Political Quotes

“I rise today in recognition, honor and celebration of Black History Month. This year's theme is ``Creating and Defining the African-American Community: Family, Church, Politics and Culture.'' We should use the forum this month to educate all Americans that African-American history is American history. African-Americans have played a key role in shaping America by their known and untold contributions to science, art, education, politics, commerce and culture. Dr. Carter G. Woodson is the founder of Black History Week which has expanded to Black History Month. Dr. Woodson, the son of slaves, realized that the rich and detailed history of African-Americans was in danger of fading to obscurity, so he became an impassioned teacher and advocate of African-American history, and created some of the first courses and textbooks devoted to this topic. He also founded what is now known as the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History. A firm believer in the importance of education, he studied at Harvard, the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Chicago. Dr. Woodson was also Dean at Howard University in Washington DC. Black History Month gives Americans an opportunity not only to learn of great African-American leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but also to learn of lesser known African-Americans who have played key roles in molding our great country.”