Washington, DC — Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement upon the conclusion of Black History Month.

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the rich and resilient history of African-Americans in our country. Today, more than ever, in the face of book bans and curriculum challenges, it is imperative that we celebrate the legacies of the giants upon whose shoulders we stand and recommit to liberty and justice for all.

I began the month by convening members of the Divine Nine leadership to discuss the efforts of Black Greek Letter Organizations to uplift traditionally underrepresented communities throughout the country. Then, I joined Rep. Joyce Beatty and members of the Congressional Black Caucus to celebrate the U.S. Mint’s creation of a Harriet Tubman commemorative coin.

In a pair of visits to the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, I attended a vibrant event with Rep. Sanford Bishop to honor local changemakers at the Annual Black History Month Observance Breakfast in Columbus, Georgia. Subsequently, I traveled to meet Rep. Terri Sewell in Birmingham, Alabama for an engaging chat with the students at Miles College, one of our nation’s HBCUs. 

Back in Washington, D.C., I joined my brother, esteemed historian Dr. Hasan Jeffries at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s Black History Month luncheon for a discussion about the role of Black art, music and culture in the American journey. Finally, I brought together a distinguished group of Black journalists for a conversation on the state of our union and the important role of a free and fair press in a democratic society.

It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate Black history, but our work cannot stop in February. Every month is Black History Month, because Black history is American history.

###