FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2010
Contact: Dan Weber
(202) 225-8699
Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards’ Statement to Commence National Observance of Black History Month
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) released the following statement to commence the national observance of February as Black History Month.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on and pay tribute to the wonderful contributions of African Americans past and present. As we pause to commemorate this special time of year and recognize the 145th anniversary of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we celebrate the incredible heritage of the African American community.
“The centennial of the National Urban League is one of this year’s highlights. For a hundred years, this organization has campaigned to break barriers to black employment and uphold their mission statement of helping African Americans ‘secure economic self reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.’
“This year’s theme for Black History Month, ‘The History of Black Economic Empowerment’, could not be more relevant. It is a chance to celebrate the individuals and organizations that drove a century of black economic empowerment with unprecedented numbers of small business owners and professionals. In Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, there are as many as 2,600 African American-owned businesses and 790 women-owned businesses. While these numbers are encouraging, they are also a reminder that we must think constructively on how to grow these numbers and address the current economic hardships plaguing our African American communities.
“High unemployment, foreclosures, limited access to quality, affordable healthcare, and educational disparities all threaten to jeopardize the potential of this and future generations. That is why I will continue to focus on comprehensive solutions to our shared challenges that cross racial, ethnic, and geographical lines. The leaders we honor this month deserve our same level of commitment to persevere in the face of challenges because we all deserve the right to realize our dreams.”
###
