[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 7] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8997] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE ______ HON. ARTUR DAVIS of alabama in the house of representatives Monday, May 24, 2010 Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as a recipient of the prestigious Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad Award for 2009-2011. Fewer than ten museums in the United States are selected for the Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad Award and I am delighted and proud that the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located in the Seventh Congressional District, is among the chosen. This honor is both an outstanding achievement and a source of great pride for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Birmingham community. Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad, which is administered by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and receives financial support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, connects U.S. communities with communities abroad through innovative, museum-based projects that reflect each museum's unique collections, capabilities, and expertise. Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad increases the cultural competency of two communities and also helps museums connect with local underserved populations. The Museums and Community Collaborations Abroad Award will enable the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to partner with the Mandela House Museum in Soweto, South Africa in the development of a joint project of cultural significance. The obvious parallels between the U.S. and South Africa related to their historic struggles against malevolent systems of racial segregation and oppression make this a natural partnership. Through this collaboration, not only will the communities of Birmingham and Soweto be united, but cultural diplomacy as a whole between the U.S. and South Africa will be strengthened. It is an honor to recognize the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for this significant achievement. ____________________