Political Quotes

“I rise today in recognition of Black History Month. Black History Month provides an opportunity for our Nation collectively to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and legacies of Black Americans. And while we have chosen this month, February, to engage in collective celebration, we must also remember that we benefit from the contributions and legacies of these great Americans every single day. Today, I would like to focus my remarks on our Nation's black entrepreneurs. From Madame C.J. Walker to Baltimore's own Reginald F. Lewis and beyond, Black entrepreneurs have long been vital to the success of the American economy. Unfortunately, throughout history, those who seek to hold back the progress of the Black community view the successes of Black entrepreneurs as a threat. One need only look to the 1921 Tulsa Massacre--a dark incident in our Nation's history that has belatedly entered our collective consciousness. White residents of Tulsa, OK, bombed, burned, and destroyed the Greenwood District. In addition to an untold number of lives lost-- estimates range from dozens to hundreds--the riot destroyed homes, churches, schools, and businesses in the district. At the time, Greenwood was known as ``Black Wall Street'' due to its thriving Black middle class and successful businesses, and its destruction was one of the worst instances of racial violence in our Nation's history.…”