Bob Schaffer: “Mr. Speaker, today draws a close to February, which is Black History Month. Officially implemented in 1976, this…”

“Mr. Speaker, today draws a close to February, which is Black History Month. Officially implemented in 1976, this month-long celebration is a time for Americans to reflect on the historical contributions of African Americans and the teachings of African Americans whose contributions remain little-known. February was chosen as Black History Month because Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln have birthdays during this month. Mr. Speaker, in order to help fulfill the two important goals of Black History Month, it is appropriate to direct Congress and the attention of the American people to the history and contributions of African Americans in the West. In my district, Colorado, there was once a unique African American prairie settlement called Dearfield. It was located about 25 miles Southwest of Greeley, Colorado. Dearfield is one of the best examples of an African American agricultural colony in the Nation. Today, all that remains of Dearfield are a few old outbuildings, some old foundations, and a few fence rows. Not only is Dearfield a unique and fine example of an all African- American settlement, but Dearfield blends insight into the history of African Americans.”