A. McEachin

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of Tobi Ojo, an 11th grade student at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, and the high school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. Ms. Ojo wrote a powerful essay on Stacey Abrams' groundbreaking electoral successes and the exceptional work of African-American women across our nation. I am inspired by Ms. Ojo's words, 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 Tobi Ojo's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month. February is the month to celebrate black history, accomplishments, and excellence. When thinking of historical figures who embody these ideologies, many individuals would mention Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks. If neither of these historical figures is mentioned most people would say another popular African-American man. Black excellence in terms of African-American women is hardly recognized. One African-American lady who has been currently seen breaking societal expectations is politician and lawyer, Stacey Abrams. Mrs. Abrams broke history by being the first black woman to be a major party nominee for governor in the United States. She was a former liberal State House leader who wanted to change the historically conservative state of Georgia. Her campaign was centered on ``the Georgia of tomorrow.'' Although she is not currently the governor of Georgia, no woman has ever come close to holding that position. Moreover, there has not been a governor position held by a black individual since the Reconstruction Era. Stacey Abrams is also a successful graduate from Yale Law School. Outside of politics, Mrs, Abrams runs a small business and is a successful writer. Most of her successful books, such as Minority Leader: Lead From Outside and Our Time Is Now, center around her struggles and achievements in her life. These books inspire others like Mrs. Abrams to break societal standards set to hinder black lives in America. Instead of allowing her race and gender to become a hindrance, Mrs. Abrams continues to strive to make a change in the state of Georgia. Georgia has had a history of black representation in small positions but not in statewide positions. Abrams continues to work to improve black communities in Georgia. One of her top priorities is to see more black women leaders in government positions (The New York Times 2021). Stacey Abrams is also a voting rights activist who fights for Americans to have their voice heard through their votes. After seeing the massive mismanagement of Georgia's 2018 election, she decided to combat this problem. This was one of the reasons why she founded the Fair Fight. The Fair Fight helps educate voters on election reforms and advocate for election reform on various government levels. This organization promotes fair elections by encouraging fair elections in Georgia. Fair Fight focuses on empowering the voices of minorities and diminishing voter suppression (About Fair Fight/Fair Fight'' 2020). Fair Fights was one of the many organizations that Stacey Abrams founded. In 2019, Fair Count was created. Fair Count was established to increase civic engagement in states and improve Census accuracy. Another organization that was created by Stacey Abrams is Southern Economic Advancement Project. The Southern Economic Advancement Project promotes public policies that improve economic power and increase equity in the South. Stacey Abrams seeks to create change outside of Georgia and the United States. She is a member of former Secretary of State John Kerry's World War Zero bipartisan coalition which tries to educate individuals on climate change. Stacey Abrams has met with politicians in Taiwan, South Korea, Israel to bring about change on different issues worldwide (``About Stacey Abrams/Fair Fight'' 2021). Politician and writer, Stacey Abrams, has won awards that shine her accomplishments and works. She was a recipient of John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award. Stacey Abrams continues to break history day by day by fighting for those who do not have a voice and representation in government policies and positions.

Mr. McEACHIN

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.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the work of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff, specifically the Black and brown members, for their excellent work every day, but especially for their work across the Capitol complex after it was desecrated on January 6, 2021 by a mob of rioters and insurrectionists trying to reverse the results of a fair and free election. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated stewards of our temple of democracy, and their exemplary work deserves to be acknowledged. The labor of Black and brown Americans is integral to the history of our Capitol building. When the Capitol was first constructed, enslaved Black laborers were brought in from across the country to build the home of our nation's democracy. Enslaved laborers were involved in nearly every step of construction, from quarrying marble and sandstone to masonry to devising the architectural innovations needed to install the Statue of Freedom in 1863. Today, our Capitol continues to rely on the labor of Black and brown Americans. Our Black and brown custodial staff make sure the entire Capitol complex is pristine and accessible to all that visit, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have worked to maintain our community's health and safety. I see the pride they take in their work each and every day and thank them for their endless dedication. On January 6, 2021, Black and brown custodial staff were in attendance as well. While media coverage has largely focused on the experiences of House Members and Senators, custodial and administrative staff throughout the Capitol complex weathered the siege all the same. Once the Capitol was secured, these dedicated employees were the first back to work, scrubbing the stains inflicted on our temple of democracy by the same rioters who made them fear for their lives. Our colleagues' work to clean the Capitol is particularly commendable considering the appalling racial nature of the riots. Former President Trump and his supporters spread baseless allegations and lies about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, including about the validity of votes cast in majority Black or brown cities. When election officials and the courts refused to overturn the results, a predominately white mob, including proud white supremacists, stormed the Capitol. After seeing these white rioters treated more kindly than protestors for racial justice often are, the largely Black and brown custodial staff were left to clean up the mess. They cleaned up broken glass, blood, empty bottles, and other items left by the mob. I read that a staff member described the experience of cleaning up after the insurrection as ``degrading.'' To that end, I say we see you and we appreciate your efforts. Their work was not made in vain, nor did it go unnoticed. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished members of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff for their hard work in the aftermath of January 6, 2021 and for the professionalism they show each and every day.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank the Virginia National Guard for their outstanding work during and after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. These men and women honored the call of our country, forsaking precious time with their families, to serve and maintain our democracy. Virginia's National Guard provided a sorely needed response on January 6, with the Quick Reaction Force out of Manassas arriving within 12 hours of receiving D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's request for assistance. In the following days, thousands of citizen-soldiers from across our great Commonwealth deployed to defend our nation's capital. These individuals made tremendous sacrifices to uproot their lives in the defense of democracy; within a matter of days, and in some cases even hours, members of the Virginia National Guard took leave from their regular jobs and deployed to Washington, D.C. without knowing when they would return home. I am especially proud of the men and women from across the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia who served, including BTroop, 2nd Squadron--183 Calvary Regiment from Suffolk, VA, 1710th Transportation Company from Emporia, VA, and 276th Engineer Battalion from Petersburg, VA. These brave individuals remained dedicated to the mission for weeks at a time, despite the U.S. Capitol not offering the level of hospitality our heroes deserve. While in the city, they persevered while sleeping on cold floors, being shunted disrespectfully into parking garages, and lacking access to quality food. When I had the opportunity to meet with our Virginia National Guard while attending the inauguration, I was struck by how they maintained their cheerful spirit despite these challenging and weighty responsibilities. This is a testament to their true character as Virginians, who are called to service regardless of the conditions and the mission given to them. The Virginia National Guard provided crucial support for the preservation of our democracy. Due to the sacrifices of thousands of our Commonwealth's brave soldiers and airmen, in coordination with other State National Guard units from across our nation, we were able to inaugurate President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris on the same hallowed grounds where a violent mob sought to overturn the certification of our national election just two weeks prior. Time and again, ``The Commonwealths Guardians'' have served Virginia and the United States of America and will continue to do so when called upon. The actions of our Commonwealth's brave citizen-soldiers demonstrate the indominable fortitude of the Virginia National Guard. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the brave members of the Virginia National Guard who answered the call to service in defense of our nation's capital to ensure the preservation of our cherished democracy.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Howard, a pastor, academic, and author, who has dedicated his life to promoting community spirit in others. Dr. Howard has shown dedication and passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his many roles as a servant leader. The Commonwealth of Virginia is indebted to him for his years of service to our academic and religious institutions, including his time as Interim Dean and Associate Professor of Homiletics and Practical Theology at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and as immediate past president of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. He has shared his experiences and deep knowledge with us through his writing, including authoring Black Sacred Rhetoric: The Gospel According to Religious Folk Talk and Voices Crying Out in the Wilderness: Theological Reflections Where Context Matters. Dr. Howard's leadership within the Black church has advanced the cause of social justice, and I am confident that he will continue to lead that fight for years to come. He continuously motivates us to work with humble devotion to improve the lives of those around us. I have no doubt that he will continue to inspire generations of young people to pursue a life of service through faith, community, and love.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize the esteemed Dr. Clinton Vassett Turner, Sr., a public servant and educator who dedicated his life to promoting the welfare of others. Dr. Turner left a lasting legacy, and the Commonwealth of Virginia is indebted to him for his years of service to our institutions of higher education. I greatly admire his dedication to academia, and the capable leadership that he brought to the roles he assumed, including at Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia state government. As the first African-American in the nation to hold a cabinet-level position in a state department of agriculture, Dr. Turner succeeded in the face of adversity and became a role model for young people across our Commonwealth. Dr. Turner was recognized countless times for his remarkable achievements, including receiving the 1994 Virginia Man of the Year Award, and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Agricultural Alumni Organization Distinguished Service Citation. I am especially pleased to see his name memorialized as the first Virginian in the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame. Dr. Turner challenged us to work with humble devotion to improve the lives of those around us, and I have no doubt that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of young men and women to pursue a life of service through academic excellence. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest condolences to Dr. Turner's family, and in honoring his life's work.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, l rise today to include in the Record a statement from Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, and the representative of the Jewish Community at the City of Chesapeake's civic occasions. As the State of Israel celebrates its 72nd anniversary in its eighth decade, we miss the prophetic voice and heroic presence of Amos Oz (1939-2018), one of Israel's premier authors whose books were translated into forty-four languages. His life mirrored the history of the reborn Jewish state out of the monumental Holocaust that consumed a third of the Jewish people. He was the very embodiment of an inspiring Israel and its acknowledged representative to the world, with foreign leaders seeking his perspective on events involving Israel. He fought in both the 1967 and 1973 wars. Oz was honored with significant international literary awards, though the Nobel Prize somehow eluded him while being a perennial nominee. He served as Professor of Hebrew Literature at Ben-Gurion University in Be'er-Sheva though he was courted by Jerusalem's Hebrew University from which he graduated. Oz was a great humanist and a distinguished member of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. He was born in Jerusalem during the British Mandate to Fania and Dr. Arye Klausner, a gifted linguist of sixteen languages. They immigrated to then-Palestine from Eastern Europe. Oz's great-uncle was Professor Yosef Klausner, the Hebrew University's renowned scholar of the Second Temple period. Following Fania's suicide at age thirty-eight, Oz opted at age fifteen to leave his Jerusalem home by himself and move to Kibbutz Hulda where he changed his surname Klausner to the Hebrew Oz which connotes courage. It befitted the kibbutz's pioneering Labor ideology and its break with the European experience to which his parents were attached, particularly its culture. It was a turning point for Oz who was raised on Zeev Jabotinsky's Revisionist ideology of manifest Jewish power. He consequently began identifying with the ``new Jew'' finding fulfillment in returning to till the ancient homeland, in contrast to the perceived Diaspora Jew represented in his own family. There is an intriguing early religious chapter in the author's life attending an Orthodox elementary school while his family was secular and even anti-religious. He was exposed to working class students who regarded him as an outsider, a rejection he later experienced in the kibbutz. His second-grade teacher, who deeply impacted him, was the famous poetess Zelda, whom Oz described as his first love. In his book, A Tale of Love and Darkness, Oz recalled the dramatic vote at the United Nations on November 29, 1947 to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, which the Arabs refused to accept. His father, Arye, was moved to tears lying next to him in bed telling Amos that he would never be exposed to anti-Semitic attacks the way he and Grandpa Alexander were in Poland with their pants forcibly removed by hooligan students at his high school. Oz witnessed the unforgettable night of the critical vote with his neighborhood gathering to listen to the one available radio. His family's small apartment was home to about twenty people during the 1948 War in Jerusalem, all enduring hardship with some losing dear ones. Oz, an iconic Israeli figure, was a peace activist and a ardent supporter of a two-state solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, regarding it as vital to Israel's best interests politically as well as ethically, no less than ``a matter of life and death for the State of Israel'' that must retain a Jewish and democratic identity. He feared for Israel's future internally as well as externally, regarding Judaism's genius in its Biblical prophets' humanistic ideals and moral sensitivity towards society's weak and disenfranchised. Oz advocated the curbing of the establishment's raw power ``to cause pain.'' He was gravely concerned for the growing conflict between those advocating for strict Orthodox Jewish law (Halacha) and the great majority opting to preserve democracy. He lauded secular Israel's significant and multiple accomplishments in revitalizing the Hebrew language and culture, establishing a flourishing modern Jewish state recognized as the world's start-up nation with such humble beginnings and acute security concerns. Oz's sharp arrows were aimed not only at the political Right but also at Israel's Socialist founders for failing to acknowledge the full tapestry of the Jewish heritage, with patronizing treatment of the Mizrachi and Sephardic Jews who had a moderate approach toward religion and diversity. He bemoaned the worldwide rise of dangerous fanaticism of Islamic fundamentalism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, white supremacy, racism, and xenophobia. Amos Oz, the secular prophet of pain and promise, doom and deliverance, concludes his last book, Dear Zealots, with whom he sought dialogue, on a stirring message of both searing pessimism and consoling optimism, ``I am extremely fearful for the future . . . But I like being Israeli. I like being a citizen of a country where there are eight and a half million prime ministers, eight and a half million prophets, eight and a half million messiahs. Each of us has our own personal formula for redemption, or at least for a solution . . . What I have seen here in my lifetime is far less, yet also far more, than what my parents and their parents ever dreamed of.'' Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah (Heart of Hope) in Virginia Beach. It meets at The Church of the Holy Apostles, the only world's community of both Episcopalians and Roman Catholic. He was born in Chu, Kazakhstan (USSR) in 1945 to Polish Holocaust survivors. He and his family lived among Jewish refugees in Poland, Austria and Germany, prior to moving to Israel in 1949. He is a member of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize exemplary middle and high school students from Virginia's Fourth Congressional District who were selected as winners of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. I am inspired by the words of these students, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them personally. Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and recognize the remarkable achievements of the African-American community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished students and their accomplishments in celebration of Black History Month. I include in the Record Trenton Blake Townes' winning essay: What Black History Month Means to Me (By Trenton Blake Townes) As an African American male, Black History means a great deal to me. In todays society racism impacts the lives of my people in a number of ways and for me that is very scary. Black history means to me that no matter how the world views me, I am somebody and I stand on the shoulders of those before me. I can not think of what black history means to me without thinking of the years of slavery my ancestors had to endure. I think of the world we live in, and I don't understand why racism continues to exist today. The achievements of black people compared to the many pitfalls set before us should allow people to see how strong and resilient of a people we are, instead they only continue their attempts to destroy us and what we value and love. I wish black history month would mean to everyone what is means to me. Black history month means to me that in times of turmoil I have the strength to rise victorious. Black history month is a time where all can reflect, not on the narrative they want us to believe in, but one that is factual and full of strength, hope and promise. It's one where Mansa Musa was King of the Mali empire in 1312 and is regarded even today as the richest man in the history of the world. Black history month means to me even as an enslaved people, Harriet Tubman led about 13 missions to help many to freedom and shared she could have freed more if they only know they were enslaved. Black history month means to me we must pass the knowledge of the achievements of our ancestors like the establishment of what was known as Black Wall Street. Black wall street was a very prosperous and self-sufficient business district in Oklahoma where black people owned barbershops and stores, schools and even a local newspaper. Black history month means to me that I can help the advancement of the world like Dr. Gladys West who is a mathematician who grew up locally in Sutherland VA and helped with the technology used to create the GPS systems everyone uses today. Black history month means to me it is a time where all people should be able to reflect upon the history of African Americans. This is a time where our culture, contributions, music, and arts should be celebrated as a positive influence and reviewed as leaving a positive impact on the entire world. Black history month is a time where we should be able to come together as a people and uplift one another and celebrate the many achievements of our past and the hope and realization of a rich future.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize exemplary middle and high school students from Virginia's Fourth Congressional District who were selected as winners of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. I am inspired by the words of these students, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them personally. Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and recognize the remarkable achievements of the African-American community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished students and their accomplishments in celebration of Black History Month. I include in the Record Trenton Blake's winning essay: What Black History Month Means to Me As an African American male, Black History means a great deal to me. In todays society racism impacts the lives of my people in a number of ways and for me that is very scary. Black history means to me that no matter how the world views me, I am somebody and I stand on the shoulders of those before me. I can not think of what black history means to me without thinking of the years of slavery my ancestors had to endure. I think of the world we live in, and I don't understand why racism continues to exist today. The achievements of black people compared to the many pitfalls set before us should allow people to see how strong and resilient of a people we are, instead they only continue their attempts to destroy us and what we value and love. I wish black history month would mean to everyone what is means to me. Black history month means to me that in times of turmoil I have the strength to rise victorious. Black history month is a time where all can reflect, not on the narrative they want us to believe in, but one that is factual and full of strength, hope and promise. It's one where Mansa Musa was King of the Mali empire in 1312 and is regarded even today as the richest man in the history of the world. Black history month means to me even as an enslaved people, Harriet Tubman led about 13 missions to help many to freedom and shared she could have freed more if they only know they were enslaved. Black history month means to me we must pass the knowledge of the achievements of our ancestors like the establishment of what was known as Black Wall Street. Black wall street was a very prosperous and self-sufficient business district in Oklahoma where black people owned barbershops and stores, schools and even a local newspaper. Black history month means to me that I can help the advancement of the world like Dr. Gladys West who is a mathematician who grew up locally in Sutherland VA and helped with the technology used to create the GPS systems everyone uses today. Black history month means to me it is a time where all people should be able to reflect upon the history of African Americans. This is a time where our culture, contributions, music, and arts should be celebrated as a positive influence and reviewed as leaving a positive impact on the entire world. Black history month is a time where we should be able to come together as a people and uplift one another and celebrate the many achievements of our past and the hope and realization of a rich future.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize exemplary middle and high school students from Virginia's Fourth Congressional District who were selected as winners of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. I am inspired by the words of these students, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them personally. Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and recognize the remarkable achievements of the African-American community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished students and their accomplishments in celebration of Black History Month. I include in the Record JyMir Starks' winning essay: (By JyMir Starks) Black History Month was an extension upon Negro History Week, which was created in 1926 by notable historian, Carter G. Woodson; President Gerald Ford recognized February as the designated month for the celebration of Black people in 1976. Nearly six years shy of the centennial anniversary of Black History Week and the semi-centennial anniversary of Black History Month, the goals of both Carter G. Woodson and Gerald Ford have been accomplished to an extent. I say all this because for twenty-eight or twenty-nine days out of the year there is a new depth added to the Black experience within America. There is a common misconception among many that Black History Month is in February because it is the shortest month. When I was younger, I was one of the many. This led me to do my own research when I saw someone make this claim, and I found the true history of the month. This month was chosen to honor Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, more commonly known as Frederick Douglass, and President Abraham Lincoln. This began my delve into the rich history and culture of Black Americans; my ignorance had developed into an insatiable thirst for the knowledge of my people. Understanding, analyzing, and researching Black history is not something that I do for the second month of the year, only to wait another eleven months before I repeat the cycle. It is the month of February that is used to spread what I have learned throughout my life in order to instill a sense of pride and admiration within my fellow Black Americans. The last few Februaries I have shared whatever trinket of knowledge that I've collected over the course of the year, with a fact regarding a certain historical figure or event pertaining to Black or African history for each day of the month. This year I've taken to sharing and learning with my potential classmates, who will be attending Howard University, in the upcoming fall of 2020. This has been beneficial because the ideals of community are placed on full display by this continuous exchange of information because each fact is more gratifying than the last. Along with the sense of community that is established through the exchange of information and knowledge, there is the joy that comes from Black enterprise. Social media has made connecting with others the easiest it has ever been in human history. This allows for Black-owned businesses to reach consumers across the globe. Black entrepreneurs and other enterprising individuals have used platforms like Twitter to expand their brands and network with other businessmen and women. In February there is an explosion of Black enterprise with a myriad of products being placed on sale. This further strengthens the idea of community because investing in the business of another Black American allows for one to help aid in the quest to establish Black wealth or at least financial security. This also sparks immense joy because supporting Black-owned businesses fills me with a deep sense of pride. I enjoy Black History Month because it has been the setting that has taught me about the history of Black enterprise; I enjoy Black History Month in the twenty-first century because I am able to participate in Black enterprise efficiently and effectively. Black History Month also opens up the doors of Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads is a region with many historical Black locations from Hampton down to Suffolk. Luckily for me, I am able to visit these cities and attend the events that they are planning to host. I love the ability to share a laugh and create a memory with my family as we adventure out into Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News, or Chesapeake. There is never a shortage of things to do to honor, celebrate, recognize, or appreciate one's heritage during February, and for that I am truly grateful because it is vital that Black people of all ages and walks of life are able to love themselves and love others. The main joy that comes to me during Black History Month is the feeling of community that accompanies the month. I am truly able to be around friends and family and enjoy their presence. During the month of February, Black people are energized, and their communities give them the chance to appreciate their backgrounds. This month is more than a few names from a history textbook, but is essential to reaffirming the idea that Blackness is not only acceptable, but also Beautiful.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on January 9, 2020 during roll call no. 5, On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for consideration of H. Con. Res. 83, directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 6, On Agreeing to the Resolution, Providing for consideration of H. Con. Res. 83, directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on January 7, 2020 during roll call no. 1, Quorum, Call of the House. Had I been present, I would have been recorded as ``present.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on January 8, 2020 during roll call no. 2, On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 535) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 3, On Agreeing to the Resolution, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 535) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 4, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Secure 5G and Beyond Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on November 15, 2019 during roll call no. 617, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 4863, Torres of California Amendment No. 2. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 618, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 4863, Flores of Texas Amendment No. 3. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 619, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 4863, McAdams of Utah Amendment No. 4. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 620, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 4863, Davidson of Ohio Amendment No. 5. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 621, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 4863, Stevens of Michigan Amendment No. 18. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 622, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 4863, Torres Small of New Mexico Amendment No. 21. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 623, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 4863, United States Export Finance Agency Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 624, On Passage, H.R. 4863, United States Export Finance Agency Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on November 18, 2019 during roll call No. 625, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3702, Reforming Disaster Recovery Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 626, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4634, Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 627, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4344, Investor Protection and Capital Markets Fairness Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on November 20, 2019 during roll call No. 632, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 713, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1309, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act; providing for proceedings during the period from November 22, 2019 through December 2, 2019; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 633, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 713, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1309, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act; providing for proceedings during the period from November 22, 2019 through December 2, 2019; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 634, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 737, Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 635, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, S. 1838, Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 636, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, S. 2710, To prohibit the commercial export of covered munitions items to the Hong Kong Police Force. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on November 21, 2019 during roll call No. 637, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Byrne of Alabama Part B Amendment No. 3. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 638, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Harder of California Part B Amendment No. 4. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 639, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Wexton of Virginia Part B Amendment No. 9. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call Mo. 640, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1309, Delgado of New York Part B Amendment No. 10. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 641, Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair, H.R. 1309, Workplace Violence Prevention for Heath Care and Social Service Workers Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 642, On Passage, H.R. 1309, Workplace Violence Prevention for Heath Care and Social Service Workers Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on November 13, 2019 during roll call no. 612, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 3537, Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 613, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 499, Service-Disabled Veterans Small Business Continuation Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 614, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3734, SERV Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on November 12, 2019 during roll call no. 610, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4162, GI Bill Planning Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' 1 was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 611, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3224, Deborah Sampson Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 31, 2019 during roll call no. 603, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 660, Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 604, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 660, Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 605, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 823, Curtis of Utah Part B Amendment No. 1. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 606, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 823, Tipton of Colorado Part B Amendment No. 5. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 607, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 823, Crow of Colorado Part B Amendment No. 6. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 608, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 823, Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 609, On Passage, H.R. 823, Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 30, 2019 during roll call no. 593, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 2181, Gosar of Arizona Part E Amendment No. 2. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 594, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 2181, Gosar of Arizona Part E Amendment No. 3. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 595, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 2181, Arrington of Texas Part E Amendment No. 4. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 596, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 2181, Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 597, On Passage, H.R. 2181, Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 598, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1373, Gosar of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 1. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 599, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1373, Gosar of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 2. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 600, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1373, Gosar of Arizona Part C Amendment No. 3. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 601, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 1373, Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 602, On Passage, H.R. 1373, Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the City of Richmond for its efforts to remove barriers to voter participation in Virginia's 2019 elections. Mayor Levar Stoney and his administration are partnering with the Greater Richmond Transit Corporation (GRTC) for the second year in a row to provide free rides to the polls for Richmond residents on Election Day. Additionally, the City of Richmond is giving its employees the day off on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Both measures will address potential impediments to voting and will help encourage participation in both state and local elections. Access to transportation has historically been an obstacle for underserved and marginalized communities to exercise their rights on Election Day. To address these concerns, GRTC will provide free transportation to nearly every polling location in the City of Richmond. In doing so, more individuals will be able to access polling stations, enabling many more Richmonders to vote. The ability to take time off from work has also been a barrier to the ballot box. To help tackle this issue, the City of Richmond will close its offices on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 to make it easier for city employees to vote. Since my time in the Virginia General Assembly, I have fought for voters' rights; the right to vote is sacred and should be protected. That is why I introduced the Election Day Holiday Act, which would make Election Day a federal holiday. At a time when our elections are under attack from outside and within our country, it is more important than ever that we remove barriers to the ballot box. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Stoney, the Stoney administration, and GRTC for improving access and removing barriers to voting for Richmond residents.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 28, 2019 during roll call no. 585, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2440, Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 586, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2115, Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts and Real-Time Beneficiary Drug Cost Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 29, 2019 during roll call no. 587, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 655, Providing for consideration of H. Res. 296, affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 588, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 655, Providing for consideration of H. Res. 296, affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 589, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 656, Providing for consideration of H.R. 823, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act; H.R. 1373, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act; H.R. 2181, the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2019; providing for proceedings during the period from November 1, 2019 through November 11, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 590, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 656, Providing for consideration of H.R. 823, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act; H.R. 1373, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act; H.R. 2181, the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2019; providing for proceedings during the period from November 1, 2019 through November 11, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 591, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 296, Affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 592, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4695, Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. MCEACHIN

Mr. MCEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 22, 2019 during roll call no. 571, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 646, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2513) Corporate Transparency Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 572, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 646, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2513) Corporate Transparency Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 573, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 2513, Burgess of Texas Part B Amendment No. 1. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 574, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 2513, Carolyn B. Maloney of New York Part B Amendment No. 4. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 575, On Agree to the Amendment, H.R. 2513, Davidson of Ohio Part B Amendment No. 5. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 576, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 2513, Corporate Transparency Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 577, On Passage, H.R. 2513, Corporate Transparency Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 578, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2426, Copyright Alternative in Small- Claims Enforcement Act of 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''