Sheila Jackson Lee: “I rise this morning to engage in a limited, but hopefully important, discussion about America's history and to encourage…”

“I rise this morning to engage in a limited, but hopefully important, discussion about America's history and to encourage my colleagues for collaboration. It is in reference to H.R. 40, the Commission to Study Slavery and Develop Reparation Proposals. I stand on the perspective of how important it is for us to engage in dialogue. We are hearing across America that Americans are frightened about the discussion of our differences. This land was first held by the indigenous people, Native Americans. Every other group came to America, whether or not you are of European heritage, Hispanic heritage, Asian-Pacific, Southeast Asian, or whether you are African heritage. As a descendant of enslaved Africans, we are the only group that came as slaves to this country and held in bondage for over 200 years. You have not seen African Americans refuse their patriotism, refuse to serve. We have served in every war since the Revolutionary War. You have never seen African Americans refuse to shed blood for the freedom of this country or to wear the uniform. You have not seen us shy away from serving as firefighters and law enforcement, teachers, businesspersons, social justice leaders, such as Dr. King, John Lewis, and, yes, Malcolm X. You have not seen us, as women--Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Coretta Scott King--stand away from the fight. We have embraced freedom, justice, and equality.…”