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

IV 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 subse- quently 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 Feb- ruary 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 includ- ing the esteemed former President Barack Obama, Rev- VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:44 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR128.IH HR128 pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 128 IH erend 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 inclu- sion 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-Amer- ican community; Whereas Harlem, specifically, has made immense contribu- tions 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 recog- nize 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 enter- tainment, education and technology, business and policy, and our Nation’s Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) recognizes Black History Month and the 2 contributions of Harlem to American history and 3 culture; and 4 (2) recognizes the fact that there is much more 5 improvement that is yet to be made, and our efforts 6 must continue to ensure equal representation and di- 7 versity within our Nation’s workforce, to address the 8 VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:44 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR128.IH HR128 pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 128 IH significant racial disparities within the criminal jus- 1 tice system, to tackle the absence of equitable re- 2 sources for health care and treatment, and to create 3 educational opportunities that lead to achievement 4 for minority youth, and while we have made signifi- 5 cant progress as a Nation, much work remains in 6 our efforts to ensure full representation, equality, 7 and fairness for all individuals regardless of race. 8 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:44 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR128.IH HR128 pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS