Washington, DC - Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 83, a resolution recognizing the significance of Black History Month.  Celebrated in February, Black History Month followed the creation of Negro History Week, a week honoring the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass.  Due to the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, the month of February was set aside to recognize the achievements and heritage of black Americans. 

Congressman Dingell made the following remarks on the resolution:

Madam Speaker: I rise today as a strong supporter and cosponsor of H.Res. 83.  73 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson strove to highlight the significant contributions of African-Americans to United States of America.  Throughout this nation’s history, African-Americans have played an enormous role in shaping our political, cultural, and intellectual identity.  I am especially proud to recognize this year’s Black History Month under the leadership of our first African-American President, Barack Obama.

Last week, as I celebrated becoming the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, I was able to reflect on the highlights of my tenure.  One of my proudest moments was voting for the 1957 Civil Rights Act, a vote that almost cost me my seat.  I later had the similar honor of voting the 1964 and 1965 Civil Rights Acts.  Today, with the passage of this resolution, we recognize great civil rights pioneers like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Representative John Lewis, and Jesse Jackson. 

Madam Speaker, I again rise to support this important month for America and the many contributions of African-Americans throughout U.S. history, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting “yes” on H.Res. 83.