Black History Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, as you know, this month is Black History Month, and I am taking some time to remember African Americans who have made a difference in the community where I live.

I rise today to honor one of my community's civil rights and community leaders, Mr. Nelson Polite, Sr., of Lancaster. Mr. Polite was one of the early leaders in the civil rights movement in Lancaster in the 1960s. He was a fierce advocate who worked hard to change the unjust policies of segregation.

Mr. Polite devoted his life to the ideals of fairness and justice for everyone, regardless of their skin color. He organized protests against Whites-only admittance at Rocky Springs pool and followed in the footsteps of his father, who helped found the Lancaster NAACP.

Mr. Polite led by example and represented the goodness of our community. He was active in his church and worked to ensure that residents had job opportunities, housing, and overall quality of life.

He served as a Lancaster councilman for 12 years. This month, Black History Month, marks 3 years since he passed away, but the evidence of the change that he fought for is evident in our community. I was proud to count him as a personal friend, and it is my honor to remember him today and, this month, highlight the work that he did.

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