Louis Stokes: “We gather today to mark the congressional observance of Black History Month. I join Congressman Payne, members of the…”

“We gather today to mark the congressional observance of Black History Month. I join Congressman Payne, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we acknowledge the contribution of African-American men and women to the building and shaping of this great Nation. African-American have a rich and magnificent history. It is a history which is inextricably woven into the economic, social, and political fabric of this Nation. In 1926, the late Dr. Carter G. Woodson understood that African-Americans were not receiving proper recognition in history for their contributions. Therefore, he proposed setting aside 1 week during the month of February to commemorate the achievements of African-Americans. In 1976, the observance was changed to Black History Month. The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, which Dr. Woodson founded, has selected the theme, ``African American Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,'' for the 1996 observance of Black History Month.”