Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-26

RECOGNIZING THE BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Taxes

Context

On 2026-02-26, Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E169] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ______ HON. CHRIS PAPPAS of new hampshire in the house of representatives Thursday, February 26, 2026 Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, in celebration of Black History Month. Originally founded in 1994, the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, which has since grown into the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, has fought to uncover and honor the often-overlooked Black history in the Granite State and southern Maine for more than 30 years. The mission of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is to promote awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. The Trail shares stories of prominent African American figures from New Hampshire and southern Maine, and since becoming a statewide organization in 2016, has expanded its outreach efforts through tours, educational public programs, partnerships with schools, and markers in more than seventeen cities and towns. More recently, the Trail has begun enhancing its efforts to foster more inclusive and informed communities through augmented experiences, the first of which was unveiled at the African Burying Ground Memorial Park in Portsmouth in 2025. This information will soon turn sites across the state into a veritable outdoor museum of African American history. Through events, discussions, conferences, publications, tours, and an ever-growing network of historical markers, the Trail provides opportunities for everyone in our state to learn these stories of encouragement and achievement. These experiences create a lasting impact as they highlight the critical role that African Americans have had in shaping our country. They help all of us to understand, confront, and overcome the challenges that we still face today in realizing the promise of our founding documents. As we recognize the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, I also want to highlight the organization's Executive Director, JerriAnne Boggis. Taking up the mantle of Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail founder Valerie Cunningham, Ms. Boggis has worked not only to preserve NH's African American history but has relentlessly advocated for its central place in American history. In doing so, she is helping to shape a better future for all of us. The Black Heritage Trail helps confront the systemic racism, bias, and injustice that have festered in our country for too long. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, I thank Ms. JerriAnne Boggis, her staff, and the tour guides, volunteers, board members, sponsors, and supporters of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire for their commitment to bringing Black history to light and ensuring that these stories are never forgotten. I thank the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire for helping us learn about our history and working to create a stronger future for everyone. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E169] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ______ HON. CHRIS PAPPAS of new hampshire in the house of representatives Thursday, February 26, 2026 Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, in celebration of Black History Month. Originally founded in 1994, the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, which has since grown into the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, has fought to uncover and honor the often-overlooked Black history in the Granite State and southern Maine for more than 30 years. The mission of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is to promote awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. The Trail shares stories of prominent African American figures from New Hampshire and southern Maine, and since becoming a statewide organization in 2016, has expanded its outreach efforts through tours, educational public programs, partnerships with schools, and markers in more than seventeen cities and towns. More recently, the Trail has begun enhancing its efforts to foster more inclusive and informed communities through augmented experiences, the first of which was unveiled at the African Burying Ground Memorial Park in Portsmouth in 2025. This information will soon turn sites across the state into a veritable outdoor museum of African American history. Through events, discussions, conferences, publications, tours, and an ever-growing network of historical markers, the Trail provides opportunities for everyone in our state to learn these stories of encouragement and achievement. These experiences create a lasting impact as they highlight the critical role that African Americans have had in shaping our country. They help all of us to understand, confront, and overcome the challenges that we still face today in realizing the promise of our founding documents. As we recognize the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, I also want to highlight the organization's Executive Director, JerriAnne Boggis. Taking up the mantle of Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail founder Valerie Cunningham, Ms. Boggis has worked not only to preserve NH's African American history but has relentlessly advocated for its central place in American history. In doing so, she is helping to shape a better future for all of us. The Black Heritage Trail helps confront the systemic racism, bias, and injustice that have festered in our country for too long. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, I thank Ms. JerriAnne Boggis, her staff, and the tour guides, volunteers, board members, sponsors, and supporters of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire for their commitment to bringing Black history to light and ensuring that these stories are never forgotten. I thank the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire for helping us learn about our history and working to create a stronger future for everyone. ____________________