Hank Johnson: “It is with great pleasure that I rise today in strong support of this resolution recognizing the importance of Black…”

“It is with great pleasure that I rise today in strong support of this resolution recognizing the importance of Black History Month. Each February we come together to commemorate the trials, tribulations, achievements and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. I applaud the actions of Representative Al Green from Texas for bringing this resolution forward. Recognizing the importance of African-American heritage, Carter G. Woodson, Harvard University's second African-American graduate, in conjunction with Omega Psi Phi fraternity, created Negro History and Literature Week to honor the births of Fredrick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Although the name was eventually changed to Negro History Week in 1926, Americans trace the origins of the month long celebration of African-American history to Woodson's efforts. Highlighting the historical contributions of numerous African-American luminaries including Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, and Booker T. Washington, Black History Month celebrates the unique individuals and events that have shaped the African-American diaspora for centuries.”