This bill recognizes and honors the extraordinary number of African-Americans who have overcome significant obstacles to enhance innovation and competitiveness in the field of science in the United States.
African-American scientists in early America had a rough time. Until 1865, African Americans were not considered citizens and could not register their inventions with the US Patent Office. The first Patent obtained by an African American was, in fact, right here in Illinois, Sarah E. Goode for her cabinet bed (patent #322,177). Other notable contributions include: Richard Spikes invented the automatic gear shift, Otis Boykin invented the pacemaker, George Sampson invented the clothes dryer, and Dr. Ben Carson led a medical team who became the first to separate conjoined twins.
So, enough with my history lesson - back to the bill. The bill basically recognized and honors these persons and encouraged the Administration to invest in programs to lessen the achievement gap of African-Americans and other minorities.
All Illinois representatives in Congress voted in favor of this bill, the exception being Luis Gutierrez and Mike Quigley, who did not vote.
Summery:
Sponsor: Eddie Johnson
Introduced: Mar 2, 2010
Passed House: Mar 19, 2010
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