Evolution of Black Excellence Throughout History
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to coanchor this CBC Special Order hour along with my distinguished colleague, Representative Jonathan Jackson.
For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to speak directly to the evolution of Black excellence throughout history, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all of America.
As we celebrate the evolution of Black excellence, I rise today to pay homage to the significant events and trailblazers who played a central role in shaping south Florida's history. In Fort Lauderdale, you can find the historic Sistrunk neighborhood--what we have known to be the heart and soul of the city. Since the very beginning, this vibrant and beloved neighborhood has been the epicenter of Broward County's Black culture and heritage.
Sistrunk's early days can be traced back to the individuals from Georgia, South Carolina, and the Bahamas who migrated to the region. Some of the neighborhood's earliest inhabitants were railroad workers who resided in shanties prior to the beginning of the 20th century.
After the railroad tracks were finalized, some workers found other employment and became Fort Lauderdale residents once the city was officially incorporated in 1911.
If you take a trip down to this neighborhood, you will find yourself on Sistrunk Boulevard, which is named after the trailblazer who changed the trajectory of our region for the better.
Born in 1891, Dr. James Franklin Sistrunk is a pioneer to whom our community owes a debt of gratitude.
He graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Sistrunk later served his Nation in World War I before relocating to Dunnellon to practice medicine. He later moved to Fort Lauderdale.
Despite being a qualified surgeon, the color of his skin prevented him from working in White hospitals.
In 1938, he joined Dr. Von D. Mizell to establish Fort Lauderdale's first medical facility to treat Black patients, Provident Hospital. It opened after a farm truck carrying dozens of Black workers overturned near a Whites-only hospital. The workers were told that they could only receive treatment outside. Once again, let me repeat that. The Black workers could only receive treatment outside.
During his 44 years of practice, Dr. Sistrunk delivered over 5,000 babies. Throughout Broward County, Dr. Sistrunk would tend to patients in their homes and assist those who were financially strained. After the desegregation of public hospitals, Dr. Sistrunk became an active member of Broward General Hospital.
This summer, I visited the Holy Cross Health Center located at the L.A. Lee YMCA /Mizell Community Center. It sits on historic land where Provident Hospital once stood and is building on its legacy in providing accessible healthcare.
As we celebrate Black excellence, I am honored to pay tribute to Dr. James Franklin Sistrunk, who transformed the health of Broward County in more ways than one.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honorable Donald Payne.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. McBath for her remarks.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black history, I rise today to recognize the cornerstone of Black achievement in America: historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs.
As a proud alumna of Howard University, proud wife of a Howard Law graduate, and proud mother of a Howard University student, I speak from personal experience when I say that HBCUs have the transformative power to shape the leaders of tomorrow. HBCUs have a long and illustrious history deeply intertwined with the struggle for civil rights and the fight for equality.
From their inception during the era of segregation to the present day, these institutions have remained safe havens where Black scholars, in spite of systemic barriers, can flourish intellectually, academically, and culturally.
My own journey to Congress, firmly rooted in the halls of Howard University, is a testament to the power of an HBCU education.
It was at Howard University that I received not only a world-class education but also absorbed the values of community, service, and social justice.
It was at Howard University that I witnessed how education can be a catalyst for change and help others realize the American Dream.
HBCUs have generated half of the Black lawyers, 40 percent of Black engineers, 80 percent of Black judges, and 70 percent of Black doctors nationwide. They graduate 27 percent of Black Americans with bachelor's degrees in STEM subjects, putting them at the forefront of innovation.
These figures demonstrate the undeniable impact of HBCUs in nurturing talent, fostering academic excellence, and empowering Black students to realize their fullest potential.
However, HBCUs are significant for reasons far beyond academics. They are focal points for the preservation of culture, where a rich legacy and history of the Black community are honored.
HBCUs serve as catalysts for economic empowerment, providing disenfranchised groups with upward mobility.
As we reflect on the importance of HBCUs, let us not forget the ongoing challenges they face. Despite their contributions, HBCUs grapple with inadequate funding and crumbling infrastructures.
It is incumbent upon us all, as advocates for equality and stewards of education, to ensure that HBCUs receive the support they need to continue shaping future leaders. I am grateful that the Biden-Harris administration has invested over $7 billion in HBCUs, unlocking opportunities for millions of Americans.
HBCUs represent the very best of Black excellence. We can all draw inspiration from the unwavering resilience that underpins these institutions.
Their steadfast commitment to equality and greatness inspires us all to tear down barriers and build a future where everyone may openly follow their ambition, regardless of the color of their skin.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, we have heard from my distinguished colleagues about the evolution of Black excellence throughout history an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, Congress, and all Americans tonight.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source