Speech #1010201967

Community Centers came into being during the second half of the nineteenth century to provide social. recreational. and intellectual activities for community members In the United States. Whereas as the nineteenth century progressed into the twentieth and the United States became a haven for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the oppression and pogranis of Eastern Europe. Community Centers turned their energies and attention to the enormous task of acculturating the new Immigrants. teaching them English and the meaning of United States citizenship. Whereas after the influx diminished and Community Centers evolved once again into institutions dedicated to preserving good citizenship through educational. cultural. social. and recreational programs. and Whereas as Community Centers enter their second century of providing service. it is most fitting that we recognize their important contribution to the fabric of life in the United States: Now. therefore. be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That September 15. 1990 to October 15. 1990 is designated as "Community Center Month." and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.