Black History Is American History

Yvette D. Clarke in The Huffington Post:

During this month we honor great pioneers like Crispus Attucks, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, Thurgood Marshall and Adam Clayton Powell, who now watch over us like guardian angels. We pay homage to our civil rights leaders like Congressmen John Conyers, John Lewis, Bobby Rush and Charles Rangel, who continue the good fight for justice here in Congress. We celebrate our living legends and history makers like Congressman James Clyburn, Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, Colin Powell, Venus and Serena Williams, and Judith Jamison. Lastly, we pray for our first black President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as the many brilliant people of color in the Administration that have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of all Americans.

It is also important that we recognize our unsung heroes, like Harvey Lawrence of the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center, who works everyday to provide comprehensive health services to some of the poorest of my constituents. Community leaders across this country provide life changing services to the most vulnerable among us; and make a lasting impact on our society without national recognition. We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness. I encourage all Americans to take time during this month, and throughout the year, to reflect upon the many contributions African Americans have made to the building of our nation.

More here.