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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere
admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its
2019 theme--Black Migrations. This year's theme reflects on the mass
movement of African Americans from the rural south to northern,
western, and mid-western cities of the United States from approximately
1916 to 1970. This profound movement has played a critical role in
changing the landscape of American society for the better and has
helped to shape our wonderfully diverse and truly remarkable nation.
During World War I, the first large migrations took place, with over
400,000 African Americans moving from the south and inhabiting major
northern cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. In the 1920s,
another 800,000 people left the south, followed by another 400,000 in
the 1930s. Between 1940 and 1960, over 3,300,000 African Americans had
migrated from southern states to resettle in northern and western
cities. While there were numerous reasons for this migration, many
individuals and families were hoping to escape the economic oppression
they were experiencing in the south, which left little room for
economic growth. World War I created a demand for workers in the steel
mills, factories, and railroads, and most people moved for higher
paying jobs. When the migration began, a factory wage in the north was
more than three times the amount an African American could expect to
make working the land in the south. By World War II, African American
people continued to move north but also settled west, in California,
Oregon, and Washington.
Black migration influenced religion, music, literature, arts, social
perspectives, tradition, and the history of our nation, and we are
forever grateful for the impact it had on creating a rich, culturally
diverse America. In addition, African Americans now had a new voice in
shaping public policy through political activism. However, while the
movement brought more opportunity and ideas, African Americans
continued to fight with racism, prejudice, and injustice. During this
time, there were numerous race riots in the north, including the
Chicago Race Riot of 1919, which lasted thirteen days, leaving 38
people dead, 537 people injured, and 1,000 black families without
homes. While our great country has made tremendous strides in the fight
for equality and civil rights, there is much work to be done.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join
me in celebrating Black History Month. This month and always, it is
important that we honor and celebrate America's greatest advocates for
equal rights and civil liberties. As we pay tribute to these heroes of
American history, let us remember their profound perseverance,
sacrifice, and struggle in the fight for freedom and equality, and the
remarkable impact their contributions have had in shaping our great
nation.
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