[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST 2020 GRADES 9 THROUGH 12

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2020

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize exemplary middle and high school students from Virginia's 
Fourth Congressional District who were selected as winners of the Black 
History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. I am inspired 
by the words of these students, and I encourage young people across our 
country to reflect on what this month means to them personally.
  Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has 
been a time to honor and recognize the remarkable achievements of the 
African-American community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing these distinguished students and their 
accomplishments in celebration of Black History Month.
  I include in the Record JyMir Starks' winning essay:

                           (By JyMir Starks)

  Black History Month was an extension upon Negro History Week, which 
was created in 1926 by notable historian, Carter G. Woodson; President 
Gerald Ford recognized February as the designated month for the 
celebration of Black people in 1976. Nearly six years shy of the 
centennial anniversary of Black History Week and the semi-centennial 
anniversary of Black History Month, the goals of both Carter G. Woodson 
and Gerald Ford have been accomplished to an extent. I say all this 
because for twenty-eight or twenty-nine days out of the year there is a 
new depth added to the Black experience within America.
  There is a common misconception among many that Black History Month 
is in February because it is the shortest month. When I was younger, I 
was one of the many. This led me to do my own research when I saw 
someone make this claim, and I found the true history of the month. 
This month was chosen to honor Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, 
more commonly known as Frederick Douglass, and President Abraham 
Lincoln. This began my delve into the rich history and culture of Black 
Americans; my ignorance had developed into an insatiable thirst for the 
knowledge of my people. Understanding, analyzing, and researching Black 
history is not something that I do for the second month of the year, 
only to wait another eleven months before I repeat the cycle. It is the 
month of February that is used to spread what I have learned throughout 
my life in order to instill a sense of pride and admiration within my 
fellow Black Americans. The last few Februaries I have shared whatever 
trinket of knowledge that I've collected over the course of the year, 
with a fact regarding a certain historical figure or event pertaining 
to Black or African history for each day of the month. This year I've 
taken to sharing and learning with my potential classmates, who will be 
attending Howard University, in the upcoming fall of 2020. This has 
been beneficial because the ideals of community are placed on full 
display by this continuous exchange of information because each fact is 
more gratifying than the last.
  Along with the sense of community that is established through the 
exchange of information and knowledge, there is the joy that comes from 
Black enterprise. Social media has made connecting with others the 
easiest it has ever been in human history. This allows for Black-owned 
businesses to reach consumers across the globe. Black entrepreneurs and 
other enterprising individuals have used platforms like Twitter to 
expand their brands and network with other businessmen and women. In 
February there is an explosion of Black enterprise with a myriad of 
products being placed on sale. This further strengthens the idea of 
community because investing in the business of another Black American 
allows for one to help aid in the quest to establish Black wealth or at 
least financial security. This also sparks immense joy because 
supporting Black-owned businesses fills me with a deep sense of pride. 
I enjoy Black History Month because it has been the setting that has 
taught me about the history of Black enterprise; I enjoy Black History 
Month in the twenty-first century because I am able to participate in 
Black enterprise efficiently and effectively.
  Black History Month also opens up the doors of Hampton Roads. Hampton 
Roads is a region with many historical Black locations from Hampton 
down to Suffolk. Luckily for me, I am able to visit these cities and 
attend the events that they are planning to host. I love the ability to 
share a laugh and create a memory with my family as we adventure out 
into Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News, or Chesapeake. 
There is never a shortage of things to do to honor, celebrate, 
recognize, or appreciate one's heritage during February, and for that I 
am truly grateful because it is vital that Black people of all ages and 
walks of life are able to love themselves and love others.
  The main joy that comes to me during Black History Month is the 
feeling of community that accompanies the month. I am truly able to be 
around friends and family and enjoy their presence. During the month of 
February, Black people are energized, and their communities give them 
the chance to appreciate their backgrounds. This month is more than a 
few names from a history textbook, but is essential to reaffirming the 
idea that Blackness is not only acceptable, but also Beautiful.