Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1046, a bipartisan resolution introduced by Congressman Al Green (TX-09), recognizing the significance of Black History Month. Co-sponsored by 61 representatives, H. Res. 1046 passed the House by a vote of 402 to 0.
“Black History Month gives the American people an opportunity to reflect on the story of African Americans in the United States and their significant contributions to this great country. We must not forget the many accomplishments by African American civil rights activists, artists, politicians, writers, and athletes nor the indelible mark they have left in our nation’s history, as well as in our culture,” said Congressman Al Green.
The resolution highlights the contributions of nationally and internationally celebrated African Americans such as writer Toni Morrison, musician Duke Ellington, athlete Althea Gibson, as well as civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., among many others.
Green added, “Black History Month is a celebration of the enduring American spirit, a spirit that triumphs in the face of adversity. Countless men and women of all races committed themselves to the proposition that ‘all men are created equal,’ courageously fighting for the rights, as well as for the freedom of African-Americans. Studying the lives of these brave Americans can be truly inspirational.”
Black History Month was originally established as Negro History Week in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African-American author and scholar. In 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, working tirelessly to highlight the contribution of African-Americans to our nation’s history. He chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
FinalCongressman Al Green congratulates Rep. Dale Kildee (MI-05), who has been serving in the House of Representatives since 1976. Kildee cast his 20,000th vote when he supported H. Res. 1046.