Rangel Statement On Black History Month

Statement

Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement commemorating Black History Month:

"In February, our nation commemorates the significant milestones in Black History as we pay homage to the individuals who shaped America's history. I am proud that many of the great Black leaders and movements in our history came from Harlem. As the epicenter of the Black cultural movement of the 1920s known as the Harlem Renaissance, the historic neighborhood was home to luminaries such as James Baldwin, Madame C.J. Walker, and Duke Ellington. Recently, many great political leaders have called Harlem home, including David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and Percy Sutton. Our congressional district continues to be a bastion of Black social, political, and artistic development.

I am fortunate to have many excellent organizations in the District that promote Black culture, history, and advancement. Our rich heritage is preserved through the efforts of The Link's Incorporated, 100 Black Men of New York, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Harlem Mothers SAVE, New York Urban League, NAACP New York State Conference, NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch, Jazzmobile, Inc., Masjid Malcolm Shabazz Mosque, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, United Clergy Caucus, Mobilizing Preachers and Community (MPAC), Clergy With a Purpose and Community, United Baptist Missionary Association, Baptist Ministers' Conference of New York & Vicinity, Faison Firehouse Theatre, New Heritage Theater Group, Impact Reparatory Theatre, Manna House, The Falu Foundation, The Caribbean Cultural Center, The Pan-Hellenic Council of New York, The Mama Foundation, and Gospel for Teens, the Schomburg Center for Black Culture and Research, and the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.

Throughout Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions of Blacks in every facet of our society: Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics redefined sports and helped propel the civil rights movement; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Rep. Shirley Chisholm left an indelible mark in government; Louis Armstrong and Langston Hughes influenced generations of musicians and poets. And civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and my dear friend Rep. John Lewis forever changed the course of our nation.

As we mark the 50th Anniversary of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, we pay tribute to our leaders who fought tirelessly for our rights and the artists who communicated the feelings of generations of Black Americans. Today, the rallying call of Black Lives Matter has regenerated a new movement of young social activists such as The Justice League NYC as the struggle continues to raise awareness for justice and equality throughout urban America. Let us honor the memory of the great men and women who paved the path of Black culture and achievement and commit to preserving our history by striving to build on their legacy."

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