Bill Summary
This resolution acknowledges and celebrates Black History Month, which takes place in February and recognizes the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture. It highlights the importance of reflecting on historic figures and their achievements, as well as the ongoing contributions of modern civil rights leaders and icons. The resolution specifically recognizes the neighborhood of Harlem in New York for its rich culture and diverse heritage, and acknowledges the significant contributions of individuals such as Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Duke Ellington. It also acknowledges the need for continued efforts to address racial disparities in various areas such as workforce representation, the criminal justice system, healthcare, and education.
Possible Impacts
1. The recognition and celebration of Black History Month may increase awareness and appreciation for the contributions of African-Americans to American history and culture.
2. The mention of specific figures and their accomplishments may inspire individuals and communities to continue working towards equal representation and diversity.
3. The call to address racial disparities and create educational opportunities for minority youth highlights the ongoing issues of systemic racism and the need for continued efforts towards equality and fairness for all individuals.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 128 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 128
Recognizing Black History Month and the contributions of Harlem to
American history and culture.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 13, 2019
Mr. Espaillat submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees
on the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing Black History Month and the contributions of Harlem to
American history and culture.
Whereas the celebration of Black History Month every February is an integral way
to recognize and appreciate the multitude of progress that has been made
in the African-American community;
Whereas during Black History Month, we reflect upon the works and teachings of
historic figures such as Harriet Tubman, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown,
James Baldwin, Madam C.J. Walker, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, and Langston
Hughes, to the modern day contributions of civil rights leaders and
icons of the 21st century including the esteemed former President Barack
Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Ava DuVernay, Oprah
Winfrey, and many others;
Whereas Black History Month is celebrated in communities around the Nation and
especially throughout New York's 13th Congressional District with its
rich culture of inclusion and diverse heritage, and particularly in
Harlem neighborhood, which is recognized around the Nation and the world
for its historic landmarks and legacy of social revolution and artistic
expression of the African-American community;
Whereas Harlem, specifically, has made immense contributions to America's
culture and historical foundations due to individuals such as Langston
Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, Duke Ellington, Romare Bearden, Zora Neale
Hurston, and many more key figures; and
Whereas Black History Month gives us a platform to recognize the numerous parts
of our country that would not be present today without the contributions
of the African-American people in the areas of music, arts and
entertainment, education and technology, business and policy, and our
Nation's Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes Black History Month and the contributions of
Harlem to American history and culture; and
(2) recognizes the fact that there is much more improvement
that is yet to be made, and our efforts must continue to ensure
equal representation and diversity within our Nation's
workforce, to address the significant racial disparities within
the criminal justice system, to tackle the absence of equitable
resources for health care and treatment, and to create
educational opportunities that lead to achievement for minority
youth, and while we have made significant progress as a Nation,
much work remains in our efforts to ensure full representation,
equality, and fairness for all individuals regardless of race.
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