Steve Lynch: “This legislation recognizes the significance of Black History Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of…”

“This legislation recognizes the significance of Black History Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February. Notably, today's floor consideration of the bill offers Members of this body an additional opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable and diverse contributions that African Americans have made to our Nation's history and culture. Originally celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, our annual tribute to the leading role of African Americans in our Nation's history has since grown to a month-long commemorative celebration. Whether we recall the story of Crispus Attucks, an African American from my home State of Massachusetts who became the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War, or the works of such compelling individuals as Harriet Tubman, Dr. King, Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker, and General Colin Powell, we all understand that the contributions of African Americans are intricately woven into our identity as a people and as a Nation.”