sity of Maryland Graduate School with other churches, Quinn Chapel African for spirituality, the church was instru- a master’s degree in sociology. Coming Methodist Episcopal Church, under the mental in forming several institutions from a family involved in local politics leadership of Reverend Thomas of higher learning. and community affairs, he embarked Higgonbotham, and the First Baptist Among the black colleges founded by upon an educational, human resources, Congregational Church, under the lead- this church include Dilliard University and political career. He was Maryland’s ership of Dr. Arthur Griffin, both lo- in Louisiana, Fisk University in Ten- first black Representative to the cated in the 7th Congressional District nessee, LeMoyne-Owen College in Ten- United States House of Representatives of Illinois. nessee, Talladega College in Alabama, from Baltimore’s 7th Congressional These two churches have followed the Tougaloo College in Mississippi, and District and one of my predecessors to historical tradition of the black church Huston-Tillotson College in Texas. this body. as being the most stable, viable, and Obviously, these colleges represent Elected to the 92d Congress beginning reliable entity in black life. Through- some of the finest institutions of high- in 1971, he remained in the House for out slavery, segregation, black codes, er education. And so this church like seven succeeding Congresses until 1987. and injustice, the church has served as Quinn Chapel has been instrumental in He enjoyed a successful Congressional the major instrument for hope and for shaping the minds of some of our great- career, serving as chairman of the change. It was the black church that est thinkers and leaders. Committee on Small Business for the produced some of our greatest leaders, I attended a meeting just last week 97th, 98th, and 99th Congresses. He was educators, theologians, scientists, and of another church at the Rock of Ages instrumental in the formation of the administrators. Missionary Baptist Church in May- House Black Caucus, now known as the Quinn Chapel was formed in 1847 wood, Illinois, where Reverend Marvin Congressional Black Caucus, to bring under the leadership of the Reverend Wiley had more than a thousand resi- to the attention of Congress and the George Johnson. The church was dents come out to talk about commu- President of the United States legisla- named in honor of the renowned Bishop nity development. tive concerns primarily affecting Afri- William Paul Quinn. Bishop Quinn was I also take this opportunity to high- can Americans. one of the most prolific circuit-riding light the work of Reverend Bill Win- I am honored to recognize these Afri- preachers in the 1800s who personally ston at the Living Word Christian Cen- can Americans from my district of Bal- organized 97 AME churches, prayer ter in Forest Park, Illinois. timore who were the firsts, who dared bands, and temperance societies. Madam Speaker, these churches have to meet the challenges of their day, It is interesting to note that Quinn all helped to set the standards by who paved the way and opened doors to Chapel’s first community project fo- which other institutions have learned ensure equal opportunities for African cused on the abolition of slavery; and, to live. Even today, they continue to Americans and their succeeding gen- ironically, Quinn Chapel became a stop inspire through the three cornerstones erations. Indeed, they represent a leg- on the Underground Railroad. For over of life: faith, hope, and love. Because of acy that gives us hope and confirma- 150 years during race riots, depressions, the contributions of Quinn Chapel AME tion that African Americans continue recessions, the great Chicago Fire of and First Baptist Congregational, Chi- to succeed and contribute to this won- 1871, and a myriad of other natural dis- cago is indeed a better place in which derful American structure. asters and human crises, African Amer- to live. But more importantly, the As we live today, as we look at our icans came to Quinn Chapel for protec- United States of America and people pasts, and as we look to our future, we tion, information, support, and inspira- throughout the world have benefited can take pride in the rich heritage that tion. from the shining light that has ema- these individuals have bequeathed to Quinn Chapel was the birthplace of nated from these institutions. all of us as Americans. Provident Hospital of Chicago, orga- And so I thank my colleague for the Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- nized by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams in opportunity to share this moment with er, it gives me great pleasure at this 1891. Dr. Williams was the first surgeon her and again commend her for putting time to yield to the gentleman from to successfully operate on a human this special order together. Chicago (Mr. DAVIS). heart, and Provident was the first Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- United States hospital where African er, I thank the gentleman from Illinois er, I thank the gentlewoman very American nurses could be trained and (Mr. DAVIS) and all my other col- much for yielding. employed. leagues for supporting me in this proc- Madam Speaker, I want to first of all In addition, it was Quinn Chapel who ess. thank the gentlewoman from Cali- initiated in 1898 the first known retire- I am expecting a couple more of my fornia (Mrs. JONES) for organizing this ment home for African Americans. colleagues, so I am going to proceed

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 February 29, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 1637 with a few more things that I have in he was in Cleveland and working at Euclid even more importantly, John Morton- front of me until they get here. Road Machinery. Finney was the first teacher to join the It is appropriate today that I recog- Mr. Joiner considered voting not only a staff of Crispus Attucks High School nize or memorialize from the 11th Con- right, but a responsibility. He voted in every primary and general election for 66 years, in- when it was opened in 1927, an African gressional District of Ohio a gentleman cluding the general election of November American school in my district for by the name of Gus Joiner. Mr. Join- 1999. which I am a proud graduate that was er’s funeral is today at the Second Tab- He had been church treasurer, Audit Com- built on the bedlam of racism but in- ernacle Baptist Church in Cleveland, mittee chairman and trustees secretary at deed produced some of the most out- Ohio. Unfortunately, I could not be the Second Tabernacle Baptist Church in standing scholars and noted sportsmen there. But it would be appropriate at Cleveland, where he was a member for more that this country has ever known. than 50 years. In 1972, he was named the this time that I talk a little bit about John Morton-Finney finally had the Mr. Joiner right here on the floor of parish’s Man of the Year. He also was a trustee of the United Black Fund. education center in Indianapolis named the Congress. When his children were younger, Mr. Join- for him after a year of my insistence ‘‘Gus Joiner, a former union orga- er participated in PTA activities at John that began because John Morton- nizer,’’ and this comes from the obit- Hay High School, where he complained about Finney’s work, his life, his legacy is a uary section of the Cleveland Plain the better resources given to the white West hallmark in terms of the contributions Dealer, ‘‘who became chairman of the Side schools. of African Americans in my particular Legislative Committee of the Federa- ‘‘He was an advocate for us if we had any trouble or problem at school,’’ said his district; and it stands there as a beacon tion of Retired Workers in Cleveland, of hope, a beacon of testimony, a bea- died Friday at Hospice of the Western daughter, Margaret of Cleveland. ‘‘That same zeal he used to make sure the little con of illustration of what people can Reserve.’’ person wasn’t trampled, he used to defend be if they decide that that is what they The 90-year-old Cleveland resident spent his children.’’ want to be. his life fighting unfair labor practices, rac- Mr. Joiner and his wife, Mildred, who died ism and injustice. He also encouraged others John Morton-Finney had over 30 15 years ago, raised seven daughters and a earned degrees. He headed up the lan- to stand up for their rights. son. Mr. Joiner, who worked for the Euclid In addition to Margaret, Mr. Joiner is sur- guage department. He was a quasi-sci- Road Machinery Co. from the 1940s to the vived by daughters, Mary Heard, Betty Pitt- entist, quasi-inventor and just a noble, 1970s, once went to court to force the inde- man, Barbara, Victoria and Kathryn, all of noble individual. I am so happy that pendent union at the company to allow non- Cleveland, and Carolyn Williams of Albany, our school board in Indianapolis finally Caucasians into its ranks. Later, he was in- N.Y.; son, Franklin of Cleveland; 12 grand- got around to paying due where due strumental in bringing his fellow workers children; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sis- was certainly earned because in the under the umbrella of the United Auto Work- ter. ers as Local 426. course of an ordinary life, many of us After retiring in 1976, he joined the Federa- I stand here with pride, even on the would leave some things undone, but in tion of Retired Workers and spoke out on be- day of the memorial services of Mr. the life of John Morton-Finney it is a half of senior citizens throughout Greater Joiner, to talk about this wonderful 90- challenge to figure out what in the Cleveland. He showed up at Cleveland City year-old man that I knew all the time world it was that he did not do or what Council committee meetings to share his that I grew up in the city of Cleveland, it was that he left unaccomplished and views on pending legislation and attended as well as part of my public life. I am that is merely one of the qualities of hearings to protest the rising cost of utili- glad that I had the opportunity to get ties. his life so worth celebrating, especially His most recent crusade was to preserve to know him as well as to memorialize in this month of African American his- Madonna Hall, an inner-city nursing home, him in the RECORD of the United States tory celebration for their contribu- as a charitable asset of the State of Ohio. Congress. tions. I want to thank my colleagues Mr. Joiner, chairman of the nursing home’s b 1515 that preceded me and thank the gentle- board until stepping down from the unpaid woman from Ohio specifically for Madam Speaker, it gives me great position in 1997, led the trustees’ battle bringing this to the floor of the United against attempts by the home’s landlords to pleasure to yield to the gentlewoman States Congress, to the ears and eyes of claim ownership and sell the nursing home. from Indiana (Ms. CARSON). America and certainly for allowing lit- ‘‘He was the crusader,’’ said Mary Davis, Ms. CARSON. I thank the gentle- the lawyer who represented him in a lawsuit tle old me from Indianapolis, Indiana woman from Ohio (Mrs. JONES) a mem- filed in conjunction with the case. ‘‘He had a to have just an infinitesimally small ber of this august body for whom I sense of what was right and what was fair. part of this very vital process. have the greatest admiration and the It’s not that often you see somebody willing Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I would like to to risk themselves for what’s right or put respect for in terms of her commitment themselves on the line for what they believe to justice and equality for all people. I thank my colleague for being so mod- in. He was a person of such extraordinary am very happy that my distinguished est but as she sits here she is the one faith that everything is going to work out colleague has allowed me to be just a who had the idea of awarding Rosa OK. When you look at the difficulty of his very brief part of this black history Parks the Gold Medal. life, he turned to joy, thanksgiving and cele- celebration in the month of February Madam Speaker, I await the chair- bration rather than bitterness.’’ man of the CBC, and so I have a poem Mr. Joiner, an Alabama native, was a teen- that was inspired by Carter G. Woodson ager when he started working at a coal com- many years ago, first as the Negro His- that I am going to attempt to do very pany’s coke yard in Virginia. He moved on to tory Week, if you will, and later ex- quickly in his absence. The author is Chicago to work in the stockyards, but was tended to a whole month. Gloria Wade-Gayles. The poem is enti- laid off during the Depression. For a while, It is ironic, I believe, that it is in the tled And The Women Gathered. I think he hopped freight trains and rode the rails in shortest month of the year, that is, the it is appropriate that I do this poem search of work. month of February, given that we have right now because it talks about black In the 1930s, he joined relatives in West so many virtues to extol of so many Af- history and then we are on the brink of Virginia, where he worked in the coal mines the month of March, which happens to and organized labor unions under volatile rican Americans who have done a yeo- circumstances. As a local officer and orga- man’s job in building this great Nation be Women’s History Month as well. nizer with the United Mine Workers out of in which we all enjoy freedom. Very I want to give my best at doing this Fairmount, W. Va., he once chaired the briefly, let me pay a special tribute to piece of poetry. I would also like to speakers’ platform with legendary UMW a young man, a young man who at the give appropriate credit to my former President John L. Lewis at a state conven- age of 108 years old just last year made chief of staff, Marcia Fudge, the na- tion. Mr. Joiner also worked undercover to his transition, Dr. John Morton- tional president of Delta Sigma Theta help organize unions in the western Pennsyl- Sorority Inc., who is now the mayor of vania communities of Johnstown and Finney. Uniontown. At the time of his transition he was Warrensville Heights, Ohio. It is as a During World War II, he worked in the believed to be the oldest practicing at- result of her love of poetry that I even Navy yard in Norfolk, Va. By the mid-1940s, torney in the whole United States. But learned about this particular poem. I

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 1638 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 29, 2000 think Gloria Wade-Gayles does a fabu- bus. Savage beatings, arson, legal har- the concern that impoverished communities, lous job of writing. It is entitled And assment. frequently comprised of people of color, suffer the Women Gathered. Women were there. larger and disproportionate environmental Birmingham, April 3, 1963. AND THE WOMEN GATHERED Bull Connor turns on water hoses and risks compared to other Americans. The envi- (By Gloria Wade-Gayles) unleashes ferocious dogs. Physical vio- ronmental justice movement also concerns in- And the women gathered. lence. Mass arrests. equality, including wealth and income dispari- And the women gathered. Bombings. ties, inadequate schools, gaps in medical And the women gathered. Women were there. services, uneven economic opportunities and Thin women Birmingham, September 15, 1963. investment inequities. Stout women Four young black girls are killed in church In recent years, America has significantly Short women bombing. Mississippi, summer of 1964. improved its air and water quality and reduced Tall women Civil rights activists, blacks and whites in- waste disposal and toxic chemicals. However, Young women vade the State, registering voters es- Not so young women tablishing freedom Schools. the improvements have been uneven and the Flat chested women The South. benefits skewed. These factors cause trou- Big bosomed women During the course of one year, 80 people were bling health problems and threaten all our Women with blue eyes physically assaulted, 30 buildings other progress. The fight for a healthy environ- Green eyes bombed, 1,000 arrested and five mur- ment has been led by many local grassroots Brown eyes dered. leaders. In San Francisco, Linda Richardson Women with silky hair Women were there. has helped lead the fight to address these Curly hair Throughout the movement, problems and achieve environmental justice. Bleached hair Women sang the songs passionately. Permed hair ‘‘We shall not. We shall not be moved. Mrs. Richardson founded Southeast Alliance Graying hair ‘‘Woke up this morning with my mind stayed for Environmental Justice, a San Francisco And the women gathered. on freedom. based environmental organization. She also is Coming by planes ‘‘Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me round, turn a member of the San Francisco Planning Buses me round. Commission and an expert on the impact of Vans ‘‘And before I’ll be a slave, I’ll be buried in environmental pollutants on poor communities. Cars my grave, and go home to the Lord and Her work has demonstrated the importance Trains be free.’’ of implementing safe, healthy, and equitable And strong feet never tired And the women gathered. To gather for freedom In need of empowerment for themselves but environmental policies to bring about environ- Married women they gathered to change the South. mental justice. Thanks to this grassroots work, Divorced women They gathered because women do not sleep Americans now realize that it is no longer tol- Single women through nightmares. erable for pollution and environmental toxins Widowed women We shall not call the roll. to prey heavily on our Nation’s vulnerable pop- The women gathered It is as long as the Nile ulation, including impoverished Americans; mi- Cocoa Where civilization was born. norities; and our children. Cream We shall not call the roll. Despite this realization, too many still take Nut brown The women wore their courage our Nation’s environmental health for granted. Beige And not their names. Caramel It is that way with women. For example, each year, more than 2.2 billion Fudge And so we say. pounds of pesticides are used on crops, Blackberry black Women warriors lawns, and public spaces. Consumers Union As different as the stars that grace the night Trailblazers reports that many children are eating fruits The women gathered Torchbearers and vegetables with unsafe levels of pesticide As one constellation. Activists residues. This residue is dangerous and And the world took notice Thinkers plagues our children at every meal. Our chil- That women are warriors Movers and shakers dren are our most important resource. (Always have been even in the beginning) Dreamers And so they gathered as women will Revolutionaries Mrs. Richardson is committed to ensuring In the very eye of the storm We salute you. that our civil rights include the right to live in Pushing against its fury And we promise a clean and healthy environment. I commend With their own That we will not her work and believe that a nation that pre- And the world took notice Sleep through the nightmares serves its environmental health establishes the That women birth babies Of homelessness, unemployment, foundation for a healthy, stable, and pros- And revolutions Poverty, violence against children, women, perous society. To complement the work of The women gathered men, Ignorance grassroots leaders, my colleagues joined me Ten thousand Rosas inspired by one Oppression of all kinds. You saw them. We promise that to request an increased budget for the Envi- You saw them. A new generation ronmental Protection Agency to employ You saw them. Of women trained staff with a civil rights background. Our You saw them. Will gather. vision cannot be achieved without the com- The world saw them. We are that generation. bined force of private and public sector work Montage from the movement: Headlines Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, as we cele- toward the same goals. Montgomery, Alabama brate Black History Month, there is much to To commemorate Black History Month, we December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a seamstress celebrate. The economic climate is improving should join together to organize, educate, and in Montgomery, Alabama refused to significantly. African American businesses are fight for better environmental, health, edu- surrender her seat to a white man when ordered by a local bus driver. The borrowing, investing, and building capital at cation, and economic outcomes for all Ameri- Montgomery bus boycott begins. record levels. For African Americans, median cans. While we work to adequately fund en- Blacks walk, walk, and walk for free- household income is up, the poverty rate is forcement activities and implement safe envi- dom and dignity. sharply down, and the unemployment rate is ronmental policies, we must also demand Women were there. down to the lowest level on record (8.1 per- funding initiatives in infant mortality, heart dis- Greensboro, North Carolina cent). ease, AIDS, immunizations, cancer screening February 1, 1960. Students sit in at lunch However, despite our economic progress and management to eliminate racial health counters and are refused service. Re- and electoral gains, we still have not achieved disparities. Let’s follow Linda’s success and turn. Are arrested. A wave of sit-ins spreads to 15 cities in five all we can. In addition to the disparity of in- work to implement a more progressive vision southern States. come in our country, one important area we that eliminates environmental injustice. Women were there. must address is environmental justice—a sig- Mr. BISHOP. Madam Speaker, first, I appre- May 4, 1961. The freedom rides begin. Blacks nificant human rights issue for this century. ciate the opportunity to join my colleagues in and whites ride together on a chartered The issue of environmental justice stems from recognizing Black History Month, and I thank

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Congresswoman, JONES for arranging this Their stories all tell us that our country’s Rafer Johnson went on to be a gold medalist year’s Special Order to remember the far- unique diversity has been a great source of and a world decathlon record holder, he also reaching role that black Americans have strength, and should be celebrated. In fact, lived in Dallas. played through the centuries in making our America’s heroes are not limited to any race, Dallas native Bobby Seale went on to lead country what she was, what she is, and what or creed, or gender or national background. tens of thousands of African-Americans toward she will be. We find examples of greatness among all peo- heightened political consciousness. Dallas Our topic is, ‘‘Heritage and Horizons: The ple in this patchwork of cultures that has be- served as a launching pad for James Farmer, African American Legacy and the Challenges come the strongest, freest, and most produc- the noted Congress of Racial Equality leader of the 21st Century.’’ tive nation the world has ever known. and winner of the Presidential Medal of Free- This is a big subject! By observing Black History Month, we learn dom. And as the first black mayor of Dallas, The legacy is certainly big—as so is the more about our history; we celebrate our di- Mayor Ron Kirk continues to lead the city into challenge! versity; and we become inspired and moti- unprecedented economic success. Historian Benjamin Quarles has pointed out vated by Americans who have helped lead the North Dallas has produced extraordinary Af- in his ground-breaking work on black history way toward fulfilling the country’s great prom- rican-Americans. Dallas native Ernie Banks that, except for native American Indians, ise of equality of opportunity and justice for all. set records in baseball and was voted the blacks are the country’s oldest ethnic minority. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. ‘‘Greatest Chicago Cubs Player of All Time’’. In fact, the roots of black Americans sink Madam Speaker, I rise to represent the citi- Austin native Bill Picket was the first black deeper in the histories of the 13 original colo- zens of the Thirtieth Congressional District to working cowboy, and revolutionized the genre nies than any other group from across the At- pay honor and tribute to scores of African- with his unique style of bulldogging. From my lantic. Americans who have paved the way for the birthplace, Waco, TX native Monroe Majors America was born in diversity, and many realization of the American dream. became the first black to practice medicine groups have played a part in the country’s African-American history is American his- west of the Rocky Mountains, and Jules phenomenal growth and development. And the tory. Even before there was a United States, Bledsoe changed the face of opera through part played by Americans of African descent Crispus Attucks became the first American his groundbreaking production, ‘‘Showboat.’’ has been huge. We are just now beginning to martyr when he was killed during the Boston Madam Speaker, I have just scratched the understand the impact that black America has Massacre of 1770, fighting against taxation surface of North Texas African-American con- had on every period in the country’s history. without representation. Over 5,000 black sol- tributions to the American fabric. From Al It’s an historic fact that America could not diers and sailors fought in the American Revo- Lipscomb, who led the fight to make Dallas have emerged as a great world industrial lution, only to be told that they were only elected officials more representative of the power as quickly or as forcefully as she did three-fifths human when the Constitution was populace, to Royce West and John Wiley without the presence of a skilled black labor ratified. Price, who led the fight for justice in Dallas force, or without the contributions made by Africans transplanted to America endured today. As I look to the dawn of a new century, black Americans in every field, including the centuries of oppression, beginning before they I am proud to be a part of America’s es- sciences, technology, exploration, business, even set foot on the American shore. The mid- teemed legacy of African-American achieve- religion, government and politics, the military, dle passage was a terrible, often fatal voyage ment. the arts, and in all aspects of our society. of slaves from Africa to the New World. Afri- Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise As I took the floor this evening, I found my- cans were herded like livestock into the lower today on the last day of Black History Month self thinking of Henry Flipper. decks of a ship, where they were shackled to- to share with you a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther Some of you will recognize the name Henry gether in inhumane conditions, fed only sub- King, Jr. The remarks to follow were given by Flipper—who was born in Thomasville, Geor- stance portions, and thrown overboard in my good friend and esteemed colleague, Rep- gia, which is located in an area of southwest shark infested waters if they got sick, weak, or resentative JOHN SPRATT from the Fifth Con- Georgia that I have the privilege of rep- the weight of the ship was simply too heavy. gressional District of South Carolina. Rep- resenting—is remembered as the first black Once here, they were subjected to every op- resentative SPRATT’s remarks on the late Dr. graduate of West Point, who went on to serve pressive tactic known to man, from the spirit King bring a very refreshing and much-needed with distinction as a young military officer on breaking submission demanded on the planta- view on the subject of America and where we the western frontier, and who was wrongly tion, to the family breaking practice of slave ought to be heading as we enter the new Mil- forced out of the service on the basis of false breeding and trading, to the mind numbing lennium. Our home State of South Carolina is charges, even though he had been fully exon- laws forbidding slave education. involved in a national debate, as I’ve spoken erated from those charges. Yet, even in the days when it seemed that about recently, regarding the confederate bat- When he died in Atlanta in 1940, he was a ‘‘hope unborn had died’’, Africans in America tle flag flying atop the Statehouse in Columbia. forgotten man, and was buried in an un- reached amazing heights of achievement in all Were we all to read Representative SPRATT’s marked grave. But, in recent years, historians areas of endeavor, from science and medicine remarks and take them into close consider- have dug more deeply into his life. And what to politics and education, from Benjamin ation, we might be one step closer to under- they have found is truly remarkable. Banneker and Daniel Hale Williams to Shirley standing the past and moving towards the fu- In spite of his bitter setback in the Army, Chisholm and Martha Collins. Over stony ture that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned historians have learned that he made enor- roads, African-Americans have trod over the for our nation. mous contributions to America’s growth in the obstacles to success, each time redefining the Madam Speaker, I submit for the RECORD late 1800’s and early 1900’s. He helped de- American Dream as they fought on to victory. the following remarks given by Representative velop the railroad in the West. He had a pio- I would like to take this special opportunity JOHN SPRATT on January 17, 2000, at the Mt. neering role in developing the oil industry. As to highlight the enormous contribution to Afri- Prospect Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South an engineer, inventor, surveyor, and, later in can-American history, and thus, American his- Carolina. his career, as a top advisor to the U.S. Sec- tory, by African-Americans from Texas, and, in TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.— retary of the Interior, he played a big part in many cases, from my district. Maynard Jack- REMARKS OF U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JOHN the country’s Westward expansion. son, who went on to become the first and one SPRATT, MT. PROSPECT BAPTIST CHURCH, Although born in servitude, he helped of the most successful mayors of Atlanta, was ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA, JANUARY 17, change the face of America. born in Dallas in 1938. As mayor of Atlanta, 2000 There are countless examples of African- he laid the foundation for the new South’s Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January Americans who have made a real impact on centerpiece city by ensuring that all races 15, 1929. He was 26, in the pulpit of Dexter the country’s history. Henry Flipper is just one were allowed to take part in Atlanta’s eco- Avenue Baptist Church less than two years, of many great black leaders produced by my nomic opportunity. when he was drafted to lead the Montgomery bus boycott. He was 39 the night he told the own state of Georgia. Dr. Martin Luther King, ‘‘Blind’’ Lemon Jefferson used Dallas as a sanitation workers in Memphis that God had Jr. is another. As the leading figure in the Civil base to launch an extraordinary blues career, taken him up on the top of the mountain and Rights Movement, he played a big role in the during which he made over 100 recordings of let him see the promised land. ‘‘Mine eyes transformation that took place in our country in his intricate melodic rhythms and influenced have seen the glory of the coming of the the middle of the 20th Century. countless artists, including B.B. King. Before Lord,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m not fearing any man.’’

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 1640 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 29, 2000 He would have been 71 on Saturday, had he Lyndon Johnson explained why this day willingness to suffer, their amazing dis- lived. But the next day in Memphis, he matters long before it was ever designated, cipline in the midst of almost inhuman prov- stepped out onto the deck of the Lorraine thirty-five years ago. The week after Bloody ocation’’ that gave us the Civil Rights Act of Motel, and a gunman, filled with the venom Sunday in Selma, Alabama, LBJ addressed 1964. he had tried all his life to pacify, fired a rifle the nation on television. John Lewis had Among the early protesters was a young bullet through his jaw, and killed him in- been beaten into the ground after crossing woman named Diane Nash, an organizer of stantly. the Edmund Pettus Bridge, but he was SNCC. At the time of the Rock Hill sit-ins, American history is pock-mocked with vio- watching, and as LBJ spoke, his spirit SNCC was in dire financial straits, and meet- lence, but it is also marked by turning soared. This, he says, was the ‘‘strongest ing to discuss how they could keep going. points where God gave us great leaders who civil rights speech any president ever made.’’ One of the Friendship protesters, Tom steered us in the right direction. George LBJ began by saying, ‘‘At times history Gaither, used the single phone call allowed Washington was one. Abraham Lincoln, an- and fate meet at a single place to shape a him at the jail to call SNCC collect in At- other. Franklin Roosevelt lifted us out of the turning point in man’s unending search for lanta. Gaither called to tell SNCC that the Depression, assuring us we had ‘‘nothing to freedom. So it was at Lexington and Con- Friendship students didn’t want bail and fear but fear itself.’’ Martin Luther King, Jr. cord. So it was a century ago at Appomattox. wouldn’t be asking SNCC for bond money. called us to ‘‘rise up and live out the true So it was last week at Selma, Alabama.’’ They were going to serve out their thirty meaning of our creed, that all men are cre- ‘‘Rarely,’’ he said, ‘‘in any time does an days in jail. This became a precedent for the ated equal.’’ issue lay bare the heart of America itself whole movement, and so inspired SNCC that There were Americans then, and there are . . . But the issue of equal rights for Amer- four of those at the meeting in Atlanta drove Americans now, who have never understood ican Negroes is such an issue. Should we de- to Rock Hill, sat-in at McCrory’s, and joined that Dr. King was speaking to them when he feat every enemy, should we double our the Friendship Nine in the county jail. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. wealth and conquer the stars, and still be un- Diane Nash was among them, and today, But surely everyone can be thankful for this: equal to this issue, we will have failed as a she issues us a caveat. She says that ‘‘the that when African-Americans demanded people and as a nation.’’ movement made Martin rather than Martin their rights, they did not rally behind a lead- After thirty-five years, LBJ’s words still making the movement.’’ She says this not to er filled with bitterness and belligerence; ring true. The stakes are the same, and fail- diminish Dr. King, but so that ‘‘young people they turned to this man who told his fol- ure is not an option. That’s why this holiday will not think that this was his movement, lowers, ‘‘The means we use must be as pure and what it’s about are vitally important, and say ‘I wish we had a Martin Luther King as the ends we seek.’’ not just to African-Americans but to all today to lead us . . . If people know how the Langston Hughes wrote, ‘‘We too sing Americans. movement started and why it succeeded,’’ America,’’ but it was Martin King, Jr. who Last spring, I went with my colleague and says Diane Nash, ‘‘they will be more likely showed how. He brought audiences to their friend, John Lewis, on a pilgrimage to to ask the right question, which is: ‘What feet merely by reciting ‘‘My Country ‘Tis of Selma, and to Birmingham and Montgomery. can I do?’ ’’ Thee.’’ In a voice that sounded like the We prayed in the church in Birmingham, Every community needs stories of sublime trumpet of Gideon, he called on America to where the lives of four girls were cruelly cut courage, discipline, and principle like these. let freedom ring, and all who heard it never short by dynamite, exploded in the midst of These are our epic poems, and we should be forgot it. At his funeral, they called him ‘‘a warrior a Sunday morning worship. We sat in the telling them and teaching them because they for peace.’’ A leader willing to die for his pews at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, and build respect; they show us we are stronger cause but not willing to kill. A protester who listened to Dr. King tell his congregation than we think; they inspire our better selves. was also a peacemaker. A black man, of an during the bus boycott: ‘‘The tension in this Those who want to keep the Confederate oppressed people, who reached out to every- city is not between white people and black flag flying over our Capitol claim it as their one, even his enemies, because his objective people. The tension is, at bottom, between heritage. But Confederate veterans served in was not to win but to reconcile. He was a justice and injustice, between the forces of the General Assembly from 1866 to the early Nobel Prize winner who could have become a light and the forces of darkness.’’ And on the 1920s, and never resolved to raise their old messianic figure, and preached in pulpits all anniversary of Bloody Sunday, we marched, battle flag over the dome of the Capitol. If over the country, but he chose to go to his arm-in-arm, across the Edmund Pettus we want to preserve our heritage, what about death marching with the garbagemen of Bridge. the motherlode of heritage in the civil rights Memphis. On the way back, a reporter asked why I movement? In a country where there is too His greatest achievement was, in his had made the trip, and I told him I thought much violence in the home, in the schools, words, ‘‘a method of struggle that made it everyone should come to Birmingham and on the streets, here is a rich history of non- possible to stand up against an unjust sys- Selma. Everyone should know the Edmund violence worth our study. tem and fight it with all your might, yet Pettus Bridge as well as Concord Bridge in Every school child in South Carolina never stoop to violence and hatred in the Massachusetts; and everyone should know should know stories like these. They should process.’’ He gave Gandhi credit for helping what happened in Kelly-Ingram Park as well know the story of those black children in him understand the philosophy of nonviolent as what happened on Lexington Green. Clarendon County who walked miles to protest. But he believed that this spirit was If you fast forward thirty-five years from school every day, as busses full of white chil- rooted in the black church, in three cen- LBJ’s speech, you have to say we have come dren passed them by. They should not study turies of Christian stoicism when African- a long way. Dr. King’s mission is far from South Carolina history without learning the Americans were gripped in bondage. finished; but that doesn’t make the accom- name of Levi Briggs and those brave parents In the dark days of the Montgomery Bus plishments of the civil rights movement any who put their lives on the line to correct this Boycott, Martin Luther King, Jr. told his less momentous. We should not let ourselves inequity, and went on to the Supreme Court congregation at Dexter Avenue Baptist or our children diminish what was achieved with Briggs v. Elliott. They should know the Church, ‘‘You who protest courageously, yet in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, or say that race re- twisted road to school integration and the with dignity and Christian love, when the lations are no better now than then. We grew quiet heroes, like Matthew Perry and Judge history books are written in the future, the up in the segregated South. We know better. Waring, who helped clear the way. historian will have to say, ‘There was a great And besides, we have to remember how far We should teach character, teach it by tell- people, a black people, who injected new we’ve come because it inspires us to keep ing the stories of Rosa Parks and Levi meaning and dignity into the veins of civili- going. We should remember Philip Randolph, Briggs, John Lewis, and the Friendship Nine. zation.’ ’’ telling the Judiciary Committee that ‘‘when And while we are at it, we should preach per- This national holiday is not created out of Negro Americans travel the highways of this sistence, to our children and ourselves. For magnanimity. It is created out of respect for country, we are stalked by humiliation.’’ one of our country’s virtues has been our ca- a people who have earned it, to honor a man And remember how Rosa Parks, a seamstress pacity to struggle endlessly with our prob- who belongs with the greatest American in Montgomery, helped put an end to that in- lems, and never be completely satisfied with leaders. dignity. When we think there is little we as our solutions. We have to keep seeking solu- We honor only two other Americans with ordinary citizens can do, heroines like Rosa tions; and even if we never see closure, never national holidays bearing their names: Parks remind us we are wrong. give up in the search for a society that George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I They remind us also that Martin Luther matches our ideals and principles. In the am proud to say I voted for law designating King, Jr. would have accomplished little or realm of racial justice and equality, progress this day, but I will be first to admit that all nothing, but for those who stood behind him has been slow, and it has been uneven, but it does is make the third Monday in January and those who charged ahead, as shock we have not just been spinning our wheels in a legal holiday. This can become just an- troops of the movement. They were ordinary a rut of racism. We have made progress. other ‘‘day off’’ unless we make it ‘‘a day Americans like Dub Massey and Jim Wells Look, for instance, at the difference the on,’’ a time to reach into our souls and ask and the Friendship Nine. But it was, in Dr. Voting Rights Act has made. Take the Con- what we can do to make the dream a reality. King’s words, ‘‘their sublime courage, their gress. In 1965, John Lewis was spearheading

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 February 29, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 1641 SNCC, in the streets protesting. Today he is of it, so that we can get on with far more im- Congressional Black Caucus very much for in the Congress, Chief Deputy Whip on the portant tasks, because time is running short. their leadership on this very special order and Democratic side. He serves there alongside 38 Halfway through this new century, our popu- tribute to black history and appreciate tremen- other African-Americans, Jim Clyburn lation is expected to hit 400 million. Fifty- among them, the first black elected to Con- three percent will be white. Twenty-five per- dously these members who have joined me on gress from South Carolina since 1896. Charlie cent will be Hispanic, 14 percent will be the floor of the House to acknowledge this Rangel of New York is another; if Democrats black, 9 percent Asian, and one percent very special month. gain control of the House in the next elec- American Indian. Our existence as a people I am thrilled to stand here on the House tion, Charlie will take the chair of the House is moving toward a level of complexity the floor as an American and as an African-Amer- Ways and Means Committee, the most pow- world has never seen before. In the 21st Cen- ican Member of Congress. In the 211 years of erful committee in Congress. tury, the United States will be the world’s Congressional history there have been only America is better for all Americans, but it nation; the American canvass will be painted 105 African-American Members of Congress. is still not what it ought to be; and old sym- with colors from every shade of the earth. 101 African-Americans have been elected to bols, like the flag flying over our Capitol, are Surely, we do not want this racially more too much to be dismissed as mere ‘‘vestiges diverse America to be a racially more di- the House of Representatives, and only 4 of the past.’’ We stand on the doorstep of vided America. have been elected to the Senate. I am boldly America’s fourth century, three hundred Surely, we want the world to look to able to stand here today, Madam Speaker, be- years from the day the first African slave set America in this century, as it did in the last, cause other courageous and brave African- foot on this soil, and we cannot say this is and see that future works, see many races American pioneers stood valiantly before me. the country we want it to be. not only surviving but thriving, richer as a During Black History Week, but most impor- Dr. King liked to say that he wanted more culture and as a country because of our dif- tantly throughout the year, I am reminded of ferences. than ‘‘just physical proximity with no spir- the legendary achievements that have paved itual affinity.’’ He wanted a country where Two years ago, I went to Bosnia to visit ‘‘not only elbows but hearts rub together.’’ our troops in a forlorn place, ripped asunder the way for my colleagues and I. We cannot say that we are such a society, by ethnic warfare. When I landed at Tuzla, I This year marks the first Black History nor can we say that we will become one by was met by Major General Morgan, an Afri- Month celebration of the 21st Century. Appro- laissez-faire policies, benign neglect, or mere can-American, who commanded our troops priately, the Association for the Study of Afri- evolution. Martin Luther King, Jr. warned us there. When I went to Sarajevo, I was met by can American Life and History has labeled years ago from his cell in the Birmingham General Shinseki, a Japanese-American, who ‘‘Heritage and Horizon—The African American jail that ‘‘human progress never rolls in on commanded the entire NATO mission. I Legacy and Contributions of the 21st Century’’ wheels of inevitability. It comes from the doubt that any racial message was intended by the assignment of these two officers. But as the theme for this year’s celebration. I think tireless, persistent efforts of men willing to you will agree, African-Americans have played be co-workers with God. I have to tell you, I was proud to see my Now that we have reached certain goals, I country making that statement in that eth- an integral part in the development and pros- think we need a higher goal. Americans have nic-torn part of the world. And I believe that perity of our nation. Tonight, I would like my always believed that we have, in the words of America can cast that beacon, that sign of remarks to reflect the rich legacy of the Afri- Franklin D. Roosevelt, a rendezvous with hope, that message of racial harmony, all can-American experience, and its relationship destiny. At a time when most people in the over the world. to American history. world lived barely above the level of ani- How do we plot the route to an interracial Seventy-four years ago, a bold and daring mals, Americans showed that government of society over the next fifty years? Well, there are lots of ways. But on the map of racial scholar had a vision to honor the Legacy of the people is the only government for the African-Americans. As you know, this leg- people. We showed that when church and progress, education is the name of almost state are separated, both fare better. We every road. Almost all studies come to one endary scholar, Carter G. Woodson founded showed that when people from countries like conclusion: education is our best solution what was then called ‘‘Black History Week.’’ Ireland are liberated from strife and preju- and our greatest challenge. Now, our nation celebrates the entire month of dice, they thrive in a tolerant land. We For one thing, the public schools right now February as Black History Month. And if I showed that free education, made available have a racial or ethnic composition com- might quote my 14-year-old son Jason Lee, to all, is like a rising tide; it lifts all the parable to what the whole nation will look ‘‘we should not be regulated even by a month, like in 2020. The school age population is 66 boats in a society. We showed that people for African American history is a history of a can come from the simplest backgrounds, percent white, 15 percent black, 14 percent Hispanic, and 4 percent Asian. The future of people and the history of America.’’ like Martin Luther King, Jr., the grandson of So I would hope that as we take to the floor slaves and sharecroppers, and give birth to diversity in this country will depend heavily great things. on how well the schools work out the issues of the House on the last day of this month, my Now that the barriers that segregated us of full and equal inclusion. colleagues will join me in additional days in have been removed, our challenge, and I In saying this, I am not shifting the burden which we will spend talking about African think God’s purpose for us, is to show the onto teachers and school administrators. I American history, and I would hope that we world—from Belfast to Bosnia, from Cape am speaking to all of us as parents, to would begin to explain to the American people churches, to people, to the whole commu- Town to East Timor, that different races and how intimately woven this history is with Amer- ethnic groups need not cripple and debilitate nity. All of us have to pitch in and make our public schools second to none, up to the chal- ica. As we recall African-American history, we a country; they can make a country richer should not be afraid to say that it is American and stronger; that we can not only co-exist, lenge of educating every child to the limit of but thrive on our differences. his potential. history, and we should not be afraid to recount This is our heritage, and it should be our Which brings me to my last point. Ameri- it over and over again, not out of hatred or mission, our creed, our high calling. If as a cans need to realize that though we came hatefulness, but out of the need to educate people we can embrace this goal, we can over here on different ships, we are all in the and to allow this country to move forward and same boat now. The burden of change should make our country that shining city on a hill to build upon the richness of its diversity and that the Puritans set out to build three hun- not rest on African-Americans alone. The burden should rest on all of us if we believe to solve some of the very problems that we dred years ago. We can make our country the confront today. country Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed of, our creed. In that connection, let me commend the African-American history is rightfully re- ‘‘where justice rolls down like waters and City of Rock Hill, the Council, and Mayor righteousness like a mighty stream.’’ counting the contributions of great Americans. Doug Echos, in particular, for sponsoring Our goal does not have to be a completely Americans who dared to change not only their ‘‘No Room for Racism,’’ and for your resolu- color-blind, totally homogenized society. individual community, but also their sur- tion on the Flag. That’s too utopian, and frankly, I think, too rounding nation. As I recall the legacy of Afri- No Room for Racism may be mostly dia- bland. I think our richness as a people de- logue, but I believe it is dialogue that we can-Americans, I remember the brave and rives from our differences. I think it is need I believe that efforts like this can blos- bold leaders of our past. There is no shortage enough to strive for a plural, multi-racial so- som, so that one day, ours is country where of articulate, influential African-American lead- ciety, where the visible differences of race, all sing America. And I believe it is God’s ers in our nation’s history. These individuals color, and culture no longer carry the stigma purpose, Dr. King’s dream, and our duty to of somehow not being a full-fledged Amer- influenced both the African-American commu- make it just that. ican. nity and our society at large in powerful ways If we make this our goal, we can put the Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam as they fought to win freedom, fair treatment, flag flying over our State Capitol in perspec- Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Black and better lives for all of America. For exam- tive. It’s a wedge issue, and we need to be rid History Month. I thank my colleagues of the ple, brave men like Nat Turner, Gabriel

VerDate May 21 2004 17:37 Aug 04, 2004 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR00\H29FE0.000 H29FE0 1642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 29, 2000 Prosser, and Denmark Vesey, who organized tion programs, affirmative action, the Voter’s though in the first 10 years, every Head and led doomed but valiant slave rebellions Rights Act, reparations for African-Americans, Start study indicated that it was not against brutal slave owners. Abolitionists like racial profiling, equitable funding for Histori- doing what we had intended it to do. Frederick Douglas and Sojourner Truth, who cally Black College and Universities, equitable Instead of being a program to have pre- undermined the institution of slavery by speak- training and funds to children for access to the schoolers become reading ready and ing, writing, and lobbying against it—at consid- Internet, and a multitude of other critical school ready, it turned out to be a pov- erable personal risk. And brave individuals like issues are concerns that Americans must join erty jobs program, it turned out to be Harriet Tubman, who risked her life and her together and combat. If America embraces Af- a baby-sitting program. And it was so hard-won freedom to return to slave-holding rican-American History as American History, obvious because we were talking about states to lead other African-Americans north to we would go so much further in solving these quantity, how many children could we freedom along the Underground Railroad. And problems and many other critical problems. cover rather than quality, and every the Civil War, where over 200,000 African- In closing, I strongly feel that all Americans time I would say, ‘‘But if you’re cov- American men fought in the Union Army and must have a better understanding of each ering those children with mediocrity, Navy—to free their enslaved brethren, and other. Our rich diversity has been (at the same you’re not helping them at all.’’ prove that African-Americans too were com- time) the reason for our continued struggles First let me talk a little bit about mitted to Democracy and the preservation of and progress. We must learn each other’s his- what all Americans can agree upon in America. tory! African-American history must be the relationship to a basic education pol- And in the early 1900s, African-Americans kind of history that is living; that is accepted; icy. All Americans agree that a high like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, that is widespread; and that all people can un- quality education for their children is and Mary Church Terrell shaped attitudes derstand. This great nation must embrace this important. All Americans agree that within the African-American community and rich history of the past and the present, and safe schools, good discipline, high aca- won the respect of all Americans across the use it as a guide for reshaping America’s fu- demic standards, parental involvement country. Also, Marcus Garvey led what was la- ture. and responsibility, well-prepared beled the Black Nationalist movement and Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- teachers, appropriate school buildings, fought institutional racism in the United States. er, I thank my colleagues for this op- access to higher education and training In the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s, A. Philip Ran- portunity to present issues with regard and assistance for children with special dolph worked to organize African-American to Black History Month this year. Our needs are certainly worthy objectives. workers and end the division of the labor theme again was Heritage, Horizons, Most Americans agree that decisions movement along racial lines. He also worked Accepting the Challenges of the 21st on local school policy should be deter- diligently to end discrimination in the military Century. mined locally. Most Americans agree and the government. f that equitable funding for our schools And after World War II, African-American is ideal. Most Americans agree that the leaders like Charles Hamilton Houston, Wil- ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGISLA- role of the Federal Government is lim- liam Henry Hastie, A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., TIVE AGENDA OF REPUBLICAN ited but necessary. Now, where do we, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Adam CONGRESS REGARDING EDU- the Republican majority, disagree with Clayton Powell, Jr., and Malcolm X made sig- CATION the administration? The problem be- nificant marks on American history—in our The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. gins when we talk about you how do we courts, our schools, our government, our poli- EMERSON). Under the Speaker’s an- achieve these goals. tics, and in foreign affairs. African-American nounced policy of January 6, 1999, the The President believes that the Fed- women like Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chis- gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. eral Government should create a new holm, and Barbara Jordan, one of my personal GOODLING) is recognized for 60 minutes program for every identifiable edu- heroes, broke old barriers and won the re- as the designee of the majority leader. cation problem. So in his State of the spect of millions of Americans for integrity, Mr. GOODLING. Madam Speaker, I Union address, he said, hire more their intelligence, their dedication, and their rise today to talk about the accom- teachers. This is the Federal Govern- professional accomplishments. plishments of the Republican Congress ment speaking. Establish Federal ac- This recitation of African-American leaders with respect to education and to ad- countability measures. End social pro- is by no means all-inclusive! In fact, it touches dress areas where we believe the ad- motion, provide afterschool and sum- upon only a few of the vast amount of African- ministration is simply wrong in the mer school support. Shut down schools American leaders who have shaped this coun- proposals that they put forward for im- that do not perform, require teachers try’s history and added to the legacy of Afri- proving education in this country. to have majors in the subjects they can-American accomplishments in America. I The recent budget submission by the teach, require local school report mention these names to merely observe the President included the same old pat- cards, offer parents a choice of public fact that African-Americans have always tern of creating new programs where schools their children attend. It took played an integral part in the history of the Washington is in control and the peo- him a long time to get to that point. United States. ple who know best at the State and Support more charter schools. Require As part of this annual observation of Black local level are left out of the decision- consistent discipline policies, and pro- History Month, it is vital to remind America making process. Before I came to the vide funds to build or modernize local that in the face of racism, discrimination, and Congress of the United States, I was a schools. violence, many African-Americans have high school principal and then a super- Now, we agree with many of the changed the very fabric of this nation. I would intendent of schools, and I was both goals that the President has outlined. like to stress that all of America can draw during the time when the well-inten- Where we disagree is that creating a great satisfaction and strength from this his- tioned programs of the 1960s, coming new program every time you think you tory. It is important, because as we embrace from the Federal Government, back to have an identifiable problem will not this history, it provides not only inspiration for local educators, were supposed to have solve the problem, particularly if it is African-Americans, but also all of America on closed the achievement gap. coming from Washington, D.C. with a the dawn of the 21st Century. It was very obvious that it was not one size fits all for the local school dis- Madam Speaker, I believe that we must going to happen. So when I came to the tricts. So we agree with many of the speak about African-American history through- Congress, I knew what was wrong, I goals the President has outlined, but out the year, because there are still many bar- thought I knew how to fix it, but it was we do disagree with the need to create riers that America has yet to hurdle and face very, very difficult to talk about qual- new programs every year to address at the dawn of the 21st century. America has ity. It was very difficult to talk about these goals. not accepted in a collective and collaborative giving flexibility to local districts who Why do we disagree? First of all, we fashion that African American history is a his- knew better how to make the changes have to understand that States and tory of America. Issues that impact our com- than we did in Washington. And so for local communities are so far ahead of munities such as increased funding for nutri- 20 years, not very much changed. Even us when it comes to school reform, way

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