Post by bot on Jan 31, 2014 17:05:51 GMT -5
Hoyer Statement on Black History Month
WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today to commemorate Black History Month, which begins tomorrow, February 1:
“I join in celebrating Black History Month, which begins tomorrow. It is both an opportunity to honor the important contributions made to our great country by African Americans and a chance to rededicate ourselves to the work of making our nation more just and more equal.
“While we take time to remember the hardships and celebrate the triumphs of the African American community throughout its long and proud history, we ought to take stock of the inequalities that continue to challenge us as a nation. When the poverty line continues to trace the color lines in our cities, when members of minority groups still have difficulty exercising their right to vote, and when fear and mistrust still divide communities and neighbors, our work is not done. It is up to us, in our generation, to continue perfecting our union.
“We can carry that work forward today by protecting the hard won victory of voting rights by passing the bipartisan Voting Rights Amendments Act, which I am proud to cosponsor with Rep. John Lewis and others. We can make progress toward equality by increasing access to opportunity and upward economic mobility – and this begins with restoring emergency unemployment insurance and passing the Fair Minimum Wage Act. And we can lay the foundation for a stronger future by making sure every child in America has access to a world-class education that leads to a good job.
“House Democrats will continue to press this agenda in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to make certain that the lessons of Black History Month continue to inspire our efforts on behalf of the American people.”
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