Political Quotes

“I asked for this time today because I felt as we finish up the month of February, Black History Month, it would be appropriate for this body to take a step back into history and remember the pioneering African American Members of this body as well as two men from my State, Illinois, who fought against the practice of slavery. Mr. Speaker, the Members may not know this, but of the first 19 African American Members of the House, each and every one of them was a Republican. And of the 19 black House pioneers, most were freed slaves. My time only allows me this evening just to mention a few of them because I think they each have very impressive stories and records of serving this country and working towards the goal of civil rights for all. The first African American to serve in the House was Joseph H. Rainey from South Carolina. Mr. Rainey's parents, Edward and Gracey, were slaves when their son was born in 1832 in Georgetown, South Carolina.”