DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Black Caucus Chair Virgie M. Rollins released the following statement on Black History Month:

“As Black History Month begins, we take the time to reflect and commend the contributions of Black Americans to our nation. From Ida B. Wells to Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks and so many more, we celebrate their legacies, their sacrifice, and their perseverance. 

“This month, we celebrate historic milestones, like electing Wes Moore as the first Black governor of Maryland, Summer Lee as the first Black congresswoman from Pennsylvania, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress. Democratic Leader Jeffries quoted the late Rep. John Lewis on the House floor at the beginning of the 118th Congress, and we are reminded of his and other civil rights leaders’ courage this month in the face of bigotry, hate, and systemic racism. 

“We also celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris, and the leadership of President Biden who has focused on delivering for Black communities and elevated Black voices, including by passing historic legislation that includes billions in funding to save our HBCUs and appointing 11 Black women to sit on appeals courts across the country, more than any other president in history. 

“This month means a lot more than the triumph, victory, and the milestones we reach.  We must recommit ourselves to combating injustice at its source, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table, and standing up for what is right. As Democrats, we remain committed to uplifting Black voices and promoting equality, justice, and economic opportunity for all.”