Sanford Bishop: “first, I appreciate the opportunity to join my colleagues in recognizing Black History Month, and I thank Congresswoman…”

“first, I appreciate the opportunity to join my colleagues in recognizing Black History Month, and I thank Congresswoman, Jones for arranging this year's Special Order to remember the far-reaching role that black Americans have played through the centuries in making our country what she was, what she is, and what she will be. Our topic is, "Heritage and Horizons: The African American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century." This is a big subject! The legacy is certainly big--as so is the challenge! Historian Benjamin Quarles has pointed out in his ground-breaking work on black history that, except for native American Indians, blacks are the country's oldest ethnic minority. In fact, the roots of black Americans sink deeper in the histories of the 13 original colonies than any other group from across the Atlantic. America was born in diversity, and many groups have played a part in the country's phenomenal growth and development. And the part played by Americans of African descent has been huge. We are just now beginning to understand the impact that black America has had on every period in the country's history.…”