Statement on Black History Month
Washington, DC – Congresswoman McCollum released the following statement in recognition of Black History Month:
“February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the ways in which African-Americans have shaped our history and culture as a country. This year’s theme is “Civil Rights in America.” Prominent leaders in the African-American community have led the charge for civil rights and social justice throughout our history. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Roy Wilkins were at the forefront of progress on civil rights nationally, while great leaders like Matt Little, Katie McWatt and Nelly Stone Johnson worked locally in their communities in Minnesota for change. Minnesota’s own Hubert Humphrey worked to support many of those activists in their struggles for civil rights in his role as Vice President.
“This year represents the 50th anniversary of our country’s seminal civil rights legislation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination against Americans based upon race, gender, sex or religion and its passage was largely the result of advocacy and organizing by leaders like Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Roy Wilkins and my colleague Rep. John Lewis.
“There is still more to be done to ensure that the civil rights of all Americans are protected and that the work of these great African-American civil rights leaders continues today. Our country has faced recent efforts to roll back voting rights protections, and still struggles to achieve an end to workplace discrimination.
“The fact that enormous disparities still exist in health, education and economic opportunity for people of color is unacceptable. We must commit ourselves to ending these disparities.
“As February ends, we remember those in the African-American community who stood up for civil rights, equality and justice, we must rededicate ourselves to honoring their vision by fighting for equality and justice in our own communities.”
Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee. She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.
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