President Joe Biden (D) has issued a proclamation on National Black History Month to kick off the month of February. This coincides with a number of lawmakers that have begun to celebrate the month, citing important figures that have contributed to changes in society.
In the proclamation, the President asserts the importance of Black History Month, expressing that February “serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America – our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations.”
“Shining a light on Black history today is as important to understanding ourselves and growing stronger as a Nation as it has ever been,” the President added, noting that “it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today.
On Twitter, Florida state Senator Annette Taddeo (D) championed the Greensboro 4 for standing “tall in defiance of Jim Crow laws.”
62 years ago today the Greensboro 4 sat tall in defiance of Jim Crow Laws. Unfortunately, their fight then is still our fight now. This Black History Month and every day that follows it we must commit ourselves to that same fight for a more equal and just world. pic.twitter.com/FDxAquGmeW
— Annette Taddeo (She/Her/Ella) (@Annette_Taddeo) February 1, 2022
Florida Rep. Val Demings (D) praised trailblazer Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler for being "the first Black woman to earn a degree as a medical doctor."
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first Black woman in America to earn a degree as a medical doctor. Hospitals and pharmacies shunned her, but she persevered, bringing critical medical knowledge to poor communities. Here's her story. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/I5C67lH7qM
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) February 1, 2022
However, both Taddeo and Demings argue that work is yet to be done to ensure "a more equal and just world," which the President discusses in his proclamation by outlining the work his administration will pursue.
"To fulfill America’s promise for all, we will work tirelessly in the year ahead to deliver on my Build Back Better agenda, bringing down the costs that families face on child care, housing, education, health care, prescription drugs, and so much more," the President said, adding that he is equally committed to combatting the current COVID-19 pandemic."
