Congressional Black Caucus: Voter Protection

Floor Speech

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Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the significance of February as Black History Month. Black History Month was first observed in 1976, and has become a successful effort to bring a greater understanding of African American history to all people in the U.S. Since the first observance of Black History Month, this country has seen increased recognition of the numerous contributions and sacrifices that African Americans have made throughout the United States.

From the pioneering inventions of Garrett A. Morgan, to the famous writings of Maya Angelou, African Americans have been responsible for many of the successes and innovations that have defined our Nation. Since Black History Month was first conceived, we recognized these ground-breaking accomplishments and celebrated them together as a country.

However, every great triumph is not without tribulation. Much of what Black History Month is about is the recognition of the suffering that African Americans have had to endure. After slavery was abolished, Black Americans still faced racial intolerance and inequality. We need only to look to history to reflect on a period when African Americans were denied the right to vote.

Even with passage of the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, many still chose to circumvent the law and disenfranchise voters. From literacy tests to poll taxes, these tactics were designed to keep U.S. citizens from exercising their right to vote, and to have a voice in a diverse democratic system. It was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was ultimately enacted that these menacing policies were outlawed.

Mr. Speaker, Black History Month goes further than just the recognition of African Americans and their distinct role in shaping U.S. history. Black History Month is very much about our struggle as a Nation to uphold our democratic principles of fairness and equality for all. The struggle and triumph that is honored during this important time has come to benefit every American--regardless of their gender, race, or creed--by furthering a culture of equality, fairness, and justice. These important lessons from our past are ones that we must never forget as we move triumphantly into the future.

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