US Capitol Historical Society Seminar on African-American Members of Congress

HHS students Chanell Dade (left) and Shannon Cabbell shown here with former Senator Carol-Mosley Braun of Illinois. And (below) with assistance from Juan Williams of Fox News Sunday, Shannon asks a question of the panelists as Chanell dutifully takes notes.

Juan Williams of Fox News Sunday and author of "Eyes on the Prize" with Shannon and Chanell. You can follow in the tradition of these great American leaders on this panel. You are the heirs of this great American legacy. You are on the arc of great American leaders.

Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina. Because of the great sacrifices of your grandparents, we are allowed to serve. Remember these 4 words: No Cross, No Crown.

Representative Sanford Bishop of Georgia. I had to run twice as hard and twice as fast to reach first place at the finish line. Here is the world's shortest poem. I want you to think about it. I? Why?

Representative Eva Clayton of North Carolina. I wanted to be a missionary and serving in Congress is not inconsistent with that. My being in Congress is of no value if I am not serving people. As you achieve, you achieve for your family too.

Former Senator Carol Mosley-Braun of Illinois. Sometimes when bad things happen, they turn out to be good for you in the future. If you think you are limited by your race or gender, you will be. Taking the high road is the surest road to success.

Representative Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania. It is important as students that you rally around the idea of academic excellence. We should praise the honor roll student as much as the athlete.

Representative Julia Carson of Indiana