Cohen Statement Commemorating Black History Month

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement to commemorate Black History Month, which is observed each February and begins tomorrow:

“The story of America has been written with ink from the wells of countless extraordinary Americans who have impacted our nation’s history and furthered our progress. Fifty years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shared his dream for a better world, special attention is owed to the social, cultural, scientific, and political contributions made by African Americans to our country.

We recognize, as we should, the many great heroes and leaders like publishing mogul and Ebony founder John H. Johnson, Secretary of State Colin Powell, NASA astronaut Guion Bluford, Jr. and the inimitable Oprah Winfrey for their courage and work to expand opportunity to more Americans.

While we have made great strides over the years, our work towards a more just and fair society is not finished. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us recommit to Dr. King’s dream, to the ideals that all are created equal, that each of us deserves justice and respect, and that everyone who works hard and plays by the rules should have a chance to get ahead.”