In observance of the start of Black History Month, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie M. Rollins released the following joint statement: 

“During Black History Month, we celebrate the legacies of Black history makers and their immeasurable contributions to our country. Black history is American history, with centuries worth of sacrifice, resilience, and courage ingrained in the foundation of this nation. In the face of bigotry, racism, and injustice, our ancestors paved a path forward – brick by brick – because they believed in a more fair, equitable, and just America. While we celebrate the historic strides of Black pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Ida B. Wells, Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass, there’s so much more we can achieve. 

“As we celebrate our history, we also recognize President Biden and Vice President Harris, who stood firm in their commitment to advancing Black communities. The Biden-Harris administration’s historic accomplishments saw Black unemployment and poverty rates at a record low, historic investments in HBCUs, and the most diverse federal bench in history – including the first-ever Black woman elected to the Supreme Court.    

“While we have certainly achieved a lot, we can’t ignore this Black History Month comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump and extreme Republicans’ efforts to stifle our progress and undo the victories of Black Americans. MAGA Republicans are pushing a backward agenda that will widen racial disparities, hurt Black Americans’ pocketbooks, and gut lifeline support programs that significantly help Black Americans, all while chipping away at our constitutional rights and freedoms. 

“The Democratic Party recognizes that Black Americans are the backbone of the party and must continue to lead the charge against extremists who threaten to derail our progress. In the face of injustice, Democrats will always stand for what’s right. Now more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to advancing equity, equality, and justice for all – and that starts by electing Democrats up and down the ballot who will uplift Black voices, create economic opportunities, invest in our communities, and propel Black Americans forward.”