February 23rd, 2004 - Mr. President, a short time ago Congress debated legislation to make the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a national holiday. The floor leader for that legislation was a fellow named Bob Dole. And during the final debate, I had the privilege of sitting in the gallery with Coretta Scott King, as we heard Bob deliver these words: “A nation defines itself in many ways; in the promises it makes and the programs it enacts, the dreams it enshrines, or the doors it slams shut. Thanks to Dr. King, America wrote new laws to strike down old barriers. She built bridges instead of walls…there is nothing partisan about justice. It is conservative as the Constitution, as liberal as Lincoln, as radical as Jefferson’s sweeping assertion that all of God’s creation is equal in His eyes.” I could not agree more.
I am very proud of the rich and vibrant African American heritage in my home state of North Carolina. Indeed, Mr. President, our history is full of trailblazers, including, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, Ezell Blair Jr. and David Richmond, known as the Greensboro Four because of their February 1960 sit-in at a Woolworth Store counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. They along with others laid the foundation for the America we strive to be, where all people are given an opportunity regardless of the color of their skin.
We have come a long way since then. Today, African Americans and minorities serve in every aspect of business, politics, and the legal profession. They’re represented in judgeships throughout the country. John Wesley Winters Sr., who died just a few weeks ago at the age of 84, was the first black Raleigh City Council member and one of the first black state senators of the 20th century. He was known as a bridge-builder between the races. And in 1992, my good friend Eva Clayton became the first African American woman to represent North Carolina in Congress. And just last year, Mr. President, I was privileged to support Allyson Duncan, confirmed as the first African American woman to sit on the 4th Circuit Court. Higher education is another area where strides have been made. North Carolina is home to 11 historically black colleges and universities, including Shaw University in Raleigh, founded in 1865 and the oldest HBCU in the South. And I was honored to give the commencement address and receive an honorary degree several years ago from Livingstone College, another outstanding historically black college in my hometown of Salisbury, NC—where Dr. Algeania Freeman currently serves as the first woman President. And I am so very proud that my husband Bob is serving as chairman of a $50 million dollar fundraising campaign at Bennett College in Greensboro, one of only two historically black women’s colleges in America. In fact, Bennett’s president, Dr. Johnetta Cole, currently serves as national chair of the United Way—and in that capacity has worked with Hillary Clinton and me on legislation to create a nationwide 2-1-1 line, a one-stop community service referral system.
This month we honor the steadfast commitment of so many people – many of whom gave their lives so that African Americans could have the same opportunities as any other citizen in our nation.
Today, as the nation continues to celebrate Black History Month, I salute this heritage and the fine citizens who have contributed to North Carolina’s greatness. May we continue their work on behalf of all Americans. Thank you.
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