[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 128 Introduced in House (IH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 128

  Recognizing Black History Month and the contributions of Harlem to 
                     American history and culture.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 13, 2019

Mr. Espaillat submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees 
     on the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
  of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
                               concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing Black History Month and the contributions of Harlem to 
                     American history and culture.

Whereas the celebration of Black History Month every February is an integral way 
        to recognize and appreciate the multitude of progress that has been made 
        in the African-American community;
Whereas during Black History Month, we reflect upon the works and teachings of 
        historic figures such as Harriet Tubman, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, 
        James Baldwin, Madam C.J. Walker, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, and Langston 
        Hughes, to the modern day contributions of civil rights leaders and 
        icons of the 21st century including the esteemed former President Barack 
        Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Ava DuVernay, Oprah 
        Winfrey, and many others;
Whereas Black History Month is celebrated in communities around the Nation and 
        especially throughout New York's 13th Congressional District with its 
        rich culture of inclusion and diverse heritage, and particularly in 
        Harlem neighborhood, which is recognized around the Nation and the world 
        for its historic landmarks and legacy of social revolution and artistic 
        expression of the African-American community;
Whereas Harlem, specifically, has made immense contributions to America's 
        culture and historical foundations due to individuals such as Langston 
        Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, Duke Ellington, Romare Bearden, Zora Neale 
        Hurston, and many more key figures; and
Whereas Black History Month gives us a platform to recognize the numerous parts 
        of our country that would not be present today without the contributions 
        of the African-American people in the areas of music, arts and 
        entertainment, education and technology, business and policy, and our 
        Nation's Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes Black History Month and the contributions of 
        Harlem to American history and culture; and
            (2) recognizes the fact that there is much more improvement 
        that is yet to be made, and our efforts must continue to ensure 
        equal representation and diversity within our Nation's 
        workforce, to address the significant racial disparities within 
        the criminal justice system, to tackle the absence of equitable 
        resources for health care and treatment, and to create 
        educational opportunities that lead to achievement for minority 
        youth, and while we have made significant progress as a Nation, 
        much work remains in our efforts to ensure full representation, 
        equality, and fairness for all individuals regardless of race.
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