Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-11

HONORING BLACK LEADERS FROM WEST MICHIGAN

TaxesCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-02-11, Representative Hillary J. Scholten (D-MI-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BLACK LEADERS FROM WEST MICHIGAN" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered civil rights.

Full Text

HONORING BLACK LEADERS FROM WEST MICHIGAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2174-H2175] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BLACK LEADERS FROM WEST MICHIGAN (Ms. SCHOLTEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month, we honor leaders who shaped our country, and I rise today to recognize extraordinary Black leaders from west Michigan, whose impacts continue to guide our community. [[Page H2175]] Ingrid Scott-Weekly transformed Grand Rapids by expanding equal opportunity in city government and helping build institutions that still protect fairness and inclusion today. Reuben Smartt, one of the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps, went on to dedicate his life to mentoring young people as an educator, coach, and community leader. Dr. Faite Mack broke barriers as a founding faculty member at Grand Valley State University, shaping generations of educators and extending his work globally to ensure children have access to education. Roger Wilkins, a civil rights leader and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, led national conversations on justice and equality at the highest levels of government and media. Helen Claytor advanced civil rights and opportunity for women and families helping establish institutions that continue to promote equity in Grand Rapids and beyond. These leaders remind us that progress is driven by those willing to serve, to teach, and to lead. Their legacy lives on in west Michigan and across our great Nation. I am proud to honor these contributions during Black History Month. ____________________

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HONORING BLACK LEADERS FROM WEST MICHIGAN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2174-H2175] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BLACK LEADERS FROM WEST MICHIGAN (Ms. SCHOLTEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month, we honor leaders who shaped our country, and I rise today to recognize extraordinary Black leaders from west Michigan, whose impacts continue to guide our community. [[Page H2175]] Ingrid Scott-Weekly transformed Grand Rapids by expanding equal opportunity in city government and helping build institutions that still protect fairness and inclusion today. Reuben Smartt, one of the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps, went on to dedicate his life to mentoring young people as an educator, coach, and community leader. Dr. Faite Mack broke barriers as a founding faculty member at Grand Valley State University, shaping generations of educators and extending his work globally to ensure children have access to education. Roger Wilkins, a civil rights leader and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, led national conversations on justice and equality at the highest levels of government and media. Helen Claytor advanced civil rights and opportunity for women and families helping establish institutions that continue to promote equity in Grand Rapids and beyond. These leaders remind us that progress is driven by those willing to serve, to teach, and to lead. Their legacy lives on in west Michigan and across our great Nation. I am proud to honor these contributions during Black History Month. ____________________