Pelosi Statement on Black History Month
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of Black History Month:
"Every Black History Month, America celebrates the resilient leadership, determined advocacy and unrelenting courage that the Black community has brought to our history and democracy. As we remember with open eyes the injustices of the past, we also recognize the inequities of the present: from the scourges of systemic racism and police violence to the plights of economic inequality and health disparity, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. We once again declare that Black Lives Matter while carrying on our fight to make real the promise of this creed.
"This month, Americans pay tribute to the heroes of history who have paved the path for progress: trailblazers like Congressman Joseph Rainey and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, who fought for and won their rightful seats at the decision-making table, and giants like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman John Lewis, who put their very lives on the line in the fight for civil rights. Thanks to the sacrifice of these leaders and the fearlessness of countless more men and women, today our nation proudly sees historic Black representation at the highest levels of our government, from a record number of Black Members legislating in the Congress to Vice President Kamala Harris leading in the Administration to President Biden's decision to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court. As our nation continues striving toward America's unmet founding promise of liberty and justice for all, we are energized in this fight by the courageous activism of the next generation, engaging in our democracy and demanding racial justice.
"Guided by the tireless leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus, House Democrats are leading the charge on Capitol Hill to build a more inclusive democracy and advance the cause of justice for every American. As Republicans nationwide orchestrate a sinister campaign of voter suppression, Democrats are working to protect and expand the sacred right to vote, including with our Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. Since the murder of George Floyd, Democrats have fought to save lives with our George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and we will not rest until we achieve meaningful criminal justice reform. With the American Rescue Plan, we delivered urgently-needed relief to communities most in need, especially communities of color and Black-owned businesses that have suffered disproportionately throughout the pandemic. As we continue lifting our nation from this crisis, we are also fighting to build a more just economy, creating good-paying jobs and delivering long-overdue investments for every family – especially in long underserved communities – through the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the enactment of the Build Back Better Act.
"As we march forward in building a stronger, fairer future for our children and grandchildren, may this month serve as a reminder of the hard-fought progress of our past and of the urgent tasks that lie ahead."