Rep. Sánchez Votes to Recognize Significance of Black History Month
February 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-39) voted today for a House Resolution recognizing the significance of Black History Month. The House passed the resolution unanimously. The Congresswoman released the following statement following the passage of the resolution:
“All Americans should know not only the contributions of civil rights heroes like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks who were champions in the cause of equal rights, but also great scientists, authors and inventors like Benjamin Banneker, Maya Angelou, and Garrett Morgan. All Americans should know the history of how blacks were brought to Jamestown and how a black man, Crispus Attucks, was one of the first Americans killed in the revolution at the Boston Massacre.
“Our vote, as we prepare to hear President Barack Obama’s first address to Congress, is a reminder that we are living history today and that we should honor the trailblazers who paved our way. We would not be where we are today without the integral contributions of African Americans not only in political life, but across all fields.
“With this vote, we honor organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which this year celebrates its centennial. Countless Americans have fought in civil courtrooms, and in the court of public opinion, for the right to be treated fairly. We salute and honor their efforts.
“Even as we celebrate Black History Month, we know that the cause of equal rights is not finished. As we move forward, we should rededicate ourselves to shaping a world which recognizes our fundamental equality and honors all our contributions.”
“All Americans should know not only the contributions of civil rights heroes like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks who were champions in the cause of equal rights, but also great scientists, authors and inventors like Benjamin Banneker, Maya Angelou, and Garrett Morgan. All Americans should know the history of how blacks were brought to Jamestown and how a black man, Crispus Attucks, was one of the first Americans killed in the revolution at the Boston Massacre.
“Our vote, as we prepare to hear President Barack Obama’s first address to Congress, is a reminder that we are living history today and that we should honor the trailblazers who paved our way. We would not be where we are today without the integral contributions of African Americans not only in political life, but across all fields.
“With this vote, we honor organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which this year celebrates its centennial. Countless Americans have fought in civil courtrooms, and in the court of public opinion, for the right to be treated fairly. We salute and honor their efforts.
“Even as we celebrate Black History Month, we know that the cause of equal rights is not finished. As we move forward, we should rededicate ourselves to shaping a world which recognizes our fundamental equality and honors all our contributions.”