Recognizing Black History Month
Floor Speech
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Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Black History Month
and to pay tribute to two important African Americans from Alabama's
First Congressional District.
While researching the history of some of my predecessors, I
discovered that two of the earliest African Americans to serve in
Congress actually represented the First Congressional District. Mr.
Benjamin S. Turner served in the House of Representatives from 1871 to
1873, and Mr. Jeremiah Haralson served in the House from 1875 to 1877.
I believe it is very fitting that we take time to recognize the lasting
impact these individuals had on our area, but more importantly the
influence they had on our nation.
Both Mr. Turner and Mr. Haralson were born into slavery and not
provided a quality education. These men did not let slavery stop them
from becoming educated, as both men worked hard to self-educate. After
being freed from slavery, Mr. Turner and Mr. Haralson followed
different paths to Congress. Mr. Turner became a successful businessman
in south Alabama and was elected tax collector and councilman in Dallas
County, Alabama. Mr. Haralson worked as a farmer and a minister before
being elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives and later
the Alabama State Senate. Both men would go on to represent the First
Congressional District in Congress as Republicans, the same seat I now
hold.
Mr. Speaker, these men serve as a great example and an important
reminder about our nation's history. These men remind us of the great
American ideal that each and every person, regardless of the color of
their skin, should have an opportunity to achieve their dreams. Thanks
to the dedication and persistence of men like Mr. Turner and Mr.
Haralson, today there are 46 black lawmakers serving in the 114th
Congress, including the first-ever female, black Republican.
So during Black History Month, I encourage all Americans to take
time to reflect on the past because looking to the past is the only
true way to really understand common humanity. Let us remember the
impact of Representatives Turner and Haralson and the countless other
African Americans from Southwest Alabama who have made a lasting impact
on our cities, states, and country.
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