Lee Releases Statement in Honor of Black History Month
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ricci Graham
(510) 763-0370
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today in celebration of Black History Month:
“Each February, Americans celebrate Black History Month to honor the tremendous and immeasurable contributions that African Americans have made to our nation - from culture to science to education to business.
“The celebration of Black History Month has grown from a week established by Dr. Carter Woodson in 1926, coinciding with the birthdays of important figures in African-American history, including Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, to a month-long opportunity to reflect on the many contributions African Americans have made, as well as the important role African Americans hold in American political and social life.
“Reflecting on black history is especially fitting in the face of surmounting challenges brought on by unemployment and a continuing economic crisis that hits low-income communities and the African- American community especially hard. Black History Month honors the generations of African-Americans who fought against prejudice, poverty, and discrimination and reminds us of the push we must make in honor of their struggle to build on their successes and continue to break down obstacles to equality.
“As a nation, we have made remarkable strides, but there is still a long and arduous journey ahead for African Americans. Black History Month reminds us to continue to move forward for justice and equality. We continue to hold that this annual time of appreciation and reflection should be a uniting call to our nation to continue to work for a more perfect union.”
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