Victor Fazio: “I am pleased to join my colleagues once again to honor the historical contributions of Black America and to commemorate…”

“I am pleased to join my colleagues once again to honor the historical contributions of Black America and to commemorate Black History Month. The celebration of Black History Month began in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson first conceived the idea of a week dedicated to the observation of black history. The celebration of Black History Month is fostered by the valuable contributions that African-Americans have made and continue to make to this country. Black History Month allows us all to recognize the importance of our heritage and understand that much more work has yet to be done. Madam Speaker, because the 1994 theme of Black History Month is Empowering African-American Organizations, I cannot help but cite the outstanding job that Mr. Kevin Johnson, all-star guard for the Phoenix Suns, has done in Sacramento with the creation of his St. Hope Academy for young people. I believe that St. Hope represents the very essence of community empowerment.”