Rep. Lee Introduces Legislation Marking the International Day for People of African Descent
Press Release
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today introduced a resolution marking the International Day for People of African Descent, celebrated for the first time on August 31, 2021.
"This resolution honoring the first International Day for People of African Descent is truly historic and reflects our shared values that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "Our goal is to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora to society and highlight the ongoing fight for racial equity.
"As we recover from a global pandemic that has once again shown us the painful legacy of systemic racism and discrimination experienced by people of African descent, this work is especially critical. This resolution reaffirms our support for the U.S. and others to implement policies to address the history of the transatlantic slave trade, white supremacy and institutional racism."
Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council released a historic report on systemic racism and police violence. It subsequently passed a resolution informally known as the "George Floyd" resolution, which provides for an independent expert panel to investigate and combat systemic racism worldwide, especially in the context of law enforcement.
In addition, the United Nations General Assembly passed by consensus a resolution to establish the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. This Forum will seek to advance the full political, economic, and social inclusion of people of African descent in the societies in which they live.
For the full text of the resolution, click here.
To find Secretary of State Blinken's statement of support, click here.
Co-Sponsors: Reps. Donald Payne Jr., Hank Johnson, Andre Carson, Eleanor Holmes-Norton, Dwight Evans, Frederica Wilson, Nikema Williams, Danny K. Davis, Gwen Moore, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Karen Bass, Bobby Rush, David Scott.
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