Senator Clinton Cosponsors Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating Black History Month
Resolution Calls On All Americans to Celebrate African American Heritage
In celebration of Black History Month, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that the Senate had passed, by unanimous consent, a bi-partisan resolution that she co-sponsored, celebrating African American heritage and urging all Americans to get involved in Black History Month activities. The resolution (S.RES.380), which recognizes the past injustices that African Americans have faced and honors the significant contributions that they have made to the economic, educational, political, artistic, literary, scientific, and technological advancements of the United States, was unanimously approved by the Senate late last week.
"As we celebrate Black History Month and mourn the passing of Coretta Scott King, a founding partner of the Civil Rights Movement, we are reminded of the need to continue the fight for equality and justice for all Americans," Senator Clinton said. "Black History Month is about recognizing and honoring the history and culture of African Americans and celebrating the enormous contributions, and tremendous sacrifices of African Americans in our nation's history."
"I am pleased that the Senate approved this resolution so that together we can pay tribute to African American history and honor the achievements of African Americans who are making history today," Senator Clinton said.
The resolution honors U.S. citizens who have risked their lives in the Underground Railroad and in other efforts to assist fugitive slaves and other African Americans. The resolution also reaffirms its commitment to the founding principles of the United States and commits itself to addressing those situations in which the African American community struggles with disparities in education, health care, and other areas. The resolution also notes and honors the contributions of many influential African Americans, such as Booker T. Washington, Duke Ellington, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Sojourner Truth and calls on all citizens to observe Black History Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Earlier this month, Senator Clinton helped introduce a bill along with Senator Schumer to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Judge Constance Baker Motley, the renowned civil rights lawyer and public servant. Constance Baker Motley was the first African-American woman and the fifth woman to serve on the federal judiciary - she was also the only woman on the legal team that won the landmark desegregation case, Brown v. Board of Education.
http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=251780&&