Gregory Meeks: “this month, as we celebrate the achievements of African Americans to our great country, I find this resolution most…”

“this month, as we celebrate the achievements of African Americans to our great country, I find this resolution most appropriate to recognize the hard work of African American legislators and the world's greatest legislative body, the United States Congress. As we do today, African Americans have always been the conscience of the Congress, fighting for people and communities that have traditionally had no voice in these hallowed halls, championing for the protection of civil rights of all people. This book will give a historic illustration of the tireless work black Members of Congress made during the post-Civil War era to the last decade in the 20th century, arguably the most crucial period in our country's history. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today as a proud Member of Congress, because of the work of black pioneers who served in this body at the turn of the century through the civil rights movement and right on up to today. Mr. Speaker, I know from looking at the first edition of the book that I stand here as only the 98th Member of Congress who happens to be of African descent.”