G.K. Butterfield

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Williams), my friend.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), my friend who is another Member who stays in perpetual motion and who is a senior member on the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark), our Assistant Speaker.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin), who is a member of the coveted House Committee on House Administration.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. As President Biden made clear in his speech in Atlanta on Tuesday, the time to act to protect the right to vote and the very essence of our democracy is now. The bill we are considering today meets the gravity of this moment. H.R. 5746, Mr. Speaker, combines two pieces of legislation vital to ensuring every American has free, equitable, and secure access to the ballot: The Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the latter of which critically also includes the Native American Voting Rights Act. Together, Mr. Speaker, these bills will combat the wave of voter suppression laws we saw enacted in States across the country following the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder, a decision that undermined the essential preclearance protections of the Voting Rights Act, which accelerated at an alarming rate following the unprecedented voter turnout in the 2020 elections. Rather than responding to increased voter participation with welcoming arms and provoter policies, States have instead been enacting laws that roll back access and aim to erect roadblocks to the ballot box. Despite a 2020 election that election security experts said was the most secure in American history, according to the Brennan Center For Justice, 19 States have enacted 34 restrictive voting laws in the last 12 months. The time, Mr. Speaker, to act is now. Voter suppression and discrimination are alive and well. It is our duty and firmly within our constitutional powers as a Congress to protect the rights of the voter and ensure equal access to the franchise. This bill, Mr. Speaker, does just that. It sets nationwide standards for access to early voting; promotes voter registration through automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, and online voter registration; gives every voter access to no-excuse absentee voting; protects the security of our election infrastructure and our precious election workers; addresses the rising threat of election subversion; puts an end to partisan gerrymandering; curbs the torrent of dark money flooding our politics; and, yes, it restores the critical protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and protects the right to vote for Native American voters. We must set an example as a democracy and encourage, rather than suppress, voter participation in our electoral process. This legislation is critical to protecting our democracy. I encourage all of my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5746.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my friend from North Carolina to refer to the bill section that refers to voter ID. It simply says this bill sets uniform national standards for States that choose to require identification to vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), my friend and classmate from Houston, Harris County.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 868, I call up the bill (H.R. 5746) to amend title 51, United States Code, to extend the authority of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to enter into leases of non-excess property of the Administration, with the Senate amendment thereto.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar), who is the distinguished vice-chair of the Democratic Caucus and, I might say, a member of the Elections Subcommittee of which I have the honor to chair.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Enviva's flagship facility in Ahoskie, North Carolina, in my congressional district. Enviva produces renewable wood bioenergy from low-value and residual wood. For the past decade, Enviva has grown to become a valued and trusted member of the community. The Ahoskie facility has created over 300 jobs and has an economic footprint of $160 million per year in the area. In total, Enviva has generated 1,800 jobs and nearly $1 billion in economic output through their four production facilities and port terminal in North Carolina. Enviva's sustainable forestry practices help fight climate change, strengthen rural communities, create well-paid jobs, and contribute to the health and vitality of North Carolina's beloved forests. It supports North Carolina's forestry industry, purchasing low-grade wood and forestry residuals that would otherwise go to waste or rot in the fields. Their work connects the citizens of my district in the global effort to reduce energy derived from coal and mitigate climate change. Madam Speaker, Enviva's contributions to the First District and the entire state of North Carolina have been profound. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Enviva's flagship facility in Ahoskie, North Carolina.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, let me first thank Congresswoman Leger Fernandez for her friendship, her extraordinary leadership, and her passionate leadership. The gentlewoman is a wonderful member of this body, and I thank her so much for all that she does. She and I serve on another committee together, the Elections Subcommittee, and I have seen her in action. Madam Speaker, I thank all of our cosponsors of this legislation for their support, both Democratic and Republican, including the Tribe's Representative, Congressman Dan Bishop from the Ninth District of North Carolina, who is my friend. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 2758, the Lumbee Recognition Act, and I urge my colleagues to vote for its passage. Madam Speaker, the Lumbee Recognition Act will finally extend full Federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and make its members eligible for the same services and the same benefits provided to members of other federally recognized Tribes. Most importantly, the bill would establish, once and for all, the Lumbee Tribe as an independent and sovereign entity under Federal law. Madam Speaker, we have an opportunity before us to do the right thing and fix a historic wrong by passing my bill. North Carolina has recognized the Lumbee Tribe since 1885, and this body, the Congress, recognized the Tribe in the 1950s but, during the dark days of the termination era, refused to allow the Lumbee Tribe access to federally funded services and benefits. What a shame. Almost all Tribes that were ``terminated'' in this troubling era have since been restored to Federal recognition. We are long overdue in delivering the same justice to the Lumbee Tribe. This legislation has tremendous bipartisan support inside and outside North Carolina as demonstrated by a unanimous House vote to pass this very bill last Congress and President Biden's support for full Federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe. Now is the time, Madam Speaker, to get it done. Madam Speaker, the merits of the Lumbee's claim for full Federal recognition have long been accepted by our State of North Carolina, academia, and the Federal Government. It is long past time for Congress to give the Lumbee the respect they deserve and to treat them with the fundamental fairness that has been withheld for so many years. As Ms. Leger Fernandez said earlier, this is the first day of Native American History Month. What an honor. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and stand on the right side of history.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, let me first thank Congresswoman Leger Fernandez for her friendship and leadership, and thank her for yielding time to me this afternoon. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1619, the Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act. A few moments ago, Congressman Clyburn made reference to the fact that 1619 was a very significant number. What he was referring to, Madam Speaker, was that it was the year 1619 that the first slaves arrived in America--the first African slaves, I might say, arrived in America. It is very interesting that this bill bears that number, but I am in full support of this legislation. Madam Speaker, this is good, bipartisan legislation. You can see that it has support on both sides of the aisle. It will ratify actions taken by the Department of the Interior that placed 17 acres of land in North Carolina that are within the Catawba's service area, as defined by Congress in 1993, that land was placed into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. This bill would enable the Catawba Indian Nation to secure economic self-sufficiency as envisioned by Congress in passing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1987. It will generate millions of dollars in economic development and create thousands of jobs in North Carolina, where few jobs currently exist. That, Madam Speaker, is why I have such a deep interest in this legislation, because of the economic impact. The Catawba Nation has already signed an agreement. I need to make sure the record is clear about that. The Catawba Nation has already signed an agreement with our Governor, Governor Roy Cooper, and they have the support of the local community. Madam Speaker, I respectfully urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, for years I have said that the 1965 Voting Rights Act was written between Selma and Montgomery. The Voting Rights Act leveled the playing field and transformed southern electoral politics. Since the Shelby decision, the right to vote and access to the ballot box are being compromised. The Subcommittee on Elections, which I chair, held five hearings, we called over 35 witnesses, produced a report detailing clear evidence of ongoing voter discrimination all across the country. I thank Chairman Nadler, Chairman Cohen, and Ms. Sewell for a good bill. The Voting Rights Act is as important today as ever. Passage of H.R. 4 will protect the right to vote and fully enforce the 15th Amendment. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the important work being done all across North Carolina to reduce food insecurity. I commend the outgoing president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Ronnie Smith, for his leadership on this effort. Ronnie is also chair of the Martin County Board of Commissioners, a constituent, and a good friend. Under Ronnie's leadership, the association's Resilience Task Force was formed to develop local strategies to promote food system resilience. The task force recently released a report to help counties deepen relationships with the local food banks, improve efforts to transport food to homes, and strengthen local food sources to reduce food insecurity. To date, nearly a quarter of North Carolina's counties have passed resolutions to support the initiative. This year, 42 million people nationwide will experience food insecurity. Madam Speaker, I applaud President Ronnie Smith's leadership. I applaud him for his leadership and commend him and the members of the Resilience Task Force for their hard work in combating food insecurity in North Carolina. Thank you, Commissioner Ronnie Smith.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act. This legislation invests in communities like mine all across the country that are in desperate need of infrastructure improvements. Madam Speaker, this past weekend, I took the train back to Washington, D.C., from my hometown of Wilson, North Carolina. As I waited to board the train, I noticed significant deterioration to facilities of the station, including the platform and the canopy. Like many train stations across America, the Wilson Station is in dire need of repair and renovation. The INVEST in America Act, among other things, provides funding to address these issues. I thank Chairman DeFazio for including over $57 billion in grant funding to help repair and modernize our aging train facilities. I also thank the chairman for the inclusion of five transformative infrastructure projects across my district. Madam Speaker, this momentous bill delivers on a promise that we made to the American people. Let's build back better.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission. The role of this commission is to support growers and increase sweet potato consumption. Their efforts have been tremendously effective as the popularity of sweet potatoes has increased at home and especially abroad. North Carolina leads the Nation in sweet potato production and has done so for the last 50 years. There are over 450 sweet potato farmers in North Carolina, and those farmers produce about 65 percent of all sweet potatoes grown throughout the country. I am proud to recognize and congratulate the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission on its 60th anniversary. I wish them another 60 years of continued success.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, let me first thank the chair for her leadership and friendship on our committee. Madam Speaker, just a little bit of history. I want to take you back to 1860. President Lincoln won the general election in 1860 by winning 18 of 29 States. Madam Speaker, the 11 States that Lincoln failed to carry were slave- holding States. These States were fearful that Lincoln would find a way to end slavery and deprive slave owners of their free labor. Eleven Southern States immediately seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America. The CSA elected its leadership, they printed a currency, and they set up a military. At Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, the CSA took military action against the United States of America. For the following 4 years, more than 600,000 Americans lost their lives on the battlefield, including Black Union soldiers. This was not a war between the States; it was a war against the United States by 11 Southern States, including my State. When the Union finally won the war and both sides buried their dead, 4 million slaves were granted their freedom by the passage and ratification of the 13th Amendment. In 1864, each State was granted the privilege to donate two statues of deceased persons to be displayed in this Capitol that depict the history of their State. These statues are now known as the National Statuary Hall Collection. Approximately 10 of these statues depict men who volunteered to fight against the United States in the Civil War. All of these statues were donated many decades after the Civil War. Like many other statues around the country honoring members of the Confederate States of America, particularly those erected in the South, these 10 statues were not donated and installed in the Capitol until the 1900s, during the height of the Jim Crow era. Many Americans see these statues and the timing of their placement to intimidate Black Americans and to perpetuate the notion of white supremacy. We must not continue to honor these combatants by allowing their images to be displayed in this Capitol. The bill before us today, Madam Speaker, identifies several other statues for removal that are not part of the collection, including the bust of Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney, who authored the 1857 Supreme Court decision of Dred Scott that ruled that slaves could not be considered citizens and that Congress did not have the ability to ban slavery. This opinion, Madam Speaker, is regarded as possibly the Supreme Court's worst decision of all time, and the 7-2 decision was a major factor contributing to the Civil War. Another bust not a part of the National Statuary Hall Collection is for Vice President John Breckinridge, 1856 to 1859. In 1860, Breckinridge ran for President on the Southern Democratic ticket and he lost. During the Civil War, Breckinridge served in the United States Senate, from Kentucky, but became a traitor and enlisted in the Confederate military and assigned to the Army of Mississippi, achieving the rank of Major General. And it gets worse. He was expelled from the United States Senate. Jefferson Davis then appointed him as Secretary of War. After the war, he fled the country for several years. Madam Speaker, this statue must also be removed. I ask my colleagues to answer the summons of our time by voting to remove these statues from the Capitol of the United States of America.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to emancipate 4 million slaves residing in the 11 Southern States that were combatants against the Union. The proclamation was significant but not totally effective. It did not include slaves who resided in the States that were not in rebellion. Lincoln was of the opinion he could only use his authority against the States who were rebelling. In addition, there was doubt about the legal efficacy of the proclamation since Congress had not participated. There were legal questions of whether the proclamation would expire following Lincoln's Presidency and, very importantly, whether States would not free slaves without Federal intervention. Juneteenth is significant because it marks the day when Federal troops arrived in Galveston to take control of the State and ensure that all enslaved people were free. These Federal troops arrived 2\1/2\ years after the signing of the proclamation. By passing this legislation, Madam Speaker, every American can now better understand the African Americans' struggle for freedom and full citizenship. Every American can now participate in recognizing the end to slavery in America. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Eta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. The Eta Nu Chapter was chartered on April 3, 1971 on the campus of East Carolina University (ECU) located in Greenville, North Carolina. Under the direction of eight men, A.A. Best, J.J. Wise, W.G. Keys, O.T. Faison, C.H.G. White, J.C. Bryant, J.P. Harrison, and A.D. Moseley, Eta Nu was established on the campus of ECU. At that moment, the Eta Nu Chapter became ECU's first Black fraternity and the first Black Greek-lettered organization (BGLO) to be chartered on the campus of a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) in the State of North Carolina. As a result, the Chapter became a leader as one of the first Black fraternities established at a PWI in the South. The first initiates into the Eta Nu Chapter were known as the Undisputed Truth. Members of that first line are as follows: David Franklin, Gregory Clark, Jerry Congelton, John Clark, Tony Sedgewick, Jimmy Louis, Tommy Patterson, James Mitchell, Kenneth Hammond, James Johnson, and Kenneth Wright. These men promoted brotherhood, understanding, and a cohesive unity influencing future members of the Chapter to help form the Black Student Union--an organization that brought Black students together across campus to bring unity and advocate for issues affecting them to campus faculty and administration. Throughout the years, the Eta Nu Chapter has excelled and raised the bar for others to follow, maintaining high standards of scholastic achievement and service to the community--most notably, hosting an annual scholarship pageant whose winner eventually became Miss America 2019. The Chapter holds several distinguished honors for their contributions to ECU and the community: The first Black Student Government President, the first Black Student Government Vice President, the first three Black Homecoming kings crowned in consecutive years followed by a fourth member of the Chapter who won in 2014, and nine awardees of the ECU 40 Under 40 Leadership Award since the initial awards were presented in 2015. Members of the Eta Nu Chapter have worked diligently to increase the number of opportunities available to our youth; they have engaged in relentless efforts toward the improvement of the campus and the community. One such measure is a leadership academy partnering with the Zeta Eta Lambda graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha's Pharaohs Program to help mentor young Black men. Additionally, countless fundraisers to raise scholarship money for youth and young adults in the community have also been part of the Chapter's philanthropic initiatives. Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that the members of the Eta Nu Chapter at East Carolina University are committed to distinguishing themselves as the most exemplary Chapter through their insatiable attitude towards public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the members of this Chapter, past and present, the very best with their future endeavors.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, in celebration of Black History Month, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Elreta Melton Alexander--an educator, barrier breaker, civil rights advocate, and renowned officer of the court. She was the first Black woman in North Carolina to be licensed and practice as a lawyer, to argue before its Supreme Court, and to be elected a judge. Elreta Narcissus Melton was born on March 21, 1919, in the small eastern North Carolina town of Smithfield. Her father, Joseph C. Melton, a Baptist minister and teacher, and her mother, Alian A. Reynolds Melton, a schoolteacher, had strong beliefs about the importance of education and refused to perpetuate the narratives of racial injustice. The family later moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where in 1937, at the age of eighteen, Alexander graduated from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College, now North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in music. Upon graduation, she became a high-school teacher in South Carolina where she taught music, math, and history. Encouraged by a Greensboro minister, Alexander decided to attend law school and pursue a legal career. Because of the limitations for Black student admittance into Law schools in North Carolina, Alexander applied and was the first Black woman admitted to Columbia Law School in 1943 at the age of twenty-four, and became the first Black woman to graduate from Columbia Law School in 1945. In 1947, after passing the North Carolina bar exam, Alexander became the first black woman to practice law in North Carolina. After establishing a large solo criminal practice in Greensboro, Alexander formed one of the first integrated law firms in the South, Alston, Alexander, Pell & Pell. During her career as a trial attorney, she added to her list of ``firsts'' when she became the first Black woman to argue before the Supreme Court of North Carolina. On December 2, 1968, Alexander became the first Black judge elected in North Carolina and the first Black woman in the United States to be elected district court judge. Alexander was re-elected in 1972, 1976 and 1980. One of her most notable accomplishments as a District Court Judge was her innovative juvenile sentencing approach called ``Judgment Day'', which focused on rehabilitating young offenders and misdemeanants as an alternative to sentencing. Judge Alexander ran for the Republican nomination for the Chief Justice position on the North Carolina Supreme Court in 1974. Battling persistent racism in the state, she lost the election to a White man named James Newcomb, a fire extinguisher salesman with no college degree or legal background. However, her loss prompted a later-adopted constitutional amendment requiring judges to first be attorneys licensed in North Carolina before they can rightfully hold the position as judge. Her presence in the courtroom brought about great change and needed perspective; however, she did not win every battle and every election. Despite the perception of defeat, the barriers that Alexander faced laid the groundwork and opened doors for a better tomorrow. While Alexander faced many challenges throughout her educational pursuit and legal career, she refused to let her circumstances define her destiny as she forged her own path led by her passion and conviction for justice and equality. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First District of North Carolina, I am proud to recognize and celebrate the life and legacy of a true pioneer and Black History icon, Elreta Melton Alexander-Ralston.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Mfume for yielding time, and I thank Mr. Rice for introducing this legislation. Madam Speaker, when I was first elected to Congress, I visited Congressman Clyburn's office seeking his assistance with committee assignments. While there, I noticed the pictures of eight former South Carolina Congressmen, all African American, hanging prominently in his outer office. Among those was Joseph Rainey, the first African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. I was unaware of Mr. Rainey, and so I became curious about this man. Joseph Rainey was born to enslaved parents on June 21, 1832, in Georgetown, South Carolina, a community heavily dominated with slaves. As the years went on, Joseph Rainey's father was permitted by his master to work independently and save a little money. Using his accumulated funds, Edward Rainey purchased freedom for little Joseph and his family. When President Lincoln was elected in 1860, 11 States seceded from the Union; South Carolina was the first. A civil war erupts. Joseph Rainey, now 28 years of age, was conscripted, or drafted, to work on fortifications in Charleston. This was unacceptable to Joseph, and so, with his family, he escaped to St. George, Bermuda. Madam Speaker, St. George is a small parish on the island of Bermuda. While there, Rainey undoubtedly became acquainted with my grandfather, James Peter Butterfield, born 1853, who lived his entire life in St. George. On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment was added to the Constitution, ending slavery in America. 400,000 slaves in South Carolina are free: 37,000 in Charleston, 32,000 in Beaufort, 18,000 in Georgetown. The same year, the Civil War ends. South Carolina desires to be readmitted to the Union. As a condition, South Carolina was required to adopt a constitution that repudiated secession, acknowledged the end of slavery and repudiated debts that the State and its White citizens had incurred. The South Carolina Constitutional Convention convened on January 14, 1868. A very prominent delegate to the convention was Joseph H. Rainey. The convention's minutes, Madam Speaker, reflect that Rainey advocated for free public education for all South Carolina citizens. He advocated for relieving White landowners of their insurmountable debt that had accumulated during the war. The convention was successful; a new constitution was adopted, and on July 9, 1868, South Carolina was readmitted to the Union. Joseph Rainey was recognized for his brilliance during the convention. The following year, 1869, Congress passed the 15th Amendment granting the former slaves the right to vote and hold office. On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment was finally ratified by the States. Joseph Rainey seized the opportunity; ran for Congress in the First District. Elected on December 12, 1870, Congressman Rainey remained a Member of this body until after President Rutherford B. Hayes ended Reconstruction, which gave rise to violence against African Americans. Though Rainey was reelected in 1876, he did not seek office again, making him the longest-serving African-American Congressman during Reconstruction. Madam Speaker, this is a remarkable story. I appreciate Mr. Rice, and Mr. Clyburn, and the entire South Carolina delegation for offering this legislation to name the Post Office located at 1101 Charlotte Street in Georgetown as the Joseph Hayne Rainey Memorial Post Office Building.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 136th anniversary of Princeville, a town in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, that stands strong as the oldest town incorporated by African Americans in the United States of America. Populated primarily by African Americans, the historic town of Princeville holds a legacy of pride and stands as a powerful symbol of African American determination and endurance in the face of adversity. Originally known as ``Freedom Hill,'' Princeville was established by freed slaves in 1885. As the Civil War came to an end, many former slaves sought a new frontier of protection and freedom and left the plantations for Union troop encampments. Once the Union soldiers departed the encampments, many former slaves stayed behind and settled in an area named Freedom Hill, incorporated in 1885 in Edgecombe County. The name Freedom Hill was later changed to Princeville in honor of a well-known community member by the name of Turner Prince. A former slave and local carpenter, Turner Prince lived in Freedom Hill since its founding and was heavily involved in building many community homes for families in Freedom Hill. While Princeville faced many challenges throughout its existence, the residents also benefitted by the strength of their collective community in many ways. Free from their enslavement, many were able to reconnect with family and gain control of their labor and requirement of compensation. Princeville developed into a community with self-employed laborers and artisans. In 1880, the community was also home to eight carpenters, seven blacksmiths, four grocers, three seamstresses and three brick masons. Princeville workers were also able to capitalize on the growth of local area communities and were able to find employment in various sectors such as textile mills and lumber industries. Freedom also brought the hope and power associated with the right to vote and hold political office. In fact, several eastern counties of North Carolina, Black residents were a majority, and in many of these locations, Blacks exercised their political strength by electing Black men to office. Princeville and Edgecombe County voters were able to elect eleven Black men to the state legislature to serve fifteen terms from 1877 to 1890. Indeed, Princeville was an example to the nation of the importance and power of having the unfettered access to make one's voice heard through their vote. From recovery of the unnatural disaster of slavery and segregation to the devastation of natural disasters of hurricanes and flooding, the people of Princeville's determination and strength have allowed them to endure and overcome many difficulties and challenges. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First District of North Carolina, I am proud to recognize the 136th anniversary of the historic town of Princeville and am honored to serve as their Representative in Congress. The Princeville citizens continue to represent the power of community and the importance of freedom to control one's own destiny to create a path forward free from oppression, suppression, and undue barriers. The town of Princeville has, without exception, earned the right to be recognized, honored, and celebrated, and it is my hope that the citizens of Princeville will continue its proud legacy for many years to come.