CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement in recognition of Black History Month, which is celebrated during the month of February to recognize contributions that African-Americans have made to American culture and society:

"‘The Father of Black History,' Carter G. Woodson, was a distinguished historian and author who dedicated his life to preserving and promulgating the social, cultural, and factual records of African-American achievement. He is also the founder of Negro History Week, the precursor to what is now Black History Month.

"Since its official designation in 1976, Black History Month has been reserved as a time to honor the momentous accomplishments, courageous strides, and lasting impacts that African-Americans have had on America's history. Prominent figures such as Dr. George Washington Carver and Dr. Maya Angelou as well as Georgians like, Ray Charles; John Wesley Dobbs; Andrew Bryan; Lucy Craft Laney; Jackie Robinson; Hank Aaron; Fletcher Henderson; and Alice Walker were all leaders and heroes, who helped blaze a trail to equality for generations of African-Americans.

"As the distinguished novelist, playwright, and poet, James Baldwin, once eloquently said, ‘Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.' As we enter Black History Month, it is my wish that Americans reflect on the rich contributions and the struggles that African-Americans endured so that we can all commit ourselves to striving towards an inclusive society. Because when we understand each other's past, there will be no limitations to where we will go together.