Congressman Etheridge Op-Ed - During Black History Month Florida Election Fiasco Reminds of Struggles Past, Present

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During Black History Month Florida Election
Fiasco Reminds of Struggles Past, Present
February 14, 2001

Since 1976, February has been celebrated as Black History Month, but the origins of this event date back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in February to recognize the heritage, achievements and contribution of African Americans. I hope all of us in North Carolina take time to participate is some wonderful activities going on in our community to celebrate black History Month.

Our state and our nation is undergoing one of the greatest demographic transformations in our history. According to the latest census figures, nearly one in ten people in the United States was born in another country. Today, there is no majority racial or ethnic group in Hawaii, California, Houston or New York City. In a little more than 50 years, there will be no majority race in America. As the early census figures show, North Carolina has grown in population and diversity in recent years. As both our state and nation grow more diverse, we must take advantage of opportunities to learn more about the heritage and the history of the people of our nation. Black History Month presents such an opportunity.

It is true that more of us are living, learning, and working together across the lines of race and ethnicity than ever before, and that people of color have more opportunity than ever before. Still, we see evidence of inequality in the long list of disparities in employment and wealth, education, criminal justice and health that still so often break down along the color line. The next step in our long march to equal justice and inclusion is to expand opportunities for all and close these intolerable gaps. The struggle for equal justice in America includes the struggle for voting rights. In the presidential election of 2000, too many people felt the votes they cast were not counted, and some felt there were organized efforts to keep them from the polls. For far too many of our citizens, the problems that arose in the 2000 election were reminiscent of problems that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We must do more to ensure that more people vote and that each and every vote is counted.

My dear friend Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, a leader in the civil rights movement shed his blood from a cracked skull when he was beaten senseless on the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama - marching to secure voting rights for all Americans. That march continues for John Lewis and all Americans committed to justice and equality. Congressman Lewis is the conscience of the Congress, and he will not rest until the fiasco in Florida is replaced with a uniform system that all people can rely on.

To that end, I am committed to working with John Lewis and all my colleagues in ensuring that the 107th Congress produces meaningful election reform legislation. All of us in the U.S. House and Senate and President George W. Bush must to work together to accomplish this goal expeditiously, so that election reforms are put in place before the next election. Our celebration of Black History Month should be a reminder of the importance of that goal. Building "One America" is the work of every American. That starts with ensuring that our voting process is fair, inclusive and uniform.