On the recordFebruary 2, 2023
As we begin the month of February that has been designated to not only educate but to embrace and confirm the wonderment of America's diversity, as we would in every single important aspect of American life, and it is from our Native Americans to our immigrants of the 1800s and 1900s and even today. African Americans have their own special history, and so it is very important to rise today to speak specifically about H.R. 40, the Commission to Study Slavery and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act. That legislation should be passed. It should be an executive order. It connotes the trajectory of the history of those who fought in every war, who shed their blood for this Nation, but walked in a second-class citizenship, but yet come today to educate and to have people embrace the richness of their history so that we can reconcile and heal. That is what the Commission to Study Slavery and Develop Reparation Proposals is. It is about repairing. Added to that is the Emancipation National Historic Trail, which would create a historic pathway from Galveston to Houston to talk about the pathway of slaves. Mr. Speaker, we are one country with many voices. Let us all be heard. ____________________
