Recognizing Black History Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. LYNCH. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Resolution 1046 for consideration. This legislation recognizes the significance of Black History Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February.

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Al Green of Texas, on January 27, 2010, House Resolution 1046 enjoys the support of over 60 Members of Congress. Notably, today's floor consideration of the bill offers Members of this body an additional opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable and diverse contributions that African Americans have made to our Nation's history and culture.

Madam Speaker, as we all know, the month of February marks our annual commemoration of Black History Month. Originally celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a renowned African American author and scholar, our annual tribute to the leading role of African Americans in our Nation's history has since grown to a month-long commemorative celebration.

Whether we recall the story of Crispus Attucks, an African American from my home State of Massachusetts who became the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War, or the works of such compelling individuals as Harriet Tubman, Dr. King, Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker, and General Colin Powell, we all understand that the contributions of African Americans are intricately woven into our identity as a people and as a Nation.

Similarly, we need not look further than the thousands of brave military service men and women who have served and who are continuing to serve our Nation with honor and distinction at home and abroad, or the distinguished members of our own Congressional Black Caucus, or of course our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, to witness the diverse and significant influence of African Americans on American society.

Madam Speaker, it is also important to note that it is not just our African American pioneers or leaders that have made such a difference. Importantly, it is the everyday citizen that is serving as a teacher, a mentor, a pastor, a doctor, a first responder, a public servant, or a parent who continues to impact our Nation's history in an equally powerful and positive way.

Across our Nation, Black History Month is marked by a variety of educational and cultural programs, as well as special celebrations and events designed to share the strength, ingenuity, and accomplishment of our fellow citizens with the world.

Madam Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month in 2010, let us all recall the experience and valuable contributions of African Americans to the United States of America. Moreover, let us not forget that black history is, in truth, American history.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 1046.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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