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

“This month and every month, we celebrate Black history and resilience, along with the countless Black changemakers who have made immeasurable contributions to our nation. We know American history is Black history, with the legacies of pioneers such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ida B. Wells, and Carol Moseley Braun laying the path for leaders like former President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. While we know these leaders’ ascensions are proof of the historic strides toward equality that we continue to make, we know that we have so much more to do.

“For generations, Black leaders have fought and sacrificed in the pursuit of justice, urging America to live up to the ideals and promises of equality found in our Constitution. This work persists today, in the face of extremists who want to stifle our progress. We continue to call out the pervasive legacy of enslavement and Jim Crow on wealth inequality, housing segregation, and climate injustice, while uplifting activists and grassroots movements working tirelessly to address these disparities. 

“While we celebrate our history – we continue to make history. Black voters are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and we are so proud to kick off Black History Month by elevating their voices as South Carolinians prepare for their first  in the nation presidential primary. Under the Biden-Harris administration, these history-making accomplishments are myriad – the first Black woman vice president, the first Black woman justice to the Supreme Court, reducing Black childhood poverty to record lows, and so much more. We know this work is just beginning.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris recognize the role of Black history in advancing racial justice and equality for all in this country, and the Democratic Party is proud to partner with advocates, activists, and leaders across the country in our shared mission to make America more free, more just, and more equitable for all.”