[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 1, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Black History 
Month. This month, we celebrate the tremendous contributions of African 
Americans to the growth of our Nation.
  Just one example of that contribution is the beautiful edifice that 
we are in today. It was built by people who were uncompensated for 
their work, but it is a beautiful testament in our Nation's example.
  Black History Month started as Negro History Week in February of 
1926. That week was chosen because it included the birthdays of 
President Lincoln and famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
  In 1976, they expanded it and created Black History Month.
  Today, African Americans make a difference in every aspect of 
American life and highlight the fact that the African-American story is 
the greatest success story in our Nation's history.

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