Justice Clarence Thomas' Legacy is missing

The new National Museum of African American History and Culture recently opened on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The museum is an exciting addition to the Smithsonian Institution, but it is unfortunately missing an important part of history. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' inspiring story is nowhere to be found.

As many of you know, Justice Thomas was raised in Pin Point, Georgia, a small African-American community near Savannah. He later attended Yale Law School and after the retirement of the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, Justice Thomas was confirmed as the second African-American to serve on the Supreme Court.

The background and accomplishments of Justice Thomas are absolutely worthy of inclusion in the museum. It is a disservice to his legacy and to the history of this nation to deny visitors this important representation of overcoming adversity to reach great heights.

This week, I led a letter to Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution David Skorton demanding an explanation about the conspicuous absence of Justice Thomas from the new museum and requested any future plans to feature him in a permanent exhibit. If you would like to read more, click here to view our letter.

From our Nation's Capitol LXXIX

Monday, October 31, 2016: Without question, one of my favorite activities that I am able to participate in is reading to school children. The week after Hurricane Matthew hit was pre-K week in Georgia and I was scheduled to read to a number of classes but schools were closed in the aftermath of the storm and, fortunately, I am making them up this week. I begin today at Richmond Hill Primary School where a group of preschoolers are assembled in the media center, many dressed in their Halloween costumes, and all of them anxious to read. I am joined by Bryan County School Board Chairman Eddie Warren who, along with his school board, has the daunting, but exciting, task of dealing with a fast growing school system.

Rep. Carter at the West Chatham YMCA Child Learning Center

Next, I head to Richmond Hill Montessori Preschool where I have been many times before and always enjoy visiting with Audrey Singleton and her staff who do a wonderful job. After reading one of their favorite Halloween books, I work with a group of students in cutting out paper pumpkins and gluing eyes, noses and other facial parts onto the paper pumpkins. From there, I head to Pooler Elementary School, where my wife spent many days volunteering as all three of our sons attended K-5th grade at this great school. After reading one of their favorite Halloween books, I was treated to a parade in the media center to see all of the student’s scary costumes. My last reading stop is at the West Chatham YMCA Child Learning Center in Pooler where they are busting at the seams with kids in this fast growing community. Later in the afternoon, I head to the Air Dominance Center in Savannah for the beginning of Sentry Savannah, the Air National Guard’s (ANG) largest fighter aircraft training exercise. This two week flying event, held this time in conjunction with Operation Bold Quest, features the world’s premier air supremacy fighter, the F-22 Raptor, as well as F-16’s and T-38’s from across the nation. I got to meet some of the fine men and women from our own Savannah Air Dominance Center that play host to these Airmen warriors as well as shake the hands of those visiting. As I witnessed these fighter jets take off and land and admired the work of these great American service members, I realized how fortunate we are to have the Air Dominance Center in our back yard. I end my day with a phone call with HUD Secretary Julian Castro to discuss the situation at Westlake Apartments in Chatham County as I express to him my extreme frustration in HUD’s response to this deplorable situation.

Rep. Carter at the Air Dominance Center

Tuesday, November 1, 2016: After a breakfast meeting in Richmond Hill with the new president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Jeff Fusile to discuss health care issues, I’m heading to Brunswick for a speaking engagement. On the way I have a conference call with FEMA officials to discuss the denial of Chatham County’s application for reimbursement of services to remove storm debris from gated communities and to learn what the qualifications are for appeal. Once in Brunswick, I head to the Glendale Baptist Church to speak at the monthly meeting of the Glendale Golden Harvest Ministry, a great group of retirees who do great work in the community. Afterwards, I head to Hoboken in Brantley County for a tour of Varn Wood Products. This multi-generational family business is a perfect example of how a company can change and evolve over time and still stay competitive. From its beginnings making turpentine to now producing lumber and wood pellets, the company continues to thrive. As I head back to Pooler I have interviews with the three Savannah area television stations to discuss debris removal on private property in Chatham County.

Rep. Carter at Varn Wood Products

Wednesday, November 2, 2016: Thanks to the work of State Representatives Al Williams and Bill Hitchens, the Georgia Military Study Committee is meeting today in Hinesville and Liberty County, home of Fort Stewart. I am honored to offer greetings to the group in the morning and deliver the keynote address at their luncheon. This group of state legislators has been touring military installations across the state to assess our readiness if another BRAC were to come about in the future. Afterwards, l tour the Liberty County Disaster Recovery Center in Midway to thank the staff for their work during these tough times. As I head to Jesup and Wayne County for tomorrow’s annual “Day for Wayne” event, I have two conference calls with pharmacy organizations regarding drug price transparency.

Thursday, November 3, 2016: Each community tries to distinguish itself with an event that all officials will remember and associate with their area. None has done this better than Wayne County with their famous and ever popular “Day for Wayne.” This annual event is held on the Clanton River Ranch, the beautiful riverfront property of Billie and Nell Clanton, and is attended by hundreds of elected officials and VIP’s from all over the state. Aside from a great meal and entertainment, activities include hunting, fishing, airboat rides and lots of “catching up.” This is truly one of the great events held in the First District. Later in the evening, I meet with constituents from Bryan County and Richmond Hill at the beautiful home of Michelle Henderson and Toby Roberts.

Friday, November 4, 2016: I’m in Baxley and Appling County today for the annual meeting of Concerted Services Inc. (CSI), where I am the keynote speaker.

Rep. Carter at Midway Elementary School

One of the committees that I serve on, Education and the Workforce, has direct authority over the Head Start program that is administered by CSI. I have visited many Head Start programs in our district and throughout my years of public service have witnessed the fine work they perform. Afterwards, I head to Blackshear and Pierce County for a visit to Midway Elementary School to tour the facility and congratulate the excellent staff on their recent designation as a Blue Ribbon School. Next, I head to Waycross and Ware County to the Okefenokee Swamp Park where I tour the national treasure and meet with staff. I finish up a very busy week in Waycross at the home of my good friend Burton Carter as his special guest at the annual Carter-Barnes reunion.