Christopher Shays: “Mr. Speaker, February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month. It is the time when we take time to honor the…”

“Mr. Speaker, February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month. It is the time when we take time to honor the commitments and struggles of African Americans and try to understand their struggles. It is only fitting that during this month we honor a man whose perseverance and dedication to his community and fellow African Americans broke through and broke down historic barriers. On August 3, 1863, Scipio Africanus Jones was born in Smith Township, Arkansas. His mother had been a slave. Scipio Jones attended black schools in the area and then moved to Little Rock to attend preparatory courses at Philander Smith College. From there he earned his Bachelor's Degree from North Little Rock's Bethel University, now known as Shorter College. But his interest in education did not stop there. He recognized the continuing struggle African Americans face in achieving equal rights, and knew he could contribute through Arkansas' legal system.”