The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST WINNER SHEA DOWLING
______
HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 26, 2021
Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of Shea Dowling, an 8th grade student at Albert Hill Middle School in Richmond, Virginia, and the middle school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. Mr. Dowling wrote a superb essay on the presidency of Barack Obama and the positive impact it has left on African-Americans. I am inspired by the words of Mr. Dowling, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them.
Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of the African-American community.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Shea Dowling's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.
As the first Black President, Barack Obama is an important figure in Black history. His 2008 election set the record for the most votes ever cast, recently surpassed by Biden in this election. He was a good President in the eyes of many during his two terms. He fought the 2008 recession and helped pass the Affordable Care Act. He also repealed Don't Ask Don't Tell which allowed the LGBTQ+ community serve openly in the military. He set in motion the opportunity for gays to marry. Obama also signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which helped lessen the wage gap between genders.
Throughout Obama's campaign and presidency, he faced discrimination and people calling him and his family names. People did different things, such as they called his wife, Michelle Obama, a man. The birther movement started, where people questioned the legitimacy of Obama's birth certificate.
A number of Black leaders inspired our country and paved the way for Obama's success; including MLK, Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and Shirley Chisholm. However, seeing a Black President for eight years, the majority of my childhood has shown my classmates that they, too, can be anything they want--even President. Obama's presidency has ushered in the success of other Black leaders nationally including Kamala Harris, Kwanza Hall, and Jamaal Bowman.
Electing a Black leader to the highest position of power in our country is a step in the right direction, but we have a long ways to go to become a truly equal nation with equal rights and equal opportunities for all. We have to stand together, united against racism and discrimination. We have to continue teaching both the good and the ugly of history, we have to look beyond mean words and ways to divide us. We need to teach people to stop looking at one another as strangers, but instead, to look at them as friends and get to know what is inside of others. Together, we can carry Obama's legacy forward, continue to elevate Black voices and Black leaders, and move forward as a country that knows our differences--the many voices we bring to the table--is what makes us unique as a country.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 37
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up