Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions - S. 1233
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself, Mr. HATCH, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mrs. CLINTON, and Mr. CORZINE):
S. 1233. A bill to authorize assistance for the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Justice Learning Center; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I am proud to join Senator MIKULSKI as cosponsor of the "National Great Black Americans Commemoration Act of 2003." This legislation will help offer a more complete portrayal of our Nation's proud historyone that includes an increased awareness of the contributions made by many great black Americans of various fields and accomplishments.
This legislation seeks to recognize the contributions of African Americans who have served in Congress or other government capacities, in the military, or in other important roles as educators, authors, scientists, inventors, athletes, clergy and civil rights leaders. Clearly, there are few, if any, areas of American culture and history that have not been touched and improved upon by the impact of black individuals. As we recognize this, it is important that we also recognize those whose goal is to make available the history of these outstanding people.
One such institution is The Great Blacks in Wax Museum, a nonprofit organization in Baltimore, MD, whose mission is to present the history of black Americans and to highlight their contributions to our nation. I believe that this institution's work thus far and its goals for the future make it worthy of our support. This legislation not only commends the efforts made by this museum to date, but authorizes the appropriation of funds that will help the museum to improve and expand. Appropriate Federal assistance, coupled with other funding raised by the museum, will allow the current institution to become the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Justice Learning Center, which will be better equipped to serve its purposes. This improved museum will be a bright example for projects with similar goals and will provide an excellent source of historical education for all who visit.
I am a strong believer that our history should be presented in a complete and accurate manner. Where we have understated in the past, we should make amends. The development of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Justice Learning Center will be a valuable statement recognizing the contributions of so many great African Americans. I hope that my colleagues will see the merit in this endeavor and will lend their support to the National Great Black Americans Commemoration Act.