Sheila Jackson Lee: “This is a commemoration of African American History Month. It is a vital month. It is a month that tells America's…”

“This is a commemoration of African American History Month. It is a vital month. It is a month that tells America's history. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a distinguished American, Dr. Thomas Freeman, who has been a faculty member at Texas Southern University now for more than half a century. Dr. Freeman is the leading orator of the university, the leading storyteller. He is the instructor of the Honorable Barbara Jordan, my predecessor. He taught her the skills to be able to sit before the Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of Richard Milhous Nixon and say, ``We, the people.'' He is the individual that has taught and tutored decades of students--tens upon tens--from a school that is a historically Black school and called and taught his students to be successful in debates around the world. He is a history maker. He is now close to 100 years old. He is deserving of honor and tradition. I close, Mr. Speaker, by saying, in our community, he is the tiller and the holder of the values of the Constitution. I know that he deserves honor on this floor. Dr. Freeman, I salute you. You deserve the honor and recognition as a great American. ____________________”