Steny Hoyer: “as we honor Black History Month fifty years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, one would think…”

“as we honor Black History Month fifty years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, one would think that we would be able to celebrate the end of the ``separate but equal'' doctrine and laud the accomplishments of America's black community. There is no doubt that we have come a long way from the days of Jim Crow and segregated schools, but the ``separate but equal'' doctrine did not disappear with the waving of a magic wand by the courts fifty years ago. Today, in some instances, it seems to be one accepted by the current White House. The President's Fiscal Year 2005 Budget released earlier this month is a potent example of this Administration's willingness to tolerate two Americas. But now, like then, the doctrine is better characterized as ``separate and not equal.'' Instead of celebrating the achievements of black entrepreneurs like Madame C.J. Walker, Earl Graves and Bob Johnson, I am obligated by the economic plight of many black Americans to discuss how the President's economic policies are failing minority communities.”