McCollum Statement Commemorating Black History Month

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement commemorating Black History Month:

“February marks Black History Month, when we celebrate and remember the tremendous impacts that African American men and women have made on our society. From Civil Rights leaders like my friend and colleague in Congress Rep. John Lewis of Georgia who stood with Martin Luther King, to Minnesota cultural luminaries like Prince and August Wilson, our communities and our country would not be what it is today without the achievements of many great African Americans. Minnesota was also changed immeasurably by the work of people like Roy Wilkins, Matt Little and Nellie Stone Johnson.

“2015 is a year where we can make great strides in ensuring that we remember and honor the history of African Americans in this country year round. In my role on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee here in Congress, we have the responsibility to appropriate the final funding for the Smithsonian’s African American History Museum which is set to open next year. The museum will tell the stories of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. The final $41 million for completion of the museum represents a fantastic investment in helping to keep these stories alive and accessible for future generations. In addition, the President’s FY16 budget proposes funding for a national historical trail from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. These projects are two examples of ways we can remember the historic contributions of African Americans in this country throughout the year. I will work to see that both of those projects receive the funding they need to be completed and will continue to support funding for initiatives that lift up the important contributions that African-American women and men have made to our nation.”