Statement in Honor of Black History Month
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement to commemorate Black History Month:
“The celebration of Black History Month has grown from a week established by Dr. Carter Woodson in 1926, to a month-long opportunity to reflect on the many contributions African Americans have made and to recognize the important role African Americans hold in every facet of American life. Black History Month honors the generations of African-Americans who fought against slavery, prejudice, poverty, and discrimination and reminds us of the push we must make in honor of their struggle to build on their legacy and continue to break down obstacles to liberty and justice for all.
“The many victories won by the civil rights movement and the progress our society has made in facing issues of ongoing racial inequality have afforded me the humbling privilege to serve as the 100th African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The sacrifices made by Black heroes and sheroes, in spite of the odds, have been highlighted by the historic election of President Barack Obama. However, our nation still must address the many structural inequalities that have left far too many African Americans behind. Simply put, race is a factor in the growing economic inequalities we have in this country, and we can no longer afford to sweep this issue under the rug. We must come together now to enact bold programs and policies that provide equal opportunity and equal access for every single American, leaving no one behind.
“I have always believed that discrimination and racism are un-American. If we aspire to make America the country we know it can be, we must ensure that the policies we enact uphold the principles we espouse. 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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