African Americans: News
Pelosi On Appointment of Bobby Scott to Serve on Ethics Committee
September 11, 2008 – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia has been appointed to serve on the House Ethics Committee. A vacancy was created on the committee with the passing of Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. With Scott’s appointment, the Committee is now fully operational.
“As a highly respected House Member, Bobby Scott brings a wealth of legal knowledge and experience to his new duties on the Ethics Committee. I am confident that his passion for justice and due process will guide his work on the committee.”
Pelosi Delivers Remarks at U.S. Capitol Memorial Service to Honor Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
September 10, 2008 – Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered the following remarks at a memorial service in the Capitol today honoring the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
“My, my, my, wouldn’t Stephanie have liked to see this turnout for her birthday party?
“When we were in Ohio, I was pleased to take two planeloads of Members of Congress to Cleveland for her memorial service. In that auditorium was a former President of the United States, a former First Lady who is a Senator and was a candidate for President, a nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States, her colleagues, her friends, and her family – all gathered together to celebrate the life and leadership of Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
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The Third Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
August 29, 2008 – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation upon striking the Gulf Coast:
“Three years ago today, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, becoming the worst natural disaster in America’s history. Tragically, this terrible natural disaster turned catastrophic for millions of Gulf Coast residents when it was met with the failures and cronyism of the Bush Administration and the Republican-led Congress. The Republican leadership failed to respond adequately to enact much of the critically-needed relief for those whose lives had been up-ended by the storm.
45th Anniversary of the March on Washington
August 28, 2008 – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington, led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963:
"On the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington, we honor the unwavering determination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the more than 250,000 Americans who came to their nation’s capital to call for an end to discriminatory laws and practices. We pay tribute to their bravery, their commitment, and their wisdom.
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Pelosi Statement on Passing of Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
August 20, 2008 — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the passing of House Ethics Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio:
"On behalf of all Members of Congress, I express my deepest condolences on the sudden death of our friend and colleague, Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, to all who loved her, particularly her son, Mervyn Leroy Jones, II, and her sister, Barbara Walker.
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60th Anniversary of Integration of U.S. Armed Forces
On July 23, Speaker Pelosi joined with House and Senate leaders in the Capitol Rotunda to commemorate President Truman’s executive order 60 years ago that marked the beginning of racial integration in the armed services. Speaker Pelosi said, “When called on their country to serve, African Americans did so with courage, honor and distinction—just as many do today. When called by conscience to serve the civil rights movement, they provided indispensable moral leadership, defended liberty, and redefined America for the better."
Read Speaker Pelosi's full speech>>
See photographs from the ceremony>>
Congressional Delegation Trip To The Gulf Coast
In 2006, when the Gulf Coast was still reeling from the federal government’s incompetence and congressional inaction, House Democrats dispatched a delegation to the Gulf Coast to assess the devastation from Katrina and Rita. That trip was a first step in an unwavering partnership House Democrats have established with the Gulf Coast, informing the legislation that eventually became law under Democratic leadership in the 110th Congress. During the end of July, House Majority Whip Clyburn led Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, Vice-Chair Larson and other House Democrats on their third Congressional Delegation to the Gulf Coast. On their four-day trip, the delegation visited several sites in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and coastal Mississippi to determine where the region stands on the issues of health care, housing, education, infrastructure, criminal justice and insurance reform.
Learn more about Gulf Coast recovery legislation signed into law>>
Pelosi: New Direction Congress Rising to the Challenge of Gulf Coast Recovery>>
Recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month
On July 22, the House passed a resolution recognizing the Significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month . Reps. Barbara Lee, Yvette Clarke, and Danny Davis spoke in support.
Rep. Barbara Lee | Rep. Yvette Clarke |
Rep. Danny Davis |
Speaker Pelosi with (left to right) Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Alpha Kappa Alpha President Dr. Barbara McKinzie, Alpha Phi Alpha President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Rep. Diane Watson, and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. |
Speaker Pelosi at Alpha Kappa Alpha Unity Day
On July 17, Speaker Pelosi spoke at the centennial celebration and unity march of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), the nation’s first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college women.
Honoring Nelson Mandela
On July 15, the House passed a resolution honoring Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the esteemed former President of South Africa, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Reps. Barbara Lee and Donald Payne spoke in support.
Rep. Barbara Lee | Rep. Donald Payne |
Commemorating the 1964 Death of Three Civil Rights Workers
On June 23, the House passed a resolution commemorating the 44th anniversary of the death of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The three young men were working to register voters and secure civil rights during the "Freedom Summer" of 1964. Chairman John Conyers, Reps. John Lewis, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Eddie Bernice Johnson spoke in support of the resolution.
Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers | Rep. John Lewis |
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton | Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson |
Speaker Pelosi Addresses the New York Conference on the Caribbean Community
On June 19, Speaker Pelosi addressed the New York Conference on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM ) via live video conference:
“It is a privilege to speak again to the leaders of our Caribbean neighbors. One year ago, I welcomed many of you to the Capitol; now we greet you from the Ways and Means Committee Room – the Committee chaired by Congressman Charlie Rangel.
“As I am sure you know, you have no better friend or advocate in the Congress than Chairman Rangel. And what a powerful friend you have…just yesterday, Congress overrode the President’s veto of the Farm Bill, and it is now law.
“The Farm Bill included several provisions that are critical to our shared partnership and are law because of Chairman Rangel’s persistence and leadership.
“In our negotiations with the Senate, Chairman Rangel was able to build on his work to revitalize Haiti’s economy by expanding and streamlining the HOPE Act. These provisions, also known as HOPE II, will help Haiti’s economy at a pivotal time by spurring new investment and creating new jobs.
“The Farm Bill also included a timely extension of the Caribbean Basin Initiative for two years, so that Haiti can continue to attract investment in vital economic sectors. These types of initiatives promote economic ties between our nations.
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Swearing-In for Congresswoman Donna Edwards
On June 19, Donna Edwards was sworn in on the House floor to fill the 4th district seat of Maryland. Rep. Edwards is Maryland's first African American woman elected to Congress
Rep. Edwards: “And so today I am an agent of change and an agent of their mandate. In America’s… profile is slightly tarnished around the world, and with our economy teetering at home, we can only hope that we don’t wait for that change to happen until next January. That my constituents have said to me, we can’t wait for change to begin. We can’t wait six months to do something about foreclosures forcing thousands of Marylanders, thousands of people across this country and in Prince George’s and Montgomery County away from their homes, and we can’t wait six months to address skyrocketing costs of gas prices and groceries while we engage in short-term solutions — while we engage in short-term solutions that are bound, without focusing on the long-term solutions for alternative energy and things that really will propel us throughout this 21st century.”
Recognizing Juneteenth
June 19 marked Juneteenth, the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 18, the House passed H.Res. 1237 to recognize the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and express the sense of the House that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future.
Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee spoke in support of the resolution>>
Read the full text of the resolution>>
Speaker Pelosi to New Graduates of Miami Dade College’s North Campus: Follow Your Passion
On May 6, Speaker Pelosi delivered the commencement speech at Miami Dade College’s North Campus:
“Central to a better future is education.
“Higher education is the best investment parents can make in their children, individuals can make in themselves, and a nation can make in its future.
“I know that many of you have earned this degree while balancing work and raising your families – to make the future better for your children.
“I come before you today as Speaker, but the role I am most proud of is mother to my five children, and grandmother to my seven grandchildren.
“When I was changing diapers, packing lunches, and checking homework, I never imagined I would run for Congress, or become the first woman Speaker of the House.
“But when those opportunities presented themselves, I was ready for them.
“Always be open to and ready for new opportunities that present themselves to you. Prepare for the possibilities the future holds for you.
“Follow your passion.
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Remembering the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On April 1, the House passed a resolution observing the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the people of the United States to pause and remember the life and legacy of Dr. King.
On April 3rd, Congress held a ceremony to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King. April 4th marks the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination.
In her speech at the remembrance ceremony, Speaker Pelosi said: “We are here today to observe the 40th anniversary of the day an assassin murdered a great man, but failed to silence a prophet of peace—Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King possessed a voice of hope so powerful that it shook and shattered walls of oppression and lifted the spirits of the downtrodden and denied.”
Speaker Pelosi Honors the Congressional Black Caucus
On September 25, 2007, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) held a reception honoring the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). In her remarks, Speaker Pelosi celebrated the historic achievements and powerful advocacy of the CBC and recognized the leadership of the four committee chairmen from the ranks of the CBC. Considered the “conscience of the Congress,” the CBC is led by Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick of Detroit and has 43 members.
Read Speaker Pelosi’s remarks from the CBC reception>>
Speaker Pelosi Swears in Laura Richardson
September 4, 2007 - Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-CA) was sworn in as the newest member of the 110th Congress. Speaker Pelosi administered the oath of office two weeks after Richardson won a special election to fill the seat vacated by the late Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald, who passed away in April.
Richardson, of Long Beach, California, holds the distinction of being the only member of Congress to serve in local, state and federal elective office within one year. Prior to her election to Congress, Richardson was serving her first term in the California State Assembly and had served on the Long Beach City Council just prior to that.
Speaker Pelosi Unveils Progress Report for Young Americans at Howard University
September 19, 2007 - Joined by House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) and House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller, Speaker Pelosi unveiled Congress’ “Progress Report for Young Americans” at Howard University.
Young Americans have spoken loudly and clearly about the need for a new direction in America. The Progress Report for Young Americans is the Congress’ response to that call.
Click here to read the Report>>
Congress Remembers Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald
Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald (CA-37) passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2007 after a battle with cancer. As the first African American woman to chair the Committee on House Administration, Rep. Millender-McDonald was a trailblazer, always advocating for the full participation of all Americans in the success and prosperity of our country.
Speaker Pelosi Appoints Lorraine Miller, Clerk of the House
In February, 2007, Speaker Pelosi appointed Lorraine C. Miller as the new Clerk of the House, the first African American ever appointed to the position and the first African American to serve as an official of the House of Representatives. Miller, who formerly served as a senior advisor to Speaker Pelosi, has nearly two decades of experience working for the House. In addition to working for Speaker Pelosi, Miller has worked for two other Speakers, Jim Wright and Tom Foley, as well as Congressman John Lewis of Georgia.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Miller holds an executive master’s degree from the Georgetown School of Business and lives in Washington, D.C. with her sister. A life-long supporter and member of the NAACP, Miller was elected president of the Washington, D.C. Branch NAACP in 2004.
She is a member of the historic Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington, where she sings in its Senior Choir and is a member of Shiloh’s Henry C. Gregory Family Life Center Foundation Board of Directors.